Ravens Fall to the Lions - Hillcrest Ravens

Senior Esther Hughes takes it into the lane Tuesday against Lone Tree. Photo Credit: *Paul D. Bowker/The News*

The game started with Hillcrest getting good looks, but unfortunately the shots were not falling. Lone Tree jumped out to a 7 to 0 lead in the first couple of minutes, with points coming from inside and one three point make. Hillcrest got the lid off the rim with a pair of lays-ups coming from Esther Hughes. Some strong defense from the Ravens allowed for the first quarter to end with Lone Tree still at 7 and Hillcrest at 4.

Malia Yoder hit a three point shot and Hughes got a steal and lay-up to take a 2 point lead at the start of the second quarter. Lone Tree tied the game quickly at 9 and would take command of the game with some strong inside play and offensive rebounding. The second quarter would end with a buzzer beater by Norah Yoder. This put the game at Hillcrest 21 and Lone Tree 31.

The third quarter was a back and forth period, both teams traded baskets. Vlada Conea had some key offensive rebounds that lead to points to keep the offensive moving for the Ravens. Lone Tree kept getting the ball inside at key moments to keep their lead at 10. The quarter would end with the score Hillcrest 27 and Lone Tree 37.

Quarter four saw the same trading of baskets with Hillcrest unable to take back the lead, the closest the game got was a 6 point lead held by Lone Tree with 3 minutes left in the game. Hillcrest was unable to get any closer in the remaining minutes of the game with Lone Tree making free throws at the end to extend the lead. The final score was Lone Tree 52 and Hillcrest 40. The leading scorers for the Ravens were Hughes with 17 and Malia Yoder adding in 13. The leading rebounders were Hughes with 10 rebounds and Conea with 8. Come see the Ravens take on Winfield – Mt. Union on Friday.

A senior showdown in Lone Tree
By Paul D. Bowker

Let’s just call it Senior Night.

When Lone Tree’s girls basketball team hosted Hillcrest Academy on Tuesday night, the game showcased the dominating skills of Lone Tree senior forward Casey Chown and Hillcrest senior Esther Hughes.

Both scored double-doubles.

Chown, battling double-teamed defensive pressure in the paint, scored a season-high 23 points in the Lions’ 52-40 victory.

Hughes led the Ravens with 17 points and a game-high 12 rebounds.

Chown had 11 rebounds for the Lions, scoring a double-double for the second time in her last three games, both Lone Tree wins. She has scored 43 points in her last two games, and has been an important piece for the Lions’ inside game, both offensively and defensively.

“Casey – they all know what her role is on this team,” said Lions head coach Ryan Shelman. “The girls looks up to her. She’s a four-year varsity forward.”

But in the midst of all that attention on Chown inside, Hillcrest (1-9) didn’t let the Lions (5-7) off easily due to Hughes and the 3-point shooting of freshman Malia Yoder. Yoder hit a game-high four 3-pointers and scored a career-high 13 points.