The Hutto Hippos boys’ varsity basketball team has started the season 0-3 after losses to the Brentwood Christian Bears, the Centennial Spartans and the Harker Heights Knights.
Hutto vs. Brentwood Christian on Friday, Nov. 8
The Hippos were competitive throughout this matchup, coming up just short in the end, losing 67-60. The Hippos built a 38-34 lead going into the third quarter but could not hold on as the Bears outscored Hutto 18-11 in the third to take a 52-49 lead into the fourth. Despite the effort, the Hippos could not cut into the lead as Brentwood outscored them 15-11 in the fourth. Senior guards Jake Bell and Cylin Tate led Hutto, with Bell scoring 18 points and Tate tallying 16.
Hutto at Centennial on Saturday, Nov. 9 The Hippos lost 67-59 to the Spartans but showed tremendous resilience, as Hutto tried to mount a second-half comeback but fell short. The Hippos were down 39-22 at halftime but managed to cut into the lead with a 19-12 run in the third quarter, making it 51-41 and putting Hutto within striking distance. Ultimately, the Spartans held on to the lead. Junior guard Malachi Hilby and Tate led the charge, with Hilby scoring 13 points and Tate contributing 12.
Hutto at Harker Heights on Tuesday, Nov. 12
The Hippos fell 51-42 to the Knights. This game was a lower-scoring affair, as both defenses were stout throughout. Hutto started fast, taking a 19-13 lead in the second quarter. Harker Heights regained the lead after a 12-5 run, making it 25-24 at halftime.
Hutto took a 36-34 lead into the third quarter, but the Knights would close the game on a 17-6 run. Tate and Hilby once again led the offense, with Tate scoring 13 points and Hilby adding nine.
The Hippos will look for their first win of the season when they host Hendrickson on Friday, Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m., before traveling to take on Copperas Cove on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
