DELHI

Hillcrest dominated Lone Tree for a 1A division four first-round victory. Their next task was the Maquoketa Valley Wildcats, a team Hillcrest was unfamiliar with.

The teams dueled back-and-forth, but it was the Wildcats coming out on top, 59-46. The Ravens fell to 15-8, seeing their season come to a close. Maquoketa Valley is now 19-4 and will continue their playoff run.

Each team started with a bucket, but Maquoketa Valley soon distanced themselves, possessing a 17-8 lead after one quarter. This was the trend as MV managed to stay ahead by 10 for most of this bout.

At halftime, MV held a 38-27 lead, answering each blow Hillcrest dealt fluidly.

Hillcrest did not go down without a fight. Instead, they pulled to within five in the third, their closest deficit since the opening minutes.

Hillcrest’s newfound offensive rhythm was short-lived as MV picked up their pace once more, giving them a 47-39 lead after three.

Hillcrest stayed within 10 for a majority of the fourth but MV pulled further ahead in the final few minutes as both teams entered foul trouble.

Leading Hillcrest was Mason Bender who scored 14 to match his jersey number. Right behind Bender was Kale Bailey with 11, Seth Ours with nine, Bryce Bailey with seven and Rowan Miller with five.

See the Feb. 22 edition of The News for the complete story.