Basketball Game Preview: Yulee Hornets vs. Hilliard Red Flashes

Yulee is 0-10 against Hilliard since January of 2019 but things could change on Friday. The Yulee Hornets will be playing at home against the Hilliard Red Flashes at 6:00 p.m.

Yulee is headed into the matchup out to prove that what happened against Bishop Snyder on Monday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. Yulee was dealt a 66-28 defeat at the hands of Bishop Snyder. While losing is never fun, the Hornets can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 437th, while the Cardinals are ranked 104th).

Despite the loss, Yulee had strong showings from Rheyna Hilton, who posted eight points and five rebounds, and Taylen Washington, who had 13 points.

Meanwhile, Hilliard waltzed into their game on Tuesday with two straight wins... but they left with three. They claimed a resounding 64-27 win over the Bulldogs. The Red Flashes have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won five contests by 31 points or more this season.

Yulee better keep an eye on Alyssa Hallman. She was instrumental in Hilliard's win, dropping a double-double on 16 points and ten boards. Hallman is becoming a predictor of Hilliard's success: when she posts at least eight rebounds the team is 8-1 (and 2-4 when she doesn't). The team also got some help courtesy of Molly Dean, who went 5 of 9 on her way to 12 points and four steals.

Hilliard's victory bumped their record up to 10-5. As for Yulee, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-9.

Yulee lost to Hilliard at home by a decisive 72-53 margin in their previous meeting back in December of 2024. Will Yulee have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.