COPPERAS COVE — In the middle of a heated 6A-District 12 playoff race, the Hutto High School boys varsity basketball team was able to grind out a huge 55-53 victory on the road over Copperas Cove High School.
The Hippos led 15-13 after the first quarter, had their lead over the Bulldawgs trimmed to 31-30 at halftime, maintained a 45-43 advantage at the end of the third period and held on for the win.
Hutto junior Cylin Tate led the way against Copperas Cove in a double-double effort with a team-high 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field, 15 rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Hippos senior Byron Piper scored in double figures with 11 points on a trio of three-pointers, fellow senior Jacques Calhoun added eight points to go along with five rebounds and junior Jacob Bell had seven points, five assists and three steals in the clutch win.
Hutto (14-14 overall, 5-4 district record) under Head Coach Gant Caraway is currently the No. 3 seed in the standings, is scheduled Feb. 2 to host Bryan High School and will travel Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. to take on district rival Pflugerville Weiss High School.
Hutto High School boys varsity basketball senior Jacques Calhoun drives to the basket for a layup Tuesday, Jan. 30 during the Hippos’ thrilling 55-53 district road win at Copperas Cove High School. Photo by Carson Thornton
