Hillsboro claims pair of wins over Halstead on Friday
News editor
Hillsboro boys’ and girls’ basketball took different paths to victory lane as they picked up wins over Halstead, on Friday, but had mixed results in their Trojans Classic openers Tuesday.
It was a game of ups and downs against Halstead for the boys. After falling behind 10-3, the Trojans exploded for a 23 consecutive points to lead 26-10.
But Halstead turned the tables in the third period, holding Hillsboro to a single bucket while scoring 15 to draw within striking distance. The Trojans kept a comfortable margin the rest of the way, winning 53-45.
The boys weren’t so fortunate Tuesday, dropping their first-round game against Sunrise Christian 59-48.
Shooting woes plagued the Trojans, who hit just 30 percent of their shots from the field, while the Buffaloes nailed 47 percent of theirs.
The boys will try to get back on the winning track Friday when they play Riley County at 7:30 p.m. at Tabor College gym.
Hillsboro and Halstead girls were more evenly matched Friday, with Hillsboro edging out to a 32-25 lead at the end of three quarters.
But the Dragons roared back in the fourth, taking a 1-point edge, 39-38, with 21 seconds left in the game.
Alex Ratzlaff brought the ball down court for the Trojans, drove the lane, and dished the ball to Callie Linnens for the game-winning shot with 4 seconds remaining.
Ratzlaff led all scorers with 16, and Tas Sanchez hit for 14.
Against Holcomb on Tuesday, Hillsboro rallied from behind in the third quarter with a 15-2 run that put the Trojans ahead 32-24.
Hillsboro didn’t score a basket in the final stanza, but dropped in 9 of 10 free-throw attempts to finish out a 41-34 victory. The Trojans hit 19 of 22 free throws for the game.
Hillsboro and Hesston will play at 6 p.m. Friday at Brown Gymnasium. The Classic tournament will conclude Saturday.