The Highland Huskies picked up a conference girls’ basketball win Friday night, knocking off Wapello 51-21. Highland’s 10-5 lead in the first quarter would only continue to grow, as a stingy defensive effort held Wapello to only two points in the second quarter and four in the fourth. As a result, the Huskies increased their lead to 16 points at halftime and never slowed down.

It was another huge night for Highland junior star Sarah Burton, who notched another double-double with 23 points, 12 rebounds, five steals and two blocked shots. Senior point guard Katelyn Waters settled for just three points but affected every other aspect of the game, posting five rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Classmate Jessica Kraus also scored nine points to help the Huskies improve to 7-7 in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference North and 8-10 overall.

The Highland boys only trailed Wapello by four after one quarter, and while the deficit only climbed to eight at the break, being outscored 35-18 in the second half would be too much to overcome in a 59-34 loss. The Huskies are still winless in conference play and 1-16 overall. Both Highland teams next play tomorrow night at Winfield-Mount Union.