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HILLSDALE — Hillsdale Academy used second-chance points and a disciplined defensive effort to hold off Waldron 56-48 in a showdown between SCAA East division title contenders Monday night.
More: Watch Hillsdale boys bowling defeat Onsted, earning season-high scores
The game was rescheduled after a snow day, creating an unusual scenario in which the two teams will play their home-and-home league series just one week apart.
Hillsdale Academy led by double digits at halftime and controlled the glass for much of the night, answering a late push from the Spartans to remain unbeaten in league play. The Colts improved to 14-2 overall and 10-0 in the SCAA East, while Waldron dropped to 12-3 overall and 8-1 in conference action.
“We gave up entirely too many offensive rebounds tonight,” Waldron coach Mark Long said. “That was the difference in the game. Every time we went on a run, they seemed to get extra opportunities at the basket.”
Hillsdale Academy coach Dustin Scharer said his team’s ability to move the ball and play unselfish basketball has been a defining trait throughout the season.
“This team is built around ball movement,” Scharer said. “We always have five guys on the floor who can dribble, pass and push the ball. They pass up good shots for great shots, and that takes unselfishness from the whole group.”
Jack Huffman and Connor Hill led Hillsdale Academy with 20 points apiece. Each also pulled down 13 rebounds as the Colts consistently generated second-chance scoring opportunities.
Huffman continued a strong stretch of play after a 35-point, 30-rebound performance in an overtime win over Mendon last week, a game that potentially placed him in the school record books.
Scharer said defensive effort and rebounding helped his team withstand Waldron’s late surge but noted there are still areas to clean up heading into February.
“We didn’t finish quite the way we wanted to,” Scharer said. “We gave up some extra points and had a few unnecessary turnovers. The energy and effort are always there, and now it’s about cleaning up those little details.”
For Waldron, senior captain Seth Williams finished with 23 points, including 10 from the free-throw line. Younger brother Silas Williams added nine points, and Jayden Justice scored five.
Despite the loss, Long said he felt the game reflected the strength at the top of the SCAA East.
“I thought we both proved tonight that we’re the two best teams in the division,” Long said. “That was a battle and a good basketball game.”
The rematch is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 13, at Waldron. With the teams separated into different MHSAA district brackets, the game could help determine whether the SCAA East title is shared or outright.
“As long as both teams do what they should between now and then, it’s going to mean a lot,” Scharer said. “They’re well coached and they have great players. They’re always going to give us a tough one.”
Following the completion of the league series, both teams will shift their focus to postseason preparation. While they are in separate districts, a potential third meeting could occur if both advance to the regional round.
Hillsdale Academy closes the first week of February with three road games and one home contest before entering the final stretch of the regular season. Waldron will play four games before hosting Hillsdale Academy.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Hillsdale Academy basketball beats Waldron in battle for first
Continue reading...
More: Watch Hillsdale boys bowling defeat Onsted, earning season-high scores
The game was rescheduled after a snow day, creating an unusual scenario in which the two teams will play their home-and-home league series just one week apart.
Hillsdale Academy led by double digits at halftime and controlled the glass for much of the night, answering a late push from the Spartans to remain unbeaten in league play. The Colts improved to 14-2 overall and 10-0 in the SCAA East, while Waldron dropped to 12-3 overall and 8-1 in conference action.
“We gave up entirely too many offensive rebounds tonight,” Waldron coach Mark Long said. “That was the difference in the game. Every time we went on a run, they seemed to get extra opportunities at the basket.”
Hillsdale Academy coach Dustin Scharer said his team’s ability to move the ball and play unselfish basketball has been a defining trait throughout the season.
“This team is built around ball movement,” Scharer said. “We always have five guys on the floor who can dribble, pass and push the ball. They pass up good shots for great shots, and that takes unselfishness from the whole group.”
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Jack Huffman and Connor Hill led Hillsdale Academy with 20 points apiece. Each also pulled down 13 rebounds as the Colts consistently generated second-chance scoring opportunities.
Huffman continued a strong stretch of play after a 35-point, 30-rebound performance in an overtime win over Mendon last week, a game that potentially placed him in the school record books.
Scharer said defensive effort and rebounding helped his team withstand Waldron’s late surge but noted there are still areas to clean up heading into February.
“We didn’t finish quite the way we wanted to,” Scharer said. “We gave up some extra points and had a few unnecessary turnovers. The energy and effort are always there, and now it’s about cleaning up those little details.”
For Waldron, senior captain Seth Williams finished with 23 points, including 10 from the free-throw line. Younger brother Silas Williams added nine points, and Jayden Justice scored five.
Despite the loss, Long said he felt the game reflected the strength at the top of the SCAA East.
“I thought we both proved tonight that we’re the two best teams in the division,” Long said. “That was a battle and a good basketball game.”
The rematch is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 13, at Waldron. With the teams separated into different MHSAA district brackets, the game could help determine whether the SCAA East title is shared or outright.
“As long as both teams do what they should between now and then, it’s going to mean a lot,” Scharer said. “They’re well coached and they have great players. They’re always going to give us a tough one.”
Following the completion of the league series, both teams will shift their focus to postseason preparation. While they are in separate districts, a potential third meeting could occur if both advance to the regional round.
Hillsdale Academy closes the first week of February with three road games and one home contest before entering the final stretch of the regular season. Waldron will play four games before hosting Hillsdale Academy.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Hillsdale Academy basketball beats Waldron in battle for first
Continue reading...
