Hillcrest turned a one point halftime lead into ten heading into the fourth quarter and held on as the Hornets grabbed a 60-57 win over Notre Dame Cape Girardeau in the first Boys Class 4 semifinal game, Thursday afternoon at Mizzou Arena.
Notre Dame made a run in the final three minutes, getting it to 54-50 with just over a minute to play, but Lavell Hale completed a three-point play and the Hornets made two more free throws to extend the lead to nine with under a minute to play.
ND’s leading scorer Quinn Poythress scored an uncontested layup, then tipped the inbounds pass to himself for another quick bucket to pull them back to 59-55 with 10.5 seconds remaining, but Hillcrest made one of two free throws and ND made a basket at the buzzer.
Hillcrest was led by their lone senior Brady Petry, who was able to break Notre Dame’s press all game. The rest of the inexperienced Hornets’ squad stepped up to make plays when they needed. Notre Dame coach Paul Unterreiner said Petry and Hillcrest are on quite a roll.
Hillcrest has won six in row improving their record to 19-12. Notre Dame sits at 26-5. They’re leading scorer Quinn Poythress, held to 13 points on 5 of 13 shooting said this senior laden team wants to finish on a high note and will be ready to go in the third place game on Friday.
Hillcrest senior Brady Petry