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Photo Courtesy of Hillcrest Academy Yearbook

The Hillcrest Academy Raven boys and girls faced off with Louisa-Muscatine in Letts Friday for a Southeast Iowa Superconference basketball doubleheader. The Raven boys brought the offensive fireworks in an 81-67 win. Hillcrest put up 27 in the first quarter, including a 16-2 run to open an early 13 point lead. They would hold a 43-35 advantage at the break. Each time the Falcons tried to make a run, the Ravens had an answer, winning the second half 38-32 and taking the victory. Hillcrest senior Grant Bender put together one of the best offensive performances in school history with 41 points, fourth most all-time and most for a Raven in a game in 30 years, on a red hot 17 of 20 from the floor. Seth Ours got to double figures with 16 points, including three three point goals, Luke Schrock and Jace Rempel each had eight assists and Rempel and Bender six steals. Hillcrest shot 65% from the floor, made six three point goals, had 24 team assists and 20 team steals. The win moved the Ravens to 3-1 on the year.

The Hillcrest girls were beaten by a 50-23 score. A slow start doomed the Ravens, they trailed 19-5 after the first and 39-11 at half. The Ravens won the second half 12-11. Claire Withrow led Hillcrest with 15 points, Delaney Shaw had six boards, Shaw and Malia Yoder each had a pair of assists and Tara Poole had three steals. The Ravens couldn’t overcome a 24% night from the floor and 28 turnovers. The loss dropped Hillcrest to 0-5 on the year.