The Lone Tree girls basketball team was a winner to open the playoffs Thursday night at home, beating Hillcrest Academy in the first round of the 1A regional tournament 59-16. Lone Tree got out of the gates quickly, knocking down three, three point goals in the game’s first three minutes. At the end of the first quarter the Lady Lions had a 16-0 lead. The drought for Hillcrest would stretch into the second quarter, and last for 10 total minutes before they found the scoreboard. At the half, Lone Tree led 32-8 as the Lions closed the second period on an 11-0 run. Out of the break, Lone Tree started the third on a 15-2 run and enacted the running clock late in the frame. The Lions closed the game on a 12-2 run and the Lone Tree defense didn’t allow more than five points in any quarter of the contest. After the game, Lone Tree’s Maddie Jacque talked about her night and the team’s win. “I liked how my teammates spread the floor. That allowed me to get open shots and to drive more. The runs we went on were huge. It was nice to see so many players contribute. That means the rest of the season the other team is going to have to guard every player on our team because they are a threat.”

She led the Lady Lions with 18 points including three first half three point goals. Holley Johnson had 17 points and Sarah Branson 10. Esther Hughes led Hillcrest with nine points. With the loss, the Ravens end their season at 2-20. Hillcrest says goodbye to seniors Mia Graber, Sarena Gerber and Danae McGaffey. Lone Tree is now 12-10 on the year and advances to Tuesday’s second round against Holy Trinity Catholic.