By ADAM STEWART

Staff writer

The Hillsboro High School scholars’ bowl team won first place Thursday at Moundridge when Cody Blackketter correctly answered the second question of overtime in the finals to win 70-60.

The victory came at a tournament with 17 teams, said HHS coach Stuart Holmes.

HHS went 4-1 in pool play, beating Sterling 55-30, Ell-Saline 55-40, Lyons 55-40, and Hutchinson Trinity 80-20. The Trojans fell 30-60 to Pretty Prairie.

HHS advanced to the tournament rounds based on their margin of victory. In the quarterfinals, HHS beat Sterling 60-15. The Trojans beat Marion High School 60-50 in the semifinals.

In the finals, HHS was tied 60-60 with Southeast of Saline going into overtime. Blackketter correctly answered a math question on the second question of overtime to win the tournament.

“The team had an excellent day with all three guys contributing throughout the competition,” Holmes said. “Fortunately for the team, we were able to win some very close matches against other good teams today. David and Cody just seemed to catch fire bracket play, as David had five of the six correct answers in the semifinals and Cody had six of seven in the finals.”