By ADAM STEWART

Staff writer

The Hillsboro High School Trojans scholars’ bowl team placed fifth out of 25 teams Saturday at Council Grove.

Team members Cody Blackketter, Sam Bookless, Ben Gottsch, and Bri Loewen won their pool with wins against Bluestem, 90-0; Centre, 50-30; Minneapolis, 60-10; and Marion, 50-40 in a tiebreaker. The Trojans lost to Flint Hills Christian, 30-40.

They advanced to the round-robin championship. They went 4-3 in the championship round, with victories against Chase County, 30-10; Junction City, 50-20; Chapman, 70-60; and Rock Creek, 60-30.

They lost to Manhattan, 60-30; Minneapolis, 40-10; and Lyndon, 60-50.

“All the students had good days, and it seemed like each one of them came through with a key answer toward the end of one of our close matches,” Coach Stuart Holmes said.

“To place fourth out of 25 teams is great, especially with large schools in the tournament that are 6A like Manhattan and Junction City.”

Trojans reach quarterfinals

Hillsboro High School scholars’ bowl finished 5-1 Thursday at the Southeast of Saline tournament. Blackketter, Bookless, and Loewen competed for the Trojans.

The team was undefeated in pool play. They won against Lincoln, 50-20; Chapman, 70-30; Solomon, 50-0; Council Grove, 60-45; and Quivera Heights, 40-35.

In the quarterfinals the team faced McPherson, losing 50-10.

“The team had another good day,” Holmes said. “We got a tough draw in the quarterfinals, having to take on 5A McPherson, but on another day with another set of questions, we could get a win versus them as well.

“Everyone had a good day, and the team continues to have a very successful season.”

HHS goes 3-3 at McPherson

The Trojans put together a 3-3 record Monday at the McPherson scholars bowl meet.

Team members Blackketter, Bookless, Gottsch, Loewen, and Amanda Roble earned wins against Centre, 65-10; Inman, 30-10; and Hesston, 40-30.

They lost to Circle, 55-10, Marion, 35-30; and Hutch Trinity, 60-50.

“The team competed well, but today lost more of the really close matches than we won,” Holmes said.

“We’ve been winning most of the close ones, but today didn’t get as many key quick answers. Every day and even every round is different, so we’ll keep working and be ready for our next opportunity.