By Mark Schafer | The News-Review
KEOTA – Every now and then revenge comes around to serve both sides.
That was the case for the Keota Eagles as their boys basketball season ended on the road against Hillcrest Academy in the second round of the class 1A district playoffs.
For Hillcrest Academy it was a bit of revenge as the Eagles had previously bested Hillcrest Academy during the regular season.
Before the Eagles would square off against Hillcrest Academy they were able to start their post season with a first round win at home over Twin Cedars, 78-48.
The Eagles poured on the offense early on in the game. They led 22-15 after the first quarter. Keota would add another 19 points in the second quarter, while holding Twin Cedars to just 12 points.
Offense continued to pour in for the Eagles in the third quarter as they added 23 more points, and held Twin Cedars to just 13 points. By the fourth quarter the Eagles scored just 14 points and they held Twin Cedars to just eight points.
The 30-point first round victory was led by Chase Haifley who poured in 35 points in the victory. He had eight steals, five assists and four rebounds. Jackson Vittetoe had a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists. He also had nine rebounds, three steals and three blocks. Porter Cave added 11 points with two rebounds. Brennan McGuire and Ayden Galindo both finished with six points each. Blake Baker came off the bench to score six points as well.
On Feb. 19 the Eagles fell on the road to Hillcrest Academy, 70-55.
The Eagles held the lead, 22-20 after the first quarter. Hillcrest Academy would double up the Eagles in the second quarter. The Ravens went to halftime with a 40-32 advantage over the Eagles.
Throughout the second half the Ravens continued to pull slightly ahead. The Ravens scored seven more points than Keota in the second half.
Chase Haifley was able to lead his team with 23 total points. He had nine rebounds and five assists. Ayden Galindo had 13 points and eight rebounds. Jackson Vittetoe scored eight points. Brennan McGuire had six points while Porter Cave finished with five points.
Overall, the Eagles finish the season 15-7 overall.
