Hillcrest Academy ends season with loss to Maquoketa Valley

DELHI — Hillcrest Academy boys basketball’s season came to a close on Thursday night after a 59-46 loss to Maquoketa Valley in the 1A Region 4 second round.

Maquoketa Valley took an early advantage and would never give it up in the playoff bout.

The Wildcats sprinted out to a 17-8 lead through the first quarter and would never give it back. Hillcrest Academy was just narrowly edged in the second 21-19 to make it 38-27 at the break.

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The Ravens continued to battle and were able to get it back down to single digits before the fourth 47-39. Hillcrest took the third 12-9.

However, it wouldn’t make a difference as Maquoketa Valley closed with a 12-7 final frame.

Mason Bender led the Ravens with 12 points in the loss. Kale Bailey followed with 11 points. Bryce Bailey and Seth Ours both scored nine. Rowan Miller added five.

With the loss, the Ravens end their season at 15-8.