The Hillsboro High School Trojans scholars’ bowl team placed fourth out of 18 teams Thursday at Sterling High School.

Team members Sam Bookless, Cody Blackketter, Ben Gottsch, and David Winter placed first in their pool with a 4-1 record.

They defeated Russell 40-25, Smoky Valley 40-30, Moundridge 90-10, and Nickerson 40-30. They lost to Little River 20-30. Moundridge also finished with a 4-1 record, but the head-to-head tiebreaker went to the Trojans.

Hillsboro lost to Central Christian in the semifinals, 20-60.

In the third place game, Hillsboro lost, 20-80, against Hutch Trinity.

“David and Cody did well, like they usually do,” Coach Stuart Holmes said. “Additionally, it was great to have Sam and Ben each get a key question at the end of two close matches.”

“I know the guys wanted to finish stronger, but each set of questions is different. Against those same teams, the result could be different next time.”