By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
NIXA, MO – Just three months after suffering a 19-point blowout to Helias Catholic to open the season, Hillcrest returned the favor in the Class 5 quarterfinal round with a 71-57 victory.
After holding down narrow leads throughout the game, the Hornets utilized a 27-point fourth quarter burst to finally break the game open and seal the program’s first final four berth since 2015.
Hillcrest head coach Jordan Fielding discussed his young team’s development and maturity over the course of the season.
“I think our guys just grew up,” Fielding said. “When we played them the first time, we were super young – and we’re still super young – but I think those 30 games helped us grow up between then and now. I think our guys, we learned our identity has to be our defense. We have to play hard; we’ve got to get all the 50/50s and, today, we did that.”
Hillcrest jumped out to an early first quarter lead paced by its dynamic junior duo of Kyrese Simpson and Jayven Jones, who combined for 12 of the Hornets’ 16 points in the period.
Jones provided a critical first half spark at both ends of the court, finishing with 14 points, 7 blocks and a slew of rebounds – many of which were in traffic fighting against two and three opponents for the ball.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
Fielding praised the 6-foot-6 forward for his determination, aggressive play in the paint and for singlehandedly controlling the game at times.
“(Jones) is so capable of doing that,” Fielding said. “It’s unbelievable. Some of the rebounds he can get – when he really wants to do it, nobody can stop him and, tonight, he made it a point that he was going to get every rebound, score around the rim and he was going to play great defense. He’s one of the main reasons we won tonight.”
Simpson led all scorers with 24 points – just one below his season average – while freshman Kaivon Alexander added 14. Freshman Derrick Dailey chipped in 10 points to give Hillcrest a fourth scorer in double figures.
“After that loss (in December), we knew in the locker room that Coach said we would see (Helias) later,” Simpson said. “Coming into this game, we knew that it was going to be a hard one, but we came out as hard as we could to come out on top.”
Hillcrest managed to stretch its lead to as many as eight points in the third quarter; however, Helias came storming back thanks, in part, to senior Logan Hillman.
Hillman, a 6-foot-4 guard, scored 8 of his team-high 14 points in the third period and helped the Crusaders cut the lead to a mere two points late at 46-44; however, that’s as close as Helias would get the rest of the afternoon.
Hillcrest’s defense and transition game came alive in the fourth quarter and helped break the game open with a crucial 13-5 run.
“Players make plays – that’s all I can say,” Fielding said. “I mean, I wish it was some amazing Xs and Os thing, like I’ve got this secret plan. Players make plays – man, that’s it. All my guys, all seven that played tonight, made some type of play to help us win, and I’m just so proud of them.”
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF THE GAME
Simpson, in particular, was masterful down the stretch, pouring in 15 points in the quarter and connecting on 9 of 11 free throws.
“It’s funny,” Fielding said. “I texted all my guys last night and just told (Simpson) I was proud of him and that I loved him, and he texted me back. He said, ‘Hey Coach, I’m going to get this done for you.’ So, you know that was special to me. I knew he wasn’t going to let us lose.”
Want another special fact from the Hornets’ magical final four berth?
The quarterfinal win marked victory No. 100 for Fielding’s career.
As expected, the Hillcrest alum was quick to downplay any individual accolades in favor of his program and its extensive support foundation.
“I’m blessed to be a part of this program,” Fielding said. “I have great coaches around me, great players, great administration, great family, and so it’s definitely 100 wins for all of us … not just me.”
Up next for Hillcrest (21-9) is a March 20 semifinal matchup against MICDS at Columbia’s Mizzou Arena.
CLASS 5 QUARTERFINAL: Hillcrest – 71, Helias Catholic – 57
Helias 12 16 14 15 | 57
Hillcrest 16 16 12 27 | 71
Helias scoring: Logan Hillman 14, Ross Buffington 10, Alexander Woods 10, Beau Blanton 8, Rowen Buffington 5, Bryce Means 5, Daniel Morris 3, Jordan Sykes 2
Hillcrest scoring: Kyrese Simpson 24, Jayven Jones 14, Kaivon Alexander 14, Derrick Dailey 10, Dylan Kirby 5, James Collins 4
