The Hutto Hippos varsity boys’ basketball team snapped a four-game district losing streak with a 60-52 victory over the Vista Ridge Rangers on Tuesday, Jan. 7.
Hutto struggled early, trailing 14-8 at the end of the first quarter and falling behind 21-12 midway through the second. However, senior guard Jacob Bell drained a three-pointer to spark a rally, with junior forward Ronald Willis and senior guard Cylin Tate contributing key baskets to cut the deficit to 23-20. Senior guard Landyn Rosow capped the comeback with a threepointer as the Hippos faced a 25-23 deficit at halftime.
The Hippos carried the momentum into the third quarter, quickly taking a 27-25 lead on back-to-back baskets from Bell and senior guard Jayden James. Junior guard Brian Caldwell extended the advantage with five straight points, making it 34-27.
Although Vista Ridge regained the lead at 35-34, junior guard Malachi Hilby responded with two clutch three-pointers to put Hutto back in front, 40-35.
The Rangers tied the game again at 43-43, but the Hippos closed strong, finishing on a 17-9 run to seal the win. Hutto’s depth played a pivotal role, as 13 players saw at least six minutes of action. Bell led the team with 14 points on 4-of-9 shooting, while Hilby and Caldwell each added 11 points.
Although typical leading scorer Tate was limited to just seven points, the Hippos leaned on key contributions from the supporting cast.
Hutto will look to build on this victory when it hosts McNeil on Friday, Jan. 10, before traveling to face Cedar Ridge on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m.
Hutto Hippos senior guard Jacob Bell looks to score versus Vista Ridge on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Photo by Tim Walter
