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Hillcrest boys bounce back
Ravens run past Highland after rough game over weekend
RIVERSIDE — Saturday’s trip to Danville resulted in a tough 38-point loss for the Hillcrest boys basketball team. On Tuesday, a rejuvenated squad was back to its old self.
The Ravens brought a burst of energy to the boys game at Highland High School, as Hillcrest ran past its Southeast Iowa Super Conference North Division rivals 69-49.
“I thought we just played with a flow tonight that felt better,” said Hillcrest head coach Dwight Gingerich. “We got the ball moving, and we had different guys stepping up and making shots.”
The Ravens jumped out to a quick 6-0 start, using their full-court press to create a few easy baskets inside. That led to an 11-5 first quarter lead and a 39-18 advantage at halftime.
“It was really nice to get off to a great start, and see our press turn them over early,” Gingerich said. “Luke Schrock got a couple steals there, and was able to get the ball to Grant (Bender) for a couple layups. That was a thing of beauty.”
The Huskies couldn’t answer in the second half. Hillcrest won the third quarter 22-13 and cruised to the finish line.
Freshman Seth Ours was ripping the nets up all night for the Ravens. He hit a career high 21 points and went 5-for-5 from 3-point land to lead the way.
“He's getting way more confident as far as his ability to run the show for us,” Gingerich said. “He's really grown and is being confident with pretty much everything we're doing.”
Grant Bender finished the night with 14 points and seven rebounds for the Ravens. Luke Schrock had 10 points and five assists. Jace Rempel scored nine points. Bryce Bailey had six. Aiden Krabill scored five, and Josiah Beachy put in four.
Highland’s Trevor McFarland came alive in the second half to finish with 13 points and five assists. Brenton Bonebrake scored 11 points to give the Huskies two double-digit scorers.
Kaige Vonnahme and Chase Schultz had seven points apiece. Connor Grinstead finished with four. Tyler Thompson had three, and the duo of Logan McFarland and Nicolas Oriano scored two apiece.
Hillcrest moved to 13-4 overall and 11-3 in the North Division. Highland is now 3-15 and 3-12.
Hillcrest Academy’s Grant Bender takes a contested fadeaway during the Ravens’ road win over Highland on Tuesday night. (Andy Krutsinger/The Unon)
Highland’s Chase Schultz gets inside for a layup during the Huskies’ home loss to Hillcrest Academy on Tuesday night. (Andy Krutsinger/The Union)
Hillcrest Academy’s Seth Ours swings the ball around the perimeter on Tuesday night at Highland. (Andy Krutsinger/The Union)
Highland’s Trevor McFarland dives inside for a right-handed layup on Tuesday night against Hillcrest Academy. (Andy Krutsinger/The Union)
