The struggles for the Fighting Scots (1-9, 0-6) continued with losses to Clear Fork (5-5, 2-3) and Crestview (10-0, 5-0) last week, making it six straight defeats for the Highland boys’ basketball team.
“We have an inexperienced varsity squad with minimal playing time at the varsity level,” said Coach Ryan Stover. “Our schedule has been very tough to say the least with only playing 2 teams with a losing record. The guys continue to grind and play physical defense as we look to improve our offense.”
On Jan. 4 Highland took on Clear Fork in a road conference matchup and fell 53-44 despite an 18 point performance for Toby Rogers.
The Fighting Scots went up 15-12 in the first quarter, led by Rogers with eight points including a pair of threes. They sputtered in the second quarter and were outscored 10-5 to make it 25-22 Clear Fork lead at halftime. Rogers had 12 points at halftime.
In the third quarter both teams scored 15 points, with JaMetrius Wilson hitting a pair of threes to lead the Fighting Scots. Rogers had a three, Cooper Young scored four points and Ranger Steck had a bucket. The Colts outscored Highland 16-9 in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
“We had some unforced turnovers down the stretch and couldn't capitalize on the offensive end, which led to fouls shots for clear fork,” said Coach Stover.
On Jan. 6, Rogers had another terrific scoring output with 29 points including five makes from downtown, but the Fighting Scots lost 58-48 at home.
“Toby's hard work is paying off with his scoring,” said Coach Stover. “Our guys are trying to get him open and he is knocking down shots with confidence. Toby is also doing it on the defensive end as well. He is a very solid slow and steady player who keeps getting better each night out.”
Highland was outscored 12-7 to start the game, and 14-6 in the second quarter to make it a 26-13 lead in favor of Crestview. Crestview had a 15-13 third quarter advantage, and while the Fighting Scots had a 22-17 fourth quarter, the cougars were able to hold on for a 10-point win.
Rogers had 29 points, with 26 of them coming in the second half. He had an amazing fourth quarter with 18 points including three from deep. On the season, Rogers leads the team with 13.6 points per game, and is 24-for-60 for threes. He is also second on the team in boards with 4.3 per game.
Aron West scored nine points, Dane Nauman had seven points and Young had two points.
“Crestview is a very solid team that is still undefeated,” said Coach Stover. “Our physicality kept us in the game with our inability to score in the first half with solid defense. Our defense was very physical in the fourth quarter that produced turnovers for Crestview and missed shots, we were able to come down and score with Toby Rogers able to connect on three threes in the quarter, and getting to the rim and finishing. We played very good team basketball and we're just trying to find a groove on offense. Every game we continue to get better and better and one day it will click for us.”
