Photos Courtesy of Hillcrest Academy Yearbook

This week, the Hillcrest Academy Raven boys basketball team finished the regular season with a resounding 75-42 win over the Columbus Wildcats in a Southeast Iowa Superconference contest. The Ravens had control from the onset, going on a 21-4 run that lasted the entire first quarter. They led 38-19 at half. A 22 point third quarter kept Hillcrest in command and a 15-7 run that lasted the fourth period secured the win. Hillcrest knocked down a dozen threes as a team, shot 47% while holding Columbus to just 32% from the field, won the glass by four, had 23 team assists, 13 steals and forced 22 turnovers. Individually, Seth Ours posted 21 points, including six made threes. Bryce Bailey and Mason Bender each had a dozen points, Bender added a team best eight boards, Rowan Miller had 11 assists. Raven head coach Dwight Gingerich spoke with KCII Sports about the highlight performances from his team. Gingerich said, “We had some good balance. Everyone on the team really contributed. Seth Ours has been shooting the ball well for us and providing leadership. Bryce Bailey is another who is playing like a veteran. Playing with confidence. Mason Bender continues to play hard and do a lot of good things for us. Kale Bailey is continuing to grow as a player. Rowan Miller does a great job of getting the ball to people. Owen Scott came off the bench and played good defense for us and knocked down two threes. That’s just so good to see from his as a sophomore, that growth. Mason Helmuth had a strong night for us, gave us a lot of minutes. It’s been a joy to watch his improvement throughout the season.”

Columbus was led by a double double from Tim Hills-Carrier with 24 points and 10 rebounds. He also had four assists. The Ravens end the regular season with a 14-7 record. Columbus stands at 4-17.