The high-scoring Hilltop Cadets rolled into Tinora High School on a cold, snowy evening to face the host Rams, who came in losing seven of their last eight games.

Jarred Neff snagged an offensive rebound and fed a driving Josh Lieb on the opening possession Saturday night. It was a sign of things to come, and the Rams were off and running in the opening quarter vs the Cadets. Lieb would notch seven of his game-high 26 points in the opening stanza as the Rams jumped out to a 16-13 lead after one.

Hilltop came out firing in the second eight-minute session, outscoring the Rams 15-5 in the initial four minutes, taking a 28-21 lead on a deep right corner three-pointer by Bryce Grubbs.
After a timeout by Tinora headman Kris Lymanstall, the game shifted completely in the Rams favor.

The Rams would respond in the final three minutes, outscoring the Cadets 13-2, to take a 34-30 lead to the locker room.

Tinora’s Lieb with an eight-point outburst to close the half for the Rams, he led all scores with 15 first-half points, while the Cadets were led by Grubbs 10 points at intermission.

Tinora was all business in the second half. The Rams continue their hot shooting, taking a 52-38 lead after three quarters. Lieb continued with the hot hand, dumping in nine third-quarter points, while Jared Neff grabbed almost every rebound in sight. The Tinora defense stepped up, holding the high-powered Cadets to just eight points in the quarter.

The fourth quarter was all Tinora’s Grant Lymanstall, as the sophomore caught the hot hand, throwing in 10 of his 16 points. The Rams defense again slowed down the Cadets, limiting them to six points. The Rams finally notched a win, defeating the Hilltop Cadets 74-44.

HILLTOP 13-17-8-6 = 44
TINORA 16-18-18-2 = 74

Hilltop scoring: Grubbs 14, Virdin 8, Bowers 2, Rossman 11, Bailey 6, Dempsey 3

Tinora scoring: Ferrell 3, Schaufele 10, Hancock 3, Neff 5, Lieb 26, Horn 7, Lymanstall 16, Backhaus 4

The Higbea Embroidery Player (s) of the game went to Josh Lieb and Jared Neff. Congratulations, gentlemen.

The Rams 74 points are the most since 71 vs Hicksville on 2/2/2024.

Saturday night scores

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