By NICHOLAS KIMBALL
and DELBERT PETERS

Staff writers

Hillsboro

In a tightly contested game heading into the fourth quarter Friday, the Trojans were able to make key plays in the end, winning 51-36.

Lincoln Wichert led the team with 17 points, followed by Noah Beavers with 13 points. Seth Driggers scored 9.

“We were able to create 25 turnovers, which was the key to the game,” coach Kyle Kroeker said. “These turnovers many times led to points on the other end.

“Our team continues to improve, which will be very important leading into league play.”

Hillsboro (7-5) will be on the road Friday to play Hesston (12-2).

Centre vs. Peabody-Burns

County teams went head-to-head Friday night, with Centre pulling out a 56-45 victory.

Jameson Miles led Peabody in scoring with 22 points, followed by Aiden Hurst with eight.

“It was a hard-fought game, but turnovers in the fourth quarter hurt a lot,” Peabody coach Bobby Kyle said.

Santiago Knepp and Robert Spohn led Centre in scoring.

Centre (3-10) will be on the road Friday at Little River (7-6).

Peabody-Burns (2-10) will be host to Canton-Galva (5-7-1).

Marion

The Warriors were unable to capture a homecoming victory Thursday, losing 53-37 to Council Grove.

Marion shot just 27% to Council Groves’s 40%.

Jonathan Frese scored seven points and pulled down seven rebounds. Jack Lanning led with 11 points. Cole Smith captured six rebounds. Kadon Mercer and Luke Watkins each scored five points.

“For us, it was a very frustrating night,” coach Donald Raymer said. “We played so well as a squad the previous week at the Centre tournament and just could not get anything going on Thursday night.

“I am confident we will bounce back this week. We have great leaders and great kids.”

The Warriors (6-6) will be on the road Friday at Sterling (12-1).

Goessel

Goessel went scoreless for nine minutes to start Friday’s game, allowing Moundridge a 29-point lead before scoring. The Wildcats led 40-9 at half and won 61-23.

Noah Schrag had the first 18 points for the Bluebirds with Wade Spurlin adding three and Koy Smith scoring two.

Goessel will have three away games this week: at Centre (2-10), Wakefield (0-10) and Little River (5-5).

The Bluebird boys have a 5-6 record overall and are 1-2 in the Wheat State League.