RIVERSIDE

The first round of the battle between the Ravens and the Huskies this season went the way of the home team as Highland (4-0) captured a 60-40 conference win over Hillcrest (2-1) on Dec. 3.

“A good conference win. Nice even and balanced scoring for us,” Highland coach Jody Fink said after the win over Hillcrest.

The Ravens were able to keep pace with Highland through two quarters but the Huskies still held an eight point lead entering halftime.

Highland firmly distanced itself from Hillcrest in the third frame, outscoring the Ravens 15-6 to take a commanding 17-point lead with one more quarter to play.

“It was back and forth in the first quarter and we were able to get a little run into half and extend it in the 3rd, but Hillcrest came out firing in the fourth and cut the lead,” coach Fink said.

The Ravens scored a quarter-high 13 points in the fourth but Highland kept any potential comeback at bay with a 16-point quarter to earn its second conference victory of the season. ‘

With the win the Huskies increased their winning streak against Hillcrest to nine in a row with the Ravens last win over the Huskies coming in 2019. This season the Huskies stay undefeated in conference play (2-0) and the Ravens suffer their first conference defeat (0-1).

Leading the Ravens offense was Claire WIthrow. The junior showcased her sharpshooting skills, connecting on five three-pointers to end with a team high  16 points.

Delaney Shaw led the Ravens in rebounds (12) and steals (6) with fellow senior Malia Yoder leading the team in assists (7). 

Highland was once again led by standout freshman Kamryn Fink. Fink ended the night with 19 (connecting on five three-pointers) to lead all scorers to go along with seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals. 

While Fink led the way it was a well balanced scoring attack for Highland as three other Huskies reached double digits with those players being Hailey Brun (15), Mackenzie Davis (12), and Emersyn Schultz (10).

Brun also had a team best 11 steals to secure a double double with Davis obtaining a more routine double double by pulling down 11 rebounds. Senior Kaite Herrig led the team with seven assists to go along with nine boards.

“Hailey Brun played a terrific game on both ends of the floor,” coach Fink said. “Katie Herrig did a great job distributing the ball and team leadership.”

Up next for Highland (4-0) is a road conference matchup against Winfield-Mt Union (2-3) on Dec. 13 and up next for Hillcrest (2-2) is a road conference contest against Wapello (0-3) on Dec. 13. 

HILLCREST 40, HIGHLAND 60

Hillcrest    9    12    6  13 -- 40

Highland  12   17   15   16  -- 60