JEWELL – A scintillating shooting performance by Gilbert on Coach Jim Marsh Court here Tuesday night enabled the Tigers to remain alone atop the Heart of Iowa Conference boys’ basketball standings.

Gilbert (12-2, 10-2 HOIC) connected on 67 percent of its shots (34 of 51) and knocked down 74 percent inside the 3-point arc (25 of 34) to hold South Hamilton at bay, 79-68. The Hawks were torched for 30 points in the fourth quarter alone – a number not even their 12 3-pointers could overcome.

“The bottom line of this game was (we) just couldn’t get stops,” South Hamilton head coach Nathan Hill said. “Gilbert did a nice of attacking us throughout the whole game … they shot the ball extremely well and you have to give their kids credit for being able to knock them down.”

Gilbert also played 10 players – nine of them got into the scoring column – and that depth proved to be useful as South Hamilton’s legs became weary over the final 8 minutes of play.

“They blew things open in the fourth quarter,” Hill said. “We got a little tired and then we were trying to play catch up.”

Gilbert owned a slim 33-32 halftime lead. South Hamilton (6-8, 5-6 HOIC) was still within two points, 49-47, heading into the final period.

Ryan Fleener led Gilbert with 18 points. Adam Baker produced 16, Ryan Blum finished with 14 and Steven Lawrence added 10.

Collin Hill again fought through defensive schemes put in place just for him to pour in a game-high 25 points. The Hawks’ 6-foot-5 junior made 9 of 19 shots including both of his 3-point attempts.

Trey Woodall drained four triples and scored 14 points in the loss. Conner Hill chipped in 12 points and two steals, and Marco Balderas registered nine points and seven assists.

Collin Hill also pulled down 11 rebounds.

South Hamilton will go on the road Friday night to face Collin-Maxwell-Baxter and again on Saturday for a non-conference date with South Hardin.