Trojan boys fall in semifinal

By NICHOLAS KIMBALL

Staff writer

After beating Berean Academy to advance in the sub-state tourney, Hillsboro’s boys fell 61-42 to Moundridge in the sub-state semifinals Friday. Moundridge went on to win the championship the next day.

“Moundridge was a solid team,” Hillsboro coach Kyle Kroeker said. “We weren’t able to pull off an upset. “We battled to the very end, which we have proven to do all season long. We couldn’t overcome our turnovers.”

Seth Driggers led the team with 11 points. Lincoln Wichert had 10. Easton Shahan and Noah Beavers each scored eight.

“We improved every day this year,” Kroeker said. “This is what I loved about this team. Many didn’t expect us to have the record we had, but that is a testament to the dedication from the guys.”

Wichert led the team in scoring for the season with 15.2 points per game. Beavers led the team in rebounding with 4.9 per game. Driggers led with 2.1 steals per game.

“Wyatt Plenert usually drew the match with the opposition’s best player, which showed his tenacity and toughness,” Kroeker said. “I won’t forget our one-point victory over Hoisington and the tight games with Pratt and Haven.

“We will have a core of players coming back next year and we have a great foundation to build on. I was proud of the team’s culture and desire to develop.”