By SCOTT NOVAK
Dowagiac Daily News

CASSOPOLIS – The debut of new Cassopolis boys’ basketball coach James Moore was ruined by visiting Hartford Monday night.

The Indians (1-0) defeated the Rangers (0-1) 71-61 in a non-conference contest.

Hartford had nine more field goals(including one more 3-pointer) than Cassopolis, while both teams struggled from the field in their opening game of the season.

Hartford had 31 field goals, including five 3-pointers.

Cassopolis finished with 22 field goals, including four 3-pointers.

The Indians were just 8-of-13 from the line and the Rangers were 7-of-17.

Hartford grabbed a 20-15 lead after eight minutes of play, but the Rangers came storming back in the second quarter to cut the deficit to 32-31 at the intermission.

Cassopolis outscored the Indians 16-12 in the second quarter to erase the five-point Hartford advantage.

But the Rangers couldn’t keep pace in the second half.

The Indians held a 19-16 advantage in scoring in the third quarter to open up a 51-47 lead heading to the fourth.

Hartford poured in 20 points in the final eight minutes compared to just 14 for the Rangers.
Mike Poczik scored a game-high 30 points for the Indians, who placed a trio of players in double figures.

Angelo Burmeister led Cass with 18 points.

Tommy First and Steven Eleazer both had 14 and Stefon Luckey 13 for the Rangers.

HARTFORD 71
Mike Poczik 30, Brandon Chernugel 17, Cameron Collins 10, Shane Sullivan 5, Juan Perez 5, Zach Williams 4. TOTALS: 31 8-13 71
CASSOPOLIS 61
Stefon Luckey 13, Steven Eleazer 14, Tommy First 14, Nate Hartline 2, Angelo Burmeister 18, Oliver Fiala 0, Delshawn Wicker 0. TOTALS: 22 7-17 61

Hartford 20 32 51 71
Cassopolis 15 31 47 61
3-point baskets: Hartford 5 (Poczik 3, Collins 1), Cassopolis 4 (Luckey 3, Eleazer 1). Total fouls: Hartford 13, Cassopolis 15. Fouled out: None. Varsity records: Hartford 1-0, Cassopolis 0-1