The question hung in the air Saturday night: Would Hillsboro be able to win a third straight game against a quality opponent in a period of five days?
First, on Tuesday night, the Indians defeated the McClain Tigers. Next, HHS (in a rugged match-up), took down the Jackson Ironmen. Then, the Unioto Shermans brought their sparkling record of 12 -- 2 to town.
The Shermans and Indians are very familiar foes. The "U" won both games last year --- the second game during tournament play.....so, Hillsboro had extra incentive to (what they hoped) would be their eleventh win of the year.
The game was, for the most part, a tight contest : HHS leading 14 --13 at the end of the first quarter; Unioto leading 32 -- 31 at halftime. Then, with a Quinton Captain driving a lay in to end the third frame, the Indians grabbed a 46 --44 lead (a lead they would not surrender).
In the deciding fourth stanza Brad Miller scored three down-the-stretch buckets to help pave the way to a very special win (the Indians seventh consecutive). By outscoring the Shermans 23 -- 15 in the telltale fourth period, the Indians secured the outcome of the game by the final score of 69 -- 59.
To make the win more impressive, Unioto, coming into the game, was only allowing only 39 points per game. Miller, with his clutch play and boardwork on the inside, was named the WSRW "player of the game."
HHS also had three other players hit for double figures : Hunter Price with 17; Captain 15; and Ryan Scott with 14. Coach Miles Burton said that, even with such a huge program win, his kids will want to get into the gym (Sunday) and get "some shots in."
Hillsboro moves to 11 -- 2 overall and will return to conference play in the upcoming week (hosting for sure the Miami Trace Panthers next Friday).