By ADAM STEWART

Staff writer

Hillsboro High School scholars’ bowl team earned third place Thursday at regionals at Wichita Collegiate. In doing so, the Trojans earned a trip to the state championship tournament Saturday.

Team members Cody Blackketter, Ben Gottsch, Brianna Loewen, David Winter, and alternate Sam Bookless went 7-4.

The Trojans had a 4-2 record in pool play with wins against Neodesha, 70-20; Sedgwick, 90-10; Erie, 60-30; and Bluestem, 80-20. Their losses came against Wichita Collegiate, 45-40; and Belle Plaine, 50-60.

Placing third in their pool, HHS advanced to the round-robin championship round.

In the championship round, they defeated Belle Plain 40-20; Hutch Trinity, 70-30; and Douglas, 40-10. They lost to Wichita Collegiate, 75-30; and Conway Springs, 80-60.

The final standings were Douglas, 4-1; Wichita Collegiate, 3-2; Hillsboro, 3-2; Conway Springs, 2-3; Hutch Trinity, 2-3; and Belle Plaine, 1-4.

“Once again everyone contributed significantly to the team’s success,” Coach Stuart Holmes said. “It was another outstanding team effort — the kids should feel good about qualifying for state.”

There were 16 teams in the regional, Holmes said.

“All the teams at state will be strong, but our kids have shown that they can compete with the best and deserve to be there.”e team’ 3-2; Hillsboro, 3-2; Conway Springs, 2-3; Hutch Trinity, 2-3; and Bel