The Pilots used a balanced scoring attack on Friday night in Hannibal, to pick up a 56-45 win over visiting Shenandoah inside R/L/ Potts gymnasium. The teams played to an 11-11 tie after the first eight minutes, however the Pilots turned up the heat in the second frame and outscored the Zeps 19-11 to go in front 30-22 at the break. Conner Miller hit for 12 first half points and Cam Abbott added eight to spark the Pilots to the halftime lead.

Following the break River added four more to the lead in the third frame outsourcing the visitors 14-10. The fourth quarter was pretty much even and the hosts picked up their record to 10-4 and kept them in the hunt for an OVAC championship game.

The Pilots received 14 points from Miller, while Evan Longwell added 13, including 7-10 from the free throw line. Crestyn Isaly chipped in with 10, including a couple 3-pointers to give the home town boys three in double figures. Abbott ended the night with nine, while shining on defense with three steals. Aiden Milhoan added five markers and played a good floor game, while Ayson McBride had two points and Wyatt Stalder hit a pair of free throws.

Shenandoah had the games top scorer with Barnett getting 16. House added 11 points as did Varhola. The Zeps hit 19 field goals including four 3-pointers and made 6-13 free throws.

River hit 17 shots from the floor including two 3’s and made 19-26 from the charity stripe.