Hancock coach Jay Caserio gives his players some instructions during a game Friday against L'Anse in Hancock. (Eddie O’Neill/For the Gazette)

HANCOCK — Friday, for the second night in a row, the L’Anse Purple Hornets boys basketball team beat the Hancock Bulldogs (1-8) on the hardwood. The Purple Hornets handed them a 65-37 loss Thursday in L’Anse. A day later in Hancock, they won 48-33.

According to L’Anse coach Rob Potter defense was the difference on Friday.

“We played great defense tonight,” he said. “It kept us in the game, because we did not shoot well. We had the shots, but they did not go in. That is going to happen.”

The Purple Hornets (7-3) pushed out to a 12-8 after one. That four-point lead became a 14-point lead at half, 26-12, as L’Anse outscored the Bulldogs 14-4 in the second.

The third quarter was Hancock’s best. They outscored their opponents, 15-11. Nine of those points came off the hands of Isaac Wanhala. He led the Bulldogs in scoring with 15 points. Gage Chynoweth had 13.

In the fourth, the Purple Hornets were back on track forcing a number of turnovers which resulted in an 11-6 point difference and a win.

“Game ball to Quentin Supanich,” said Potter. “He is our big guy, and when he is in the game, he changes the way the other team shoots, because they are scared of his height. He had seven points and got his first dunk tonight.”

The Purple Hornets had three players in double figures. They included leaders Sam Lee and Keegan Davidson with 13. Talan Larson followed with 10.

Up next

The Bulldogs will face the Calumet Copper Kings at home on Monday. The Purple Hornets will travel to Chassell on Wednesday.