High-Scoring Hart Rolls Over Saugus

In only the second game of the season, Hart High basketball Coach Greg Herrick didn’t expect to be pulling for his team to score 100 points. But that was about his biggest concern Friday night, as the Indians cruised to a 99-72 nonleague win over Saugus at Hart.

The subdued crowd came to life in the final minute as Hart neared the century scoring mark. Chad Hourigan missed the back end of a one-and-one with 13 seconds remaining, giving Hart 99 points. Saugus turned over the ball on the ensuing inbounds pass, but the Indians returned the favor and had to settle for one shy of 100.

“We started watching the scoreboard a little too much in the second half,” said Herrick, whose team is coming off a 13-11 season. “But I thought our conditioning really kicked in in the fourth period, and we were able to wear them down.”

The Indians spread the scoring around while jumping out to an early lead. Forward Micah Ohlman sank three three-point shots in the first half on his way to a game-high 25 points. Hart (2-0) led, 25-20, after one period and held a 50-33 advantage at halftime.

Herrick substituted freely in the second half and was impressed with the performance of his bench. Forward Chad Fotheringham also hit three three-point shots and finished with 17 points. Guard Andrew Lorraine added 13. Starters Renato Rivas, Marty Downen and Keith Halcovich each scored 11 points.

“This is the best depth I’ve had since I’ve been here,” said Herrick, in his third year. “We expect to do well. It’s nice to have so many guys to call on.”

Jeff Dains, who led Saugus (1-3) in scoring with 17, sank a three-point shot to cut the deficit to 59-51. But that’s as close as the Centurions would get.