The Hillcrest golf team places first in the Class 3 division at the recent Missouri State Relays.  The team is coached by John Schaefer.

Senior Taylor Parham set the career scoring record for Hillcrest girls basketball on Thursday, February 17.

Parham drilled a three-pointer early in the first quarter to set the new mark. The game was interrupted briefly for a ceremony that featured congratulations from teammates, and a bouquet of flowers and a game ball, presented by Coach Jeni Hopkins.

Reflecting on the moment a day later, Parham said, “I was kind of relieved to have it over.”

The Union Wildcats pulled away in the fourth quarter to defeat the Hillcrest Hornets 35-7, advancing in the state playoffs to face Webb City next week.

The Hornets simply made too many mistakes, according to Coach John Beckham, to beat a team like Union, which is now 11-1 on the season.  There were four interceptions and numerous dropped passes and penalties that prevented Hillcrest from every taking the lead, despite remaining close, down only 14-7 after three quarters.

Hillcrest finished 7-5 on the season, and advanced past districts for the second consecutive year, a first for the program.

A pep rally Monday afternoon before the Union game helped fire up fans.  The video above, produced by members of the HTV staff, helped set the tone. The song was produced by Keith Reynolds and performed by Brad Thomas.

The Hillcrest Hornets erased a 21-0 deficit and went on to win 49-28 over the St. Clair Bulldogs on November 3 at Shumate Stadium.

It was the first post-season football game hosted by HHS.  Matt Futrell, Dorial Green-Beckham, Jeremy Coleman and Luke Thompson made the big plays to lead the 7-4 Hornets past the visiting ‘Dogs.

Next up for Hillcrest, another home playoff game against Union.  See photos below from the St. Clair game, provided by HHS parent (and alum) Brenda Putman.

As the school year comes to a close, seniors are making final decisions on what path they will take after high school. This Spring, four Hornets decided to move on to collegiate sports. Michael Freeman, Sari Higgins, Bailey Irvine, and Olivia Tinkler all signed this past month with their respective schools to play their respective sports.

Freeman, a four year soccer letterman, signed his letter of intent to play for Coach Dan Schmidlin at Central Methodist University. “It feels great to have the opportunity to continue playing the sport I love while getting an education,” said Freeman.

Irvine, who received All-State honors this year in basketball, committed to spending the next two years of her life at Northern Arkansas College, to play for a team that made it to the Elite Eight in the National Tournament just two years ago. “I’m so excited. I’ve worked so hard to get where I am now, and I’m so thankful to see that it has all paid off,” said Irvine.

Tinkler, who led the Lady Hornet golf team to State three years in a row, was left with the easy decision to go and play for her mom at Drury University. “It’s going to take a lot of hard work on my part, but I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I can’t wait to further my success in my golf career,” said Tinkler.

Higgins, who made it to State in every cross country season since her sophomore year, is going to Drury University along with fellow Hornet, Tinkler. “I can’t wait to run for the Lady Panthers. My time here at Hillcrest was great, and I’m so ready to continue at the next level,” said Higgins.

The Hillcrest Hornets’ return to the final four brings back fond memories for Karen Fielding.

A long-time faculty member, and a graduate of Hillcrest, Fielding visited the HTV studio to reminisce about the 1984 Hornets, who won the school’s only state championship.

HHS plays in the state semi-finals Thursday night. A victory puts the Hornets in the championship game Saturday.

(archived from March 9, 2010)

The 2010 state championship game will live on in the collective memories of players, coaches, and fans.

The highlights are many (see video clip at left), but the fourth quarter rally by the Hornets, who trailed the Oakville Tigers by six with just over four minutes to go, has already become a north side legend.

Coach John Schaefer’s team rode the hot hand of sophomore Dorial Green down the stretch as he scored eight consecutive points. Green, who finished with 21 points, and seniors Trey Starks (22) and Taylor Sade (11) were the only Hillcrest players to score, but that was enough.

The 54-49 victory brought HHS its first state championship since 1984. That team overcame a fourth quarter deficit to knock off St. Louis Vashon by one.

The student body got a chance to welcome home the reigning state champions on Tuesday.

A 35-minute assembly featuring a rousing slam-dunk contest gave fans a chance to congratulate the team and cheer for them one last time.

Senior Kendra Edmonds said, “It was a good way to end the season, knowing we had come that far, and getting to come together and celebrate it as a school.”

The assembly featured introductions of the players, and three of them spoke to the audience.

“We’re thankful for all the fans who came out and supported us all year,” said senior Taylor Sade. Read the rest of this entry »

When you have a great year, the honors will follow.

Senior basketballer Taylor Sade found out on Monday when he was named the Springfield Tip-Off Club’s 2009-2010 “Senior Most Valuable Player.”

The Hornets are the top seed in their district, the Ozark Conference champions, and currently stand 19-7 overall.

Sade has been a solid performer all year, leading the Hornets in points scored. This is his first year as a starter, and teammates say he has made the most of it.

“Taylor is solid and he really has shown a lot of leadership,” said guard Byron Williams.

The Tip-Off Club meets on Mondays during basketball season as coaches gather to discuss the teams with fans and the media.