The Hopkins boys’ varsity basketball won in its season opener Tuesday night on the home court against Saugatuck 62-34.

The two teams battled evenly, 13-13, in the first quarter before the Vikings took an eight-point lead, 27-19 into intermission. They extended their advantage to 43-26 in the third period.

So Hopkins more than doubled up its opponent, 49-21 in the latter three quarters.

Junior Nick Schultz finished with a game-high 24 points, including four three-point field goals.  Freshman Trent Smith finished with 15, and fellow freshman Merek Zapolnik added 9.  Senior Micah Estelle battled through some foul trouble but managed to finish with 8 points.

Coach Jake Jewett said senior Jayden (JT) Reed played stellar defense all night long, finishing with several steals and assists.

“We rode a strong third quarter to pull away from the Trailblazers,” the coach commented. “I’m proud of the way we executed against their 1-3-1 (zone) defense and played team basketball. We battled through some adversity and definitely got better tonight.”

The Wayland High School varsity also opened its basketball season Tuesday with a 71-28 loss at Coopersville.

The Vikings will be back on their home court at 7 p.m. Friday night against. the Crusaders of Muskegon Catholic Central in another non-league contest.