“We executed our game plan beautifully in the first half tonight - did all the things we intended to do,” said Hillcrest Head Coach Ryan Garvin. “After a bit of a tepid start in the second half, we got a series of six stops in a row that really could have given us momentum. Unfortunately, we ended with double-digit turnovers in the second half and never could put a string of stops together again. After being up 44-40 with 6 minutes left, Ashby made some big plays, hit some big shots and we just didn't recover.”

Jaden Norby (17 points, 12 rebounds) and Jacob Cook (14 points, 9 rebounds) led the visiting Arrows, and Torin Olson scored all 15 of his points in the second half.

The Arrows shot 55% (21/38) overall from the field and 67% (8/12) at the free throw line.

“All eight players in the rotation tonight contributed positive plays toward the victory,” stated Ashby Head Coach John Holsten.

Caden Fischer led the Comets with 11 points, all coming in the first half.  He also had 5 rebounds.  Micah Foss finished with 10 points and 2 assists, Sam Brumfield had 9 points, 6 rebounds and 2 dimes, and Zeke Ihrke had a team high 3 assists.

“Our effort and energy was great tonight,” added Coach Garvin. “Fun Friday night of basketball. We were so proud of them tonight. But, credit to this group of guys: they are not about moral victories. They see what they are capable of and the type of team they can be down the stretch. Tonight was a big step toward recognizing that they belong and the types of things they have to do - and not do - to be a great team. We're looking forward to the finish!”

The Arrows won the rebounding battle 30-25 and made 8-of-11 free throws in the game, 7-of-9 in the second half.

Ashby (12-0) will host Battle Lake on Monday, play at Ortonville on Tuesday and close out a 3-game week with a home game against Upsala on Friday night.

Hillcrest (8-4) saw their six game winning streak come to an end with the loss.  The Comets will host Brandon-Evansville on Monday.