The Hillcrest offense was clicking when the Ravens returned to conference action on Tuesday. 

John Hughes, Eli Ours, and Grant Bender each had at least eight points while the Ravens built a 33-13 halftime lead and went on to a 65-31 win over Lone Tree.  

“It was good to see things click at both ends for longer stretches,” Hillcrest coach Dwight Gingerich said. “The passing was very good at times, and it starts with the strong floor play of Eli Ours, who also did a nice job of pushing the break.”

Ours finished with 15 points and eight assists for Hillcrest. 

A 3-point play by Adam Knock and a bucket from Tyler Bell had the Lions up 5-4 early in the game, but the Ravens answered with an 18-2 run. 

Hughes scored 10 of his 16 points in the first half and led Hillcrest with seven rebounds. 

Bender had six points in the second quarter and finished with a game-high and career-high 18 points. He also led the Ravens with four steals. After scoring 31 points in six games before the winter break, Bender scored 32 in the next two contests.

“Grant’s game is growing,” Gingerich said. “He’s got a natural feel for the game, and as he’s gotten stronger and been through the reps, he’s getting more comfortable. I like his aggressiveness and his willingness to play hard at both ends.”

Aiden Krabill scored six points, Noah Miller had four, while Aaron Hershberger finished with three points and five rebounds. 

Bell and Knock led the Lions with 10 points each.