The Hutto Hippos boys varsity basketball team went 1-3 in the South San Tournament on Nov. 21-23. The Hippos defeated Hendrickson but lost to Clear Springs, Flower Mound and Sachse.
Hippos vs. Clear Springs
Hutto lost 62-46 to the Mustangs on Nov. 21 as the Hippos' offense struggled without leading scorer, senior guard Cylin Tate. However, fellow senior guard Jacob Bell stepped up offensively, having one of his best games of the season, going 8-for-12 for 21 points. Unfortunately, this was not enough, as Bell was the only player to score in double digits. Junior guard Malachi Hilby had nine points, while junior forward Ronald Willis tallied eight.
Hippos vs. Flower Mound Hutto lost 56-45 to the Jaguars on Nov. 22.
Tate made his return, scoring 12 points on 5-for-13 shooting, and Bell had another impressive performance, matching his 21 points on 7-for-15 shooting.
Despite that, the Hippos struggled from the field, shooting 36%, which ultimately led to another double-digit defeat.
Hippos vs.
Hendrickson
Hutto bounced back with a 42-31 victory over the Hawks on Nov. 22. Despite the offense continuing to struggle, the defense stepped up, allowing its season low in points. Willis led the Hippos in scoring with 11 points on 4-for-9 shooting, while Tate was right behind him with 10 points and accounted for a teamhigh four steals.
Hippos vs. Sachse Hutto ended the tournament on a sour note, losing 53-43 to the Mustangs on Nov. 23.
This time, the defense could not hold up as the offense struggled again, shooting just 30% from the field. Tate had an impressive performance, going 6-for-11 for 19 points. Bell was right behind him with 10 points on 4-for-13 shooting.
The Hippos now fall to 3-6 overall this season as they look to improve heading into district play. Hutto will host Cedar Ridge on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 1 p.m. before traveling to Manor on Tuesday, Dec.
3, at 7 p.m.
