Wolves speed past Highland in opener

WINFIELD — A postseason battle of Southeast Iowa Super Conference North Division foes went the way of the Winfield-Mount Union Wolves on Monday night.

WMU used a dominant first quarter to build a big lead and cruised to a Class 1A Substate 5 victory, knocking Highland out 53-33.

WMU led 23-7 after one quarter, 29-14 at halftime and 45-20 after three.

Cam Buffington had a hot start to tournament play, scoring 22 points for the Wolves. Abram Edwards had a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Jake Edwards scored nine. Carter Loyd had six, and Konner Wade finished with four.

Highland’s Chase Schultz finished the day with nine points and nine rebounds. Connor Grinstead and Trevor McFarland each had nine points of their own. Kaige Vonnahme scored three points. Tyler Thompson, Brenton Bonebrake and Devin Lovetinsky had one apiece.

WMU (20-2) moves on to the Substate quarterfinals where they will host another North Division foe, Hillcrest Academy (15-6). Highland finishes at 4-18.