A pair of Superconference basketball programs squared off in the KCII Area Game of the Week Friday, with WACO earning a pair of road wins over Hillcrest Academy.

The WACO girls led off the evening with a 44-38 win, but there was some doubt early as the Ravens jumped out to a 14-2 first-quarter lead. Out of a timeout from coach Lisa Graber, the Warriors carried a 14-point run of their own into the second quarter to take the lead, before both teams went into the break knotted at 23. The WACO defense stepped up in a big way, holding Hillcrest to single digits in each of the final two quarters, while Emma Wagler continued to produce on offense. The senior led all scorers with 16. Ella Huisenga, who was a force in the paint on both sides of the court buried three of her four field goals in the second half to finish with eight. Nothing came easy for the Ravens’ Malia Yoder and Claire Withrow, who still ended the night in double figures. Lydia Beachy had nine points in a breakout game, but the back-and-forth contest was iced by a couple of late WACO baskets. WACO wraps up 2023 with Lone Tree on Tuesday, while the Ravens have a pair with Wapello and Cedar Valley Christian.

In the nightcap, the Warrior boys prevailed in less-dramatic fashion, knocking off the Ravens 59-38. For the third consecutive game, the WACO defense flexed its muscles and caused fits for a Hillcrest team held to 20 points below their season average. After some early foul trouble, Colton Leichty powered his way to 16 points, all coming after the first quarter. He and Chase Waterhouse set the tone in the post as the one-two punch for WACO. Hunter Hughes, who had a game high 18, drilled a trio of three-pointers in the second quarter en route to a 17-point halftime lead for the Warriors. WACO kept its foot on the gas in the second half, closing the door on any Hillcrest comeback attempts. A frustrating night for the Ravens saw Mason Bender finish with 12, the only Hillcrest player to reach double figures. They are back at it next week with Wapello and Cedar Valley Christian, while the Warriors host Lone Tree and North Linn before winter break.

Friday’s Superconference doubleheader was heard on the KCII3 Stream, exclusively on KCIIradio.com. The Area Game of the Week returns after the new year, with the Highland Huskies welcoming the Columbus Wildcats on January 2.