By Giovanni Coronel
KALONA
Going on the road to face the Huskies in their season opener, it was now time for the Ravens to play host to their conference rival and similar to last time, Hillcrest proved too much for Highland to handle.
Reaching a new season high, Hillcrest (10-1) poured on the points in a 83-24 conference win over Highland (1-9) last Friday.
Hillcrest stays near the top of the Southeast Iowa Super Conference with this win, improving its conference record to 8-1 with the only team above them being WACO. For Highland this loss drops its conference record to 1-8 and extends its losing streak to six in a row.
Clicking on offense early and often, the Ravens scored 20 or more points in every quarter except for the final frame. Hillcrest’s defense also did its part, holding Highland to five or less points in every quarter save for the first frame with Highland’s final score of 24 being a new season low.
The Ravens were led by a trio of seniors who all scored in the double digits. Those seniors were Bryce Bailey (18), Seth Ours (15), and Mason Bender (14). Bender also led the team with 13 rebounds to end the night with a double double.
Hillcrest 68, Keota 52
Venturing outside the conference, the Ravens increased their winning streak to six in a row when they defeated the Keota Eagles at home in a non-conference showdown last Saturday.
This was only the third time these two teams have squared off, but it was the first time in series history the Ravens emerged victorious over the Eagles.
After taking a nine-point lead into the half, Hillcrest utilized a strong third quarter to double its lead to 18. A nearly 20-point deficit was too steep for the Eagles to overcome with only the fourth quarter left to play and they ended up suffering their second defeat of the season.
Seth Ours continues to shine in his senior season for Hillcrest, leading the way on offense with 24-points. Rowan Miller was the second highest scorer with 19 while producing a team best seven assists and tied for the team lead in rebounds (8) alongside Mason Bender.
Up next for Hillcrest (11-1) is a home conference matchup against Winfield-Mt Union (7-5) on Jan. 17.
HIGHLAND 24, HILLCREST 83
Highland 15 5 4 0 -- 24
Hillcrest 20 23 26 14 -- 83
Hillcrest leading scorers: Bryce Bailey 18, Seth Ours 15, Mason Bender 14
Hillcrest leading rebounders: Bender 13, Mason Helmuth 4, Kale Bailey 3
KEOTA 52, HILLCREST 83
Keota 15 11 13 13 -- 52
Hillcrest 18 17 23 11 -- 68
Keota leading scorers: Billie Kindred 23, Chase Haifley 18, Porter Cave 5
Hillcrest leading scorers: Seth Ours 24, Rowan MIller 19, Mason Bender 14
Keota leading rebounders: Kindred 10, Jace Chalupa 8, Haifley 3
Hillcrest leading rebounders: Bender 8, Miller 8, Ours 5