Photo Courtesy of Hillcrest Academy Yearbook

The Hillcrest Academy Ravens got one of two games on a road trip to Wapello Tuesday for a Southeast Iowa Superconference doubleheader. The Raven boys returned to Kalona a winner 63-38. The first half was tight with the Indians holding the advantage 11-8 after one period and 25-20 at half. Adjustments during intermission proved to be the difference as Hillcrest sprinted out of the locker room in the third quarter a 22-5 run that lasted the entire frame. Outscoring the Indians in total 43-13 after halftime. Following the game, Raven boys head coach Dwight Gingerich talked about the keys to his team’s big second half. “We were playing with some energy and forcing some turnovers. It felt like that’s what we needed to keep doing, our pressure was bothering them. It felt like maybe we had a little more depth so we wanted to get up and down the floor and wear them down if we could. They shot the ball really well in the first half. Grant (Bender) settled in and went up strong, was under control. Luke Schrock obviously had an incredible game. Played tremendous at both ends of the floor.  He was very active. Kept us in the game, especially in that first half. It was just a really nice collective effort.”

Hillcrest forced 18 Wapello turnovers and only gave it away themselves seven times all night. The Ravens knocked down all 16 of their free throws as a team and hit six three pointers. They were led by a duo over 20 with Luke Schrock scoring a career high 27 points and Grant Bender going for 23. The win moves the Ravens to 10-9 this year and 9-6 in the league.

The Hillcrest girls fell to the Arrows on their home floor 45-27. Wapello got out to an early lead with a 15-4 run that spanned the entire first quarter, including the final 13 points of the period. The Arrows led 24-13 at half. Out of the break, Wapello maintained their hold on the contest, outscoring the Ravens 21-14 after intermission. The Ravens won the turnover battle 20-15, but couldn’t overcome 34 Wapello rebounds and 12 Arrow steals. The Ravens were led by Claire Withrow who got to double figures with 10 points. With the loss, Hillcrest closes January with an 0-19 record.