Sports

Carmen Erickson’s beyond half court heave at the buzzer went in giving the Hillsboro Lady Tigers all the momentum into halftime and they road that wave to a 45-36 victory over Royall in a WIAA D5 Regional quarterfinal game Tuesday night.  Hillsboro had a slow offensive first half but was lifted by Erickson who scored 15 of Hillsboro’s 21 points at the break.  Royall led most of the first half but a three pointer by Michelle Hora and Erickson’s heave gave the Tigers a 21-16 halftime lead and they extended their lead to 15 points in the 2^nd half.  Royall was able to chip away and cut the deficit down to 5points but they would get no closer.  Erickson had a game high 19points for the Tigers while Bria Gruen led Royall with 15.  Hillsboro improves to 17-8 on their season and will travel to Eleva-Strum Friday night for a regional semi-final matchup.  Royall’s season ends with a 10-15 record.

The Royall Panthers won their 2^nd straight outright conference championship defeating Hillsboro 52-29 Monday night.  Royall finishes their regular season undefeated at 24-0 overall and 14-0 in the Scenic Bluffs Conference.  Royall used a strong defensive effort holding Hillsboro to just 11 first half points and held Hillsboro’s top scorer Miles Ravenscroft to just 4points.  Royall was led by Carter Uppena who had a game high 21points, Landon Lipke added 13points.  Hillsboro got 9 points from both Zack Morren and Jerry Von Falkenstein.  Hillsboro drops to 17-6 overall and will finish the conference season with a 12-2 record.  Hillsboro will travel to North Crawford on Thursday to wrap up their regular season.  Royall will host Brookwood in a regional quarter-final game next Tuesday.