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Last second foul wins the game for the Hilltoppers

By Kelsie Hoitomt

GLENWOOD CITY — The Glenwood City boys’ basketball team played quite the nail-biter last Tuesday night against Plum City as they squeaked out a 55-54 victory.

The game looked to be going into overtime with the score knotted at 51’s with a minute of play left. Plum City would however score a triple, but the Hilltoppers brought the ball back to the net for a deuce to put the score at 53-54.

With the clock running down Matt Schouten would draw a foul with just over five seconds left in the game. As the crowd went silent, he made two perfect shots to put the Toppers ahead 55-54.

For the remaining five seconds, the Hilltoppers were all defense as they stayed clear of any fouls and let the clock run out as Plum City attempted a last effort shot from outside the arch.

“I was pleased with our composure at the free throw line at the end of the game. Schouten showed his senior leadership and confidence at the end of the game. Kadinger also did an outstanding job on defense in the second half as well,” shared coach Brent Wink.

The Toppers had a one point lead in the first quarter, but fell apart in the second as they let their lead slip and the score was 25-33 heading into the locker room.

They stepped back onto the court more aggressive in the third quarter and scored 17 points which closed the score gap to 42-43 going into the final quarter and the win.

The Toppers’ leading shooters were Jake Hierlmeier with 13 points from three deuces, one triple and he was four for four at the foul line. Marcus Kadinger had 12 points from four deuces, one triple and he was one for two at the line.

Also scoring for the Toppers were Richard Ross with eight points from four deuces. Nick Mrdutt, Tyler Johnson and Schouten each with five points. Chris Wagner had four points and Tyler Nueske scored three points.

The Blue Devils’ leading scorer was Alex Boyer with 20 points, mostly from outside the arch as he had six triples and one deuce.

As a team, the Hilltoppers were more successful at the foul line as well as they made 10 out of 16 attempts. They allowed for just 10 team fouls as well and Plum City had 12.

“Plum City is extremely young and in the first half we left a couple kids get open shots and they advantage of it. At halftime we made a few changes and the kids came out and got the win,” said Wink.

The Toppers will travel to play the Colfax Vikings, who made an appearance at the state tournament last season, this Thursday, December 20.