A number of players have played key roles in Hillsboro’s highly successful 2014–15 boys’ basketball season.
Friday’s 63–44 Scenic Bluffs victory over visiting Cashton was another example of the Tigers selfless team concept that has led them to great heights so far this season.
Four players scored in double figures, while every Tiger played a role in holding the Eagles to just 44 points.
“Defensively we had a nice game, especially from the second quarter on,” said Hillsboro head coach Curt Hildreth. “We did a nice job with our help and were able to take them out of some of the things they like to do.
Junior guard Tommy Crandall has held the role of defensive stopper this season for the Tigers. Classmate Ethan Thorson has been another of the Tigers’ unsung heroes off the bench this season.
“Ethan and Tommy both played very well for us on Friday,” said Hildreth. “Tommy was a defensive stopper for us and had some timely baskets. Ethan played very well all around. He can do a bit of everything and he did that for us Friday night.”
Crandall scored four points on 2 of 4 shooting, while Thorson added six points, three steals and a rebound.
Junior forward Max Stockwell led the Tigers with a game-high 16 points and 11 rebounds — his sixth double–double of the season.
Junior Hunter Stanek chipped in 11 points, eight rebounds and four steals, while 6-foot-6 senior Avery Rueckheim added 11 points and four boards.
Junior guard Joey Helgerson, Hillsboro’s second leading scorer, added 10 points, two rebounds and two assists.
“We played good team basketball Friday night,” added Hildreth. “We did a good job playing inside out and passing out of the double teams. It is always nice to have multiple players scoring for us because it spaces the floor and doesn’t allow the defense to key on one player.”
Hillsboro (14–5, 9–2) travels to last-place Brookwood (1–15, 1–10) tonight before hosting Wonewoc–Center (10–8, 6–5). The Tigers will close out the regular season next Thursday at Royall (6–13, 4–7).
Hillsboro is favored to win its three remaining games and should finish the regular season 17–5 overall, but will need lots of help to catch Bangor (11–0 in the SBC) to earn a share of the Scenic Bluffs Conference title.
The WIAA Division 5 boys’ basketball playoffs will begin Tuesday, March 3.
