The Hillman boys’ varsity basketball team improved to 8-1 for the season and 4-0 in the North Star League to remain in first place in the division after a 61-26 victory over visiting Mio.

Hillman jumped out to a 12-0 lead after the first quarter, and defense would remain key for the Tigers as they would hold Mio to three points in the third quarter, cruising to the victory.

Hillman coach Erric Muszynski was pleased with his team’s defensive effort.

“I really like where we are at defensively. I feel like we really stepped up after our loss to Rogers City and adjusted well and fixed our issues from the game, so I’m happy with the guys in that aspect,” Muszynski said. “Mio is well coached, and that was a nice win.”

Junior big man Eddie Prue led the Tigers, scoring a career high 22 points.

Guards Ty Muszynski and Aedan Tucker would add nine points, and senior captain Evan Crane would continue to fill the stat sheet, adding eight points, seven rebounds, and four steals.

The leading scorer for Mio was Ty McGregor with 15 points.

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