Ravens Fall in District Semifinal Against Top Ranked North Linn
Hillcrest Academy’s season came to a tough end Thursday, as the Ravens traveled to top ranked North Linn for the Class 1A District 9 semifinal. The Ravens battled to a 27-14 score at the half, but the Lynx had a 21-10 third quarter to lead 48-24 after three quarters.
Leading 10-7, North Linn scored twice in the last 15 seconds of the first quarter, on a triple and then off a steal to make it 15-7 going into the second quarter. With Hillcrest trailing 19-13 with three minutes to play in the half, the Lynx had a 8-1 spurt to close the half up 27-14.
The Lynx pressure had a suffocating effect on the Ravens through the early part of the third quarter, as North Linn went on a 12-0 run to lead 39-14 three minutes in. Hillcrest bounced back to outscore the Lynx 10-9 the rest of the period for the 48-24 score. The dam broke as North Lynn opened the final period with a 13-2 run on it’s way to the 63-30 final score.
Eli Ours wrapped up a stellar career by leading the way with 11 points, seven rebounds and four steals for Hillcrest. The Lynx denied and then doubled Ours all night, limiting him to six shots. Luke Schrock scored eight points and John Hughes had six. Aiden Krabill and Will Kolck each scored two points and Aaron Hershberger added a free throw to complete the scoring. Hershberger had a game-high nine rebounds, and Grant Bender had four assists and Aiden Krabill had three.
Coach Dwight Gingerich said, “North Linn obviously has a terrific team being undefeated and number one, and I liked how we battled. It’s impossible to duplicate their pressure in preparation, and that of course hurt us. I’m proud of our guys’ effort, and love the improvement our team made through the season. Our guys bought in and gave it all they had, and that is all we can ask. It was great to see Luke Schrock step up and give us a boost in Noah Miller’s absence down the stretch. Our bench guys were supportive, and our guys encouraged each other, and we functioned like a team, and for that I am really grateful.”
Hillcrest closes the season at 13-8 overall, and 10-5 in conference play, good for third place behind co-champions Pekin and Wapello. The Ravens say goodbye to seniors Aaron Hershberger, John Hughes, Will Kolck, Eli Ours and Aidan Yoder, as well as senior manager Yanitza Gutierrez Larios.