The Hillcrest Academy boys basketball team’s tournament trail came to a close Thursday night in Troy Mills, falling to No. 1 North Linn 63-30. In a game heard on AM and FM KCII, the Ravens held an early 4-3 lead, but the Lynx 14-2 run helped them to a 15-7 lead after the first quarter and 27-14 advantage at half. It was a tough start to the second half for Hillcrest, starting the third quarter with four straight turnovers while North Linn scored 12 in a row. The Lynx scored 21 total in the frame and led 48-24 going to the fourth. In the final quarter the Lynx enacted the continuous clock as they eliminated the Ravens. After the game, Hillcrest head coach Dwight Gingerich talked about North Linn, his team’s leading scorers and the season. “It felt like at halftime we were within striking distance and still in the game. Their pressure is very tough to replicate. To start the third quarter we were having a hard time getting the ball to half court and finding a teammate out of the traps. We tried to go seven on five in practice to get ready and they are just so good at what they do. Eli Ours was impressive tonight when they were doubling him with and without the ball, for him to get 11 points, that’s a testament to his play. Luke Schrock also had a good night for us offensively. Five seniors for us and they have been a great group and fun to have on the team. Eli Ours, John Hughes, Aaron Hershberger, Will Kolck and Aiden Yoder.”

Eli Ours led Hillcrest with 11 points, Luke Schrock had eight. Tate Haughenbury led North Linn with 19 points. With the loss, Hillcrest closes their season at 13-8 while North Linn improves to 23-0 and moves on to Tuesday’s class 1A district nine title game against Alburnett. The Ravens say goodbye to five seniors, Ours, John Hughes, Aaron Hershberger, Will Kolck and Aiden Yoder.