Not a pretty game but Hiland guts it out. Lots of turnover and lots of foul.

Too many lazy passes resulting in turnovers and easy layups for Malvern.

Everyone's defense last year were set up to focus on containing Kaufman and smothering Boyd outside the arc. Those defenses will continue this year until Hiland's opponents are forced to change them.

Hiland's offense this year I believe is designed to adjust to those defenses. Make opponents pay for keying on Kaufman. That is why you see him working to distribute the ball to others. Make opponents pay for assuming Boyd's threat lies mainly beyond the arc. That is why you see Boyd working in the post. A lot of his points this year are coming in he post. With Bonifant in the line up it makes this adjustment even more potent.

It will take some time for everyone to adjust their roles, but at some point this season Hiland's opponents will have to adjust accordingly and take their focus off of Kaufman and attempt to focus others. Then it will be Kaufman's turn to make them pay.

Oh and Junior if the previous post seems eerily similar to a post on another site by a poster with the same username, just so you know it came form the same person.

Hiland controlled the game, but in the most minimal sense. It was a 5-9 point game most of the way, so Malvern was within striking distance, but it just didn't seem that they would get it even.

Malvern defensed Hiland pretty well, but Hiland defended better, and it was easier for the Hawks because there was really only one guy who could hurt them (Travis T.) Malvern needs someone else to step up and give Travis some help. Maybe Kettering can do that when he gets back.

Coach T's coat came off and was thrown under the bench at 2:33 of the first quarter.

I can just about guarentee playing Hiland/Malvern playing 2 more times, hopefully in the district finals depending on the brackets. I saw Roscrans played and beat Newcomerstown by 10-15 or so Friday night.

This season will be interesting as all the teams progress towards the tourney. This may be one of the best D IV districts in the state this year.

I honestly think Malvern already has a few guys that can help Travis. They just need to get incorporated into the offense.