Hillman High School’s boys basketball team picked up a late non-conference game against Alpena on Monday and lost 71-39.

Alpena led from start to finish, jumping out 27-11 in the first quarter, and holding Hillman to four points in the second, opening up a big 48-15 lead on Hillman at the half.

Alpena generated 26 turnovers in the game and gave Hillman all they could handle.

The leading scorer for Hillman was sophomore Ty Muszynski with nine and senior Brenden Rouleau with eight. Senior Cuyler Schultz led Hillman in rebounds with six and added six assists.

Alpena was led by Eddie Prue with 18, Oliver Duthler with 16, and Connor Cameron with 14 points.

“I’m glad we could pick this game up before Districts,” Hillman coach Eric Muszynski said. “It will help us in the long run. Our program likes playing competitive games when we can but we struggled with Alpena’s size especially on the defensive end. I thought we were out of place defensively but that’s what these games are for.”

“On a side note I want to tip my hat to Alpena’s new coach Evan Neff!,” Muszynski continued. “I think in time he’s going to continue to grow the program and he is a great young up and coming coach!”

ALCONA GIRLS LOSE TO TAWAS

On Monday, the Alcona girls basketball team lost to Tawas, 48-25.

Leading Alcona was Eliyana Grimshaw with 10 points and Hannah Rendenski with seven.

The Tigers will face Whittemore Prescott on Thursday at 6 p.m.

ALCONA BOYS CLINCH BIG DIPPER TITLE

On Tuesday, Alcona topped Tawas 62-31.

Alcona was led by Garrett Somers with 17 points, Evan Borsvold with 14, and Ethan CruzDeVaughn with 10.

“With this win, we officially clinch back to back North Star League Big Dipper Titles,” Alcona coach Alex Cole said. “I could not be more proud of this group of young men. They have worked extremely hard to get to this point and those efforts paid off.”

On Monday, The Alcona boys basketball team lost to Ogemaw 54-44.

Leading the Tigers was Garrett Somers with 16 points.