Holiday Hoops Invitational: Hickman rolls past Alton

When the recording of the National Anthem went out Wednesday, the Hickman girls led the crowd in singing to the song's conclusion.

With that out of the way, the Kewpies got down to business on the basketball court.

Hickman scored the game's first 21 points on its way to a 69-16 win against Alton, Ill., in the opening round of the State Farm Holiday Hoops Invitational at Rackers Fieldhouse.

Hickman led 25-2 after one quarter, then held Alton scoreless in the second quarter on its way to a 39-2 advantage at halftime. It was 59-14 heading into the final period, which was played with a running clock.

Ny'jah White paced the Kewpies with 20 points. Danni Nichols added 13, while Emma Chapman chipped in with 11.

The 16 points set an Invitational record for the fewest in a game. The previous mark of 21 was set by Lebanon last year.

Hickman will face St. Joseph Benton in the semifinals at 7 p.m. today. Alton will take on Helias at 4 p.m.