Hot Lynx Shooting Ends Season for Raven Boys in District Title Game on KCII

Article Credit: KCII
The Hillcrest Academy Raven boys basketball team faced a stiff challenge last night at Solon High School as they tried to dethrone the defending Class 1A state champions in North Linn, but ultimately fell short in their quest for the upset by a final of 65-43.

The #8 in Class 1A Lynx began things hot from the field, ending the opening period with 18 points while also holding the Ravens to just seven. Hillcrest began to pick up the pace in the second, but were still outscored by the Lynx by two heading into halftime. Mason Bechen hit two of the four first half North Linn threes, while Mason Bender led the way at the break for the Ravens with six. Hillcrest would start the second half on a 5-0 run, but saw that momentum dry up quickly, as the Lynx began to again heat up. The Lynx would end up outscoring Hillcrest again in the third by six, and by three in the fourth to shut the door on the Ravens’ district title hopes.

Unofficially, Hillcrest would win rebounds 26-25, but commit five more turnovers than North Linn. Bechen led the Lynx in the win with a game-high 24, while Hillcrest was led by 11 from Seth Ours in his final game as a Raven. Bender earned Washington County Hospital and Clinics Player of the Game honors for Hillcrest, ending the night with eight.

After the contest, Hillcrest Head Coach Dwight Gingerich joined KCII Sports live on the postgame show to share his thoughts on the season-ending loss. “Tough, tough game tonight,” Gingerich said. “North Linn played really well, shot the ball really well. Really proud of our effort. Just seemed like some nights you just don’t shoot quite as well, and their physicality I think affected us.”

Read more HERE.