Hillmen survive scare against Nevada Union

Placer High School's boys basketball team survived a scare at home Thursday night, overcoming a slow start to escape with a 51-48 victory over Nevada Union. The Hillmen trailed by 11 after the first quarter before clawing back into the game. Thursday's win followed an upset overtime loss to Roseville on Tuesday, as poor shooting has plagued the Hillmen through the first stretch of Foothill Valley League play. Placer coach Nate Swesey said it was the team's worst shooting performance in recent memory. Kannon Rector led the Hillmen with 14 points, while Max and Joe Manley each scored 12 and Jeremiah Rethi had nine, but the Miners held senior Emmett Rose to four points. Joe Manley led the Hillmen in rebounding with eight. Rethi and Rector grabbed seven and six rebounds and had two assists each. Rector had three steals. The turning point came in the third quarter. Trailing by eight at halftime, Placer outscored Nevada Union 17-8 in the third. While the Hillmen slowed offensively in the fourth quarter, they held the Miners to 14 points in the second half. Mark Williams was the lone Miner in double figures with a game-high 16 points. Isaac DeFeyter and Lucas Frisella each scored nine points. Nevada Union (13-6 overall, 2-1 FVL) had chances down the stretch to tie the score, but Placer's defense held firm. The Hillmen (17-2, 2-1) will visit Twelve Bridges (16-2, 2-0) on Jan. 15 in Lincoln.