ORIGINALLY WRITTEN BY BRIAN HUXMAN
The Hillsboro boys basketball team came out on fire Saturday night, pressing Smoky Valley High School into myriad turnovers and jumping to an early lead. Hillsboro was ahead 11-0 before the Vikings scored.
The Trojans eventually went on to win the game 60-45, but led by almost 30 for most of the second half.
The win gave Hillsboro (7-4) third place in the Trojan Classic tournament.
Grant Brubacher was once again the floor leader for the Trojans, who had to play without leading scorer Tyson Ratzlaff. He was forced to sit out because of a broken foot.
Brubacher scored 18 points, and fellow junior guard Jeremy Loewen added 17, leading Hillsboro to the win.
For a complete game wrap-up and commentary, check the next issue of the Free Press, available online Wednesday or Thursday.
In the championship game, top-seeded Belleville, ranked No. 2 in Class 3A, defeated Inman, ranked No. 1 Class 2A by six points for first place. Larned defeated Douglass for fifth place and Bell Plaine defeated Marion for seventh place.
