Hart basketball teams head to CIF

Hart Indians girls’ basketball came up with its biggest win of the year on February 3 2023.  

The Indians beat the visiting Valencia Vikings to win the program’s first Foothill League title in 15 years. Hart will be co-champions with Canyon as the two have emerged as contenders in the CIF Division 2AA race. 

Indian teammates Morgan Mack (sophomore) and  Laney Grider (senior) led the way with 16-point nights in the 53-37 win over the Vikings on Hart’s senior night.  

During the first quarter Mack exited the court early and limped off the floor with an ankle injury. However, she returned to the floor in the second quarter, and when Mack’s team needed her most, the sophomore delivered. 

“I was kind of down on myself after that,” Mack said, “but the team lifted me up. Everybody lifted me up. So, I’m glad we came out here and we’re able to win. We’re going to celebrate tonight and then keep moving forward.” 

“The second half, everybody was getting involved offensively,” Hart coach Jerry Mike said. “Our defensive pressure up top on the guards was really good. They’re a pretty strong rebounding team and I was really worried about that. But I thought we were strong on the boards and our guard defense up top was outstanding in the second half.” 

Hart is ready for another playoff run after last year’s team that reached the CIF semifinals and lost to the champions the La Salle Lancers.

It wasn’t just the girls senior night but it was also the Hart boys basketball teams senior night. With a tough loss against the boys Valencia Vikings the Hart varsity team wasn’t going to be accepted into CIF but after a wild card the boys team will be going to CIF and the first game is February 8 2023 at Schurr High School.