After trailing early against Hillcrest, the Century Diamondbacks clawed their way back in the third quarter and got within six points, 44-38, thanks to a scoring frenzy from junior post Alex Ruffridge.

    The Knights’ next shot was a dagger, and also a microcosm of the entire evening, as Blake Phippen nailed a 3-pointer that started a 15-0 run and ended any hope of a Century comeback. Hillcrest went on to win 71-51.

    “That third quarter, we got within (six), and they came back and answered,” said Century head coach Cody Shelley. “We know they’re a good shooting team and we knew it would be a tough battle tonight.”

    The Diamondbacks’ size was countered by Hillcrest’s impressive shooting touch from its shorter players. As a team, the Knights shot almost 48 percent for the game.

    “They’re not the perfect matchup for us with five guys that can play everywhere,” Shelley said. “They’re a senior-laden team. There is a reason they were 4-1 coming in.”

    “One of the things I talked to (my players) about is the field goal percentage,” he said. “We have to work on having teams shoot closer to 40 than 50. They were shooting layups and threes. That’s what they’re good at and that’s what they do.”

    Hillcrest led 19-11 at the end of the first quarter after both teams exchanged baskets in the early going. Century’s 8-6 lead halfway through was the last it would have on the night.

    The Knights stifled all Diamondback rallies as the game progressed, and Century began to tire.

    “We had a disappointing loss last night against Rigby and we were flat tonight,” Shelley said. “Three games this week and then the loss, there were plenty of excuses. But I’m not going to tell them any of that. You’re doing something with your friends, what else could you want?”

    Sophomore Malek Harwell led Century in the loss with 24 points. Ruffridge added eight.

    “There were some bright spots. Alex Ruffridge played well,” Shelley said. “I thought Wyatt (Holt) was aggressive tonight and Malek is always consistent and solid. We have to play a little more inspired basketball on defense.”

    Jaden Hunsaker scored 17 points for Hillcrest and hit a trio of 3-pointers. Tanner Austin had 14, Blake Phippen had 12 and Tyson McDonald had 10.

    Century (1-5, 0-1 4A Fifth/Sixth District) will play twice before the holiday, and Shelley hopes to rectify the intensity and direction of his team during that time.

    “We have two games before Christmas break and we set a goal to have a good week,” he said.

    The Diamondbacks travel to Preston on Wednesday and will host Burley on Friday. Both games begin at 7:30 p.m.