Photo Courtesy of Hillcrest Academy Yearbook

The Hillcrest Academy Raven girls basketball team took a win for the North Division in Thursday’s Southeast Iowa Superconference Shootout, toppling the New London Tigers 54-34 in Kalona. The Ravens led 21-9 after the first and a 22-8 second period run had them in front 43-17 at half. Hillcrest head coach Chris Nachtigal joined Saturday’s KCII Radio Coaches Corner to talk about the fast start and his standouts. “Our press was good against them. We caused some havoc. On offense, we hit some shots, did a good job of moving the ball. It was good to jump out early and find a good rhythm. Niva (Helmuth) did a good job of asserting herself down low and finding teammates on kicks to get shots around the perimeter also.”

The Ravens shot 30% from the floor with 54 rebounds, 20 steals, and 16 assists. Individually, Claire Withrow had a 14 point, 10 rebound double double. Niva Helmuth posted a game high 15 points. Marryn Boshart and Ruth Witthoft each had four assists. The victory means the Ravens enter the playoffs at 7-14 while New London remains winless on the season.