Basketball Recap: Dynamic Duo of Alyssa Hallman and Reah Saunders Lead Hilliard to Victory

Hilliard won the last time they faced Fort White and things went their way on Friday too. The Hilliard Red Flashes took down the Fort White Indians 53-38. The win was all the more spectacular given the Red Flashes' disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 217th, while the Indians are ranked 97th).

Leading Hilliard to victory were Reah Saunders and Alyssa Hallman. Saunders went 5 of 11 on her way to 13 points in addition to six assists and three steals, while Hallman dropped a double-double on 12 points and 13 boards. Hallman is becoming a predictor of Hilliard's success: when she posts at least ten boards the team is 7-2 (and 1-3 when she doesn't). The team also got some help courtesy of Charlee Matos, who posted eight points and three steals.

Hilliard smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 16 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 15 offensive rebounds in four consecutive games.

When it comes to explaining why Fort White lost, don't look at Isreal Hart. Despite the final result, she had 22 points and three steals. Hart has been hot, having posted three or more steals the last five times she's played. Another player making a difference was Ya'Zuri Hollie, who posted 11 points and three blocks.

Red Flashes

Previous 5 Games (Away)

01/10/25 @ Fort White	53-38
12/18/24 @ Suwannee	54-17
01/26/24 @ Hamilton County	51-22
01/18/24 @ Yulee	62-28
01/12/24 @ West Nassau	55-28

Hilliard's victory was their fifth straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 8-5. Those victories came thanks to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 26.6 points per game. As for Fort White, their loss dropped their record down to 9-4.

Hilliard will host Fernandina Beach at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Hilliard is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 51.6 points per game this season. As for Fort White, they will head out to take on Baker County at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Baker County will roll in looking for their ninth straight win, something Fort White surely won't give up without a fight.