The undefeated streak to open the 2018-19 season continues for the Highland men's basketball team as they picked up a pair of wins at the Southeast Community College Holiday Classic over the weekend. The action started on Friday and the Scotties clung to lead late for the 73-71 win over Central CC-Columbus and then topped Southeast CC on Saturday 88-54 to move to 14-0 on the season.

Highland looked to have control of the contest against Central CC on Friday leading by 15 points with 1:55 left in the first half but the lead was cut to nine going into halftime with the Scotties up 42-33. In the second half the lead grew to as high as 19 points but the Scotties saw Central CC chip at the lead and just under five minutes to go the Raiders pulled to within five of the Scotties. Highland clung to a three-point lead with just one minute remaining and the Scotties held off Central CC for the win but making some free throws late winning 73-71.

Despite shooting only 37.9% from the floor the Scotties were able to take advantage of 27 Central CC turnovers (most forced by Scottie defense this season in game) to help guide themselves to the win.

Taiveyhon Mason notched his sixth 20+ point performance this season dropping 23 points on 8-15 shooting and 6-7 from the free throw line, while adding six steals. Tristen Hull added 11 points, five rebounds and four steals, while Rashon Johnson scored nine points.

Highland on Saturday took on Southeast CC for the second time this season this time at their place and while it was tight early the Scotties established a double figure lead as the first half continued and ultimately carried a 38-28 lead into intermission. Scotties opened the second half strong and asserted the dominate roll further and outscored Southeast CC 50-26 in the second half to cruise to the 88-54 win.

Scotties shot 46.6% from the floor while holding Southeast CC to 31.1% from the floor as team and forced 24 Storm turnovers, giving Highland eight games this season where they've forced 20+ turnovers.

Mason again led Highland has he tallied 17 points, adding five steals and three assists, while both Hull and Andre Jackson each added double figures. Hull posted a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Jackson had 12 points with four assists, three rebounds and three steals. Johnson chipped in nine points, seven rebounds and six assists in the win.

UP NEXT
Highland will wrap up the 2018 portion of the schedule coming up next Saturday and Sunday, December 15^th and 16^th competing at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas in a pair of neutral site games. Scotties will play Neosho County CC on Saturday at 2:00pm and then play #2 Southwestern on Sunday at 2:00pm.