The Hillcrest Academy boys basketball team is back on the floor tonight when they welcome the Wapello Indians to Dwight Gingerich Court at Hillcrest Union. The Ravens are 1-0 on the young season after a 60-33 victory over Mediapolis in Kalona Tuesday. In the win, Hillcrest had four players reach double figures with Eli Ours scoring 17, Noah Miller 11 to go along with his eight assists, while Grant Bender and Aidan Krabill each put up 10 points.
Wapello comes into tonight at 1-0 on the season after ripping Columbus 81-34 to open the year on the road. The Indians held a 24-4 lead after the first quarter and were up 48-16 at the half. This week, Hillcrest head coach Dwight Gingerich talked about his team’s opener and getting ready for Wapello. “We learned that we are able to battle through tough situations and adversity and keep our composure. Defensively this season is going to be about playing with our feet. If you reach a couple of times you can put yourself in a bad spot. It was our first action out on the floor beyond the scrimmage with Keota. So I think there was a little extra excitement there and I think we just need to work on getting settled in. Last year we lost at Wapello in a game early that wasn’t real close. Then we came back and beat them the second game, but they didn’t have their point guard Griffin and he is the motor that makes them go. They’re a talented team and they have good size. They’re crafty and skilled, as Wapello teams are. Coach Spielbauer does a great job. They could be the team to beat in the league. They are going to be a difficult challenge for us but we are looking forward to it.”
The Ravens and Indians met twice a season ago with each team winning on their home floor. Wapello beat Hillcrest 57-43 in Wapello while it was the Ravens 62-40 in Kalona. You can hear all of the action live tonight between the Ravens and the Indians on AM 1380, FM 102.5 and KCIIradio.com, beginning with the Washington HyVee pregame show at 5:30p.m. and tip off at six.