A big second quarter run helped the Lone Tree Lions boys’ basketball team (13-3 overall; 12-2 SEISC-North) take hold of the top spot in a contested conference battle winning 54-47. As heard on FM 106.1 and KCIIRadio.com, sole possession of first place in the Southeast Super Conference North boys’ standings was on the line as the Lions welcomed in their rivals the Highland Huskies (13-3 overall; 11-3 SEISC-North).

After falling behind 12-11 at the end of the first quarter, Lone Tree answered by outscoring Highland 16-5 in the second quarter on their way to a 54-47 final score. Five Lone Tree players contributed seven or more points in the victory, led by senior guard Nick Viner with 14 points.

Lone Tree head coach Tom Squries says his front court of seniors Matt Wieland and Travis Gillham were the unsung heroes in the win. “They are like lineman in football.” Squires said, “They don’t get a lot of credit sometimes but they work their rear ends off every night in practice and in every game.”

Wieland and Gillham combined for 21 of Lone Tree’s 54 points, grabbing a total of 10 rebounds in the victory. Highland sophomore Trent Lasek scored a game-high 18 points and brought down five rebounds in the setback.

Highland head coach Marcus Hall was disappointed in his team’s performance after the first eight minutes, “I thought our defensive energy was lack-luster.” Hall said, “We talk about what it takes to win a big game and its winning the individual battles and we didn’t win a lot of those tonight, which is uncharacteristic of us.”

The win improves Lone Tree to 13-3 overall and 12-2 in conference play. The loss drops Highland to 13-3 overall and 11-3 in conference competition. The Lions return to the court on Friday evening in a matchup with the Winfield-Mount Union Wolves (11-5 overall) at Lone Tree High School, while the Huskies are back on the road against the Mediapolis Bulldogs (4-11 overall).