The Hillcrest Academy boys basketball team got back on the winning track by opening the 2021 portion of their schedule with a 73-42 victory over visiting Morningstar Academy Saturday at Hillcrest Union. The Mustangs hung tough early, with Hillcrest holding an 18-13 advantage after the first quarter. The Ravens broke things open in the second frame, opening the period on a 15-3 run and finishing the frame by outscoring the Mustangs 20-7 in total to take a 38-20 lead into the break. Hillcrest would continue to pull away down the stretch, outscoring Morningstar 35-22 in the second half to secure the win. After the game, Hillcrest head coach Dwight Gingerich talked about the win. “It was a team win. Great to see us come out and play that way with everything we were faced with going on over break. John Hughes with a double double and he continues to improve. Eli Ours had a terrific floor game to go along with 17 points. Grant Bender had a great second quarter during our run. Everyone contributed. Given everything that is going on, this feels like a good place to be with a lot of good things to build on.”

All 10 players who got on the floor for the Ravens scored, led by John Hughes double double of 18 points and 11 rebounds. Eli Ours had 17 points and Grant Bender 14 as Hillcrest put a trio into double figures. The Ravens outrebounded the Mustangs by 11 in the contest and forced 24 Morningstar turnovers. With the win, the Ravens are now 3-4 on the year as they host Lone Tree on Tuesday.