(December 6th, 2014) – PIONEER: In the first game of their junior high careers, the seventh grade boys of North Central and Hilltop squared off in the Eagles’ own nest. Both teams played hard in what amounted to a fairly competitive contest.
However, a huge offensive burst in the second quarter allowed the Eagles to soar over the Cadets, 28-19.
Each side began the game with nerves dictating their play, which led to a 5-4 score at the conclusion of the opening period, with Hilltop holding the early lead. North Central went on to score 11 points in the second quarter, only allowing the Hilltop offense 3 points in that same span. This gave the boys from Pioneer a 15-8 advantage at the half.
The Cadet boys put out a strong offering in the third stanza to get themselves back into the game. Earning 7 points in the period to the Eagles’ 3, Hilltop found themselves down just 20-15 heading into the fourth and final period of play. North Central wouldn’t give them the chance to finish the comeback, though, as they outscored the Cadets 8-4 down the stretch.
An 11 point effort by Jack Bailey played a pivotal role in the Eagle victory. Levi Williams put up 7 points of his own. Five other Eagle players, including Manuel Cruz, Jay Garrett, Justin Vassar, Landon Patten, and Alex Lehsten each added 2 points to North Central’s total.