The boys basketball teams from Rogers City and Hillman competed in the district final on Friday with the Hurons taking the 64-60 win over the Tigers.

The battle of two teams, who split in the regular season, ended Hillman’s shot at winning a fourth consecutive district title. Throughout the night, Rogers City led and at times would separate from Hillman, but the Tigers continued to claw back cutting it to three points with 20 seconds left.

Hillman was unable to capitalize, ultimately putting Rogers City on the line making one of two shots for the final score of 64-60, giving Rogers City the District Championship.

Hillman stayed in the game throughout the night utilizing the three-point line as the Tigers would hit 12.

Leading the way for Hillman in the scoring column was sophomore Ty Muszynski with 19 points cashing in on six three-pointers, senior Brenden Rouleau added 14 points nailing four three-pointers, and junior Evan Crane rounded out the double-figure scoring with 13. Senior point guard Cuyler Schultz once again led the team in assists with nine.

The Rogers City Hurons demonstrated their balanced attack all night with a good inside/outside presence that made it difficult for the Tigers to defend. Senior big man Jase Wenzel had 19 points and junior wing Jacob Catalano had 19 as well, cashing in on all five of the Hurons three-pointers. Senior Alex Collins rounded out the double-figure scoring for the Hurons with 17.

The loss ended the careers of a great senior group in Hillman. Seniors Brenden Rouleau, Cuyler Schultz, and John Ruthko are all members of three conference championships, two districts, and a regional.

“Unbelievable game with a great environment tonight!” Hillman coach Eric Muszynski said. “Two great teams battled tonight and the game went down to the wire, which is how a championship game should be! Very proud of our effort tonight despite the loss. After replacing three starters from last season and reflecting back to summer basketball when we couldn’t walk and chew gum at the same time, I’m very proud and impressed on how much this team has grown!”

Rogers City will move on to face Harbor Light Christian at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.