Hilltoppers finish 6-10 in the DSC

By Kelsie Hoitomt

ELMWOOD — The Glenwood City boys’ basketball team traveled to Elmwood last Friday, February 15 for their last conference game, which they lost 72-58.

The Toppers had one of their strongest first-half performances of the year against the Raiders, who are ranked number two in the Dunn-St.Croix Conference.

The Toppers posted 20 points in the first and second quarters for a 20-16 first quarter lead and a 40-38 lead at halftime.

It was a total team effort in the first quarter with baskets scored from the Hilltoppers. The court was then dominated by Matt Schouten and Tyler Nueske in the second quarter as the pair scored 18 of the team’s 20 points.

The game however quickly changed after the halftime break as the Toppers failed to put down baskets like they had and the lead was lost.

The Raiders posted 17 points in the third quarter for a 55-49 score going into the final eight minutes, but an additional 17 points compared to the Hilltoppers’ nine, further increased their lead and resulted in the victory.

“We got great looks, but shots didn’t fall and we fell behind by six. At the end they hit some free throws as we were trying to get steals. Regardless, I was proud of how we battled one of the best teams in our conference,” said coach Brent Wink.

Schouten was the points leader for the Hilltoppers with 14 from six baskets under the net and two free throws. Nueske led the team in three pointers with two and two deuces for ten points. Nick Mrdutt scored nine, Jake Hierlmeier had eight, Richard Ross had seven, Marcus Kadinger had six and Tyler Johnson had four.

The Toppers played McDonell Central on Tuesday night for the first round of Regionals. The winner of that game advances to play the winner of the Bruce/Gilman game this Friday, February 22.