The Highland girls and boys basketball teams split a non-conference basketball doubleheader with the English Valleys Bears last night, with the Huskie girls coming out on top in their contest 38-37.

The girls game started strong for the Huskies, beginning the action on an 8-0 run en route to a 16-6 lead after one quarter. English Valleys would respond to cut the lead to eight by halftime, and make it a four-point game at the end of the third period. Highland would be outscored for the third consecutive period in the fourth frame, but the Bears could not quite complete the comeback, falling one point short after taking a slim 33-32 lead during the fourth period.

Unofficially, Highland was led by Kamryn Fink’s 15 points, followed by Emersyn Schultz’s 12, in which nine came on three three-pointers in the first quarter. The Huskies also won the rebounding and turnover battles by two and one, respectively. EV was led by Anna Luers’ 15 points.

Highland junior Emersyn Schultz was named Washington County Hospital and Clinics Player of the Game during the live broadcast, and spoke with KCII Sports live following the win. “It was a good win. We were playing together well as a team. We’ve been really working on communicating and getting better on the boards. I really think that communicating is helping us as we’re working together as a team,” Schultz said.

Highland Head Coach Jody Fink also joined KCII Sports live postgame following his team’s victory. “Our girls did their job, and I’m very proud of our girls for coming out with that win,” Fink said.

In the boys game, Highland would not be as fortunate in a one-point final margin, falling to EV by a 61-60 final score. The Bears raced out to a 19-15 lead after the first eight minutes, and saw that lead cut to one by halftime. Highland would hop in front after three 52-46, and led the game in the final minute 60-58, but an Everett Bender three would be the go-ahead in the Bears’ final offensive possession to give them their first victory of the season.

Unofficially, Highland won turnovers and rebounds by four and six, respectively, but still fell in the final tally. Bender finished as the leading EV scorer with 21, followed by Christian Tripses with 19. Highland was led by a 24-point outing by Bryce Hazelett.

The Highland girls improve their record to 8-4 overall, while the boys drop to 1-8 ahead of tonight’s road matchup in Hillcrest Union with the Ravens. English Valleys moves on to play Lynnville-Sully tonight. Columbus Junction will welcome the Area Game of the Week to town tonight for a doubleheader between the visiting Lone Tree Lions and the home Wildcats.