(February 27th, 2015) – STRYKER: Doubling up the Panthers’ score in the fourth quarter wasn’t enough to give the junior varsity boys of Hilltop the victory on Friday, February 27.
The Stryker boys held off an anxious Cadet squad 41-38.
With a strong offensive performance in the first quarter, the Panthers laid claim to an early 14-9 lead. Stryker remained in control throughout the second period, putting up 8 points to Hilltop’s 5. That allowed the hometown boys of Stryker to carry a 22-14 advantage into the locker room.
As the third stanza kicked off, the Cadets just couldn’t get their offense started. They managed just 6 points in that span, falling further behind their hosts, who scored 10 points. That gave the Panthers a 12 point lead going into the fourth and final frame.
That’s when the visitors from West Unity elevated their game. Suddenly, their offense was a high octane when, and the scoring came fast and furious. They put up 18 points to close out the contest. Yet Stryker was able to score 9 points to finish the game, just enough to hang on for the 3 point win.
It was Stryker’s Hunter Lilleholm who led all scorers with 16 points. Hilltop freshman Kristian Grapengeter was close behind with 14 points in the loss.