Ravens grounded

KALONA - The Hillcrest Ravens got stung by Louisa-Muscatine Tuesday, dropping a 45-44 heartbreaker in a boys basketball Super Conference North Division game.

L-M's freshman, Ty Northrup, sank the game winner with nine seconds remaining. The Ravens had one more opportunity as Eli Ours' shot from the free-throw line was in and out.

Hillcrest worked from behind for much of the evening, trailing 15-10 after one quarter. A late Raven bucket cut the margin to 26-20 at the half. Hillcrest pulled to within 35-31 after three quarters and a 5-0 spurt began the fourth for the lead at 36-35 with 6:30 to play. The Falcons would lead 41-38, then Hillcrest at 44-43 on a Grant Bender finish with 24 seconds left. The Falcons worked the Hillcrest pressure before calling time with 13 ticks left, setting up the final sequence.

Hillcrest was paced by John Hughes with 13 points, Ours followed with 11, and Bender at eight, including two triples. Noah Miller had six points. Aiden Krabill, Aaron Hershberger and Will Kolck completed the scoring with two points apiece. Hughes grabbed five rebounds, Miller had three assists and Bender and Ours each collected three steals.

'We simply were in a tough position all night, needing to overcome unforced turnovers and defensive and rebounding breakdowns, and then missed on some key scoring opportunities,” Hillcrest head coach Dwight Gingerich said. 'That all adds up to a lot to overcome, and we almost did it. Losses like these sting, and at the same time give us a chance to improve in important ways. Credit as well to L-M, as they made some big plays, including the final basket.”

Hillcrest falls to 1-2 and next plays at Columbus Friday.