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WACO girls knock out Hillcrest Academy
Warriors control second half, advance in regional basketball play
WAYLAND — Two teams entered WACO High School for the start of the Class 1A Region 8 girls basketball tournament on Thursday night, but only one could move on in postseason play. After 32 minutes of do-or-die basketball, it was WACO that got to celebrate.
After a back-and-forth opening half, the Warriors used a 17-point third quarter to run past Hillcrest Academy, beating the Ravens for the third time this season, and ending Hillcrest’s 2024 campaign 44-32.
Hillcrest’s talented guards helped keep the game within reach early on for the Ravens. Claire Withrow scored five points in the first quarter, and Malia Yoder had seven in the second to help keep pace with the hosting Warriors, but WACO stayed on top, leading 9-7 after one quarter and 19-14 at halftime.
The Warriors used a balanced scoring attack in the third quarter to put up a game-high 17 points, taking over inside to open up the first double digit lead of the contest.
“Emma: We just needed to have more communication and work harder, on defense and on offense,” said WACO senior Emma Wagler. “And (we needed) to just get things flowing.”
The Warriors threw a haymaker at the end of the third period as freshman Brenna Graber nailed a corner 3-pointer, which put WACO up 36-21 heading into the final eight minutes.
Hillcrest outscored WACO down the stretch, but by that time, the damage had been done.
“We were staying aware of who we couldn't drop off of, because they're nice shooters,” said WACO head coach Lisa Graber. "I think that made a difference.“
Graber finished the night with 15 points. Wagler had 14. Ella Huisenga scored seven. Naomi Egli had six, and Marie Farmer scored three.
Withrow finished with 14 points on the night. Malia Yoder scored 12 points and dished, three assists and four steals. Niva Helmuth finished with three points, eight rebounds, two blocked shots and two steals. Kylee Statler scored two points, and Lydia Beachy finished with one.
WACO (13-9) moved on to play at No. 8 Moravia in Tuesday night’s regional quarterfinals. Hillcrest ends the year 6-15, and will be able to bring back the entire roster next season.
“I can't be more proud of this group. They worked extremely hard, from the start of the game to the end of the game,” said Hillcrest coach Mitch Drey. “This year, we’ve lost a bunch games close, and we’ve fought hard. Next year, weg et to bring everyone back, which is really cool.”
Barring upsets, the game was likely the last game on WACO’s home floor for four seniors; Egli, Halle Shelman, Wagler and Farmer.
“It's great to host first round,” Graber said. “With four seniors, that speaks volumes for the work they've put into it.”
Other area 1A regional basketball scores
Holy Trinity Catholic 80, New London 14
English Valleys 50, Keota 37
North Cedar 58, Highland 54
Lone Tree 73, Winfield-Mout Union 14
