Basketball Recap: Noah Hillaker's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Intermountain Christian over Vanguard Academy

Intermountain Christian was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They were four points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 58-54 heartbreaker at the hands of the Vanguard Academy Knights. Sadly, that's the third time they've come up short against the Lions this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 64-54 last Tuesday.

Intermountain Christian's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Noah Hillaker, who dropped a double-double on 27 points and 12 boards. What's more, Hillaker also racked up three assists, the most he's had since back in February of 2024. Knox Westenskow was another key player, putting up 14 points and three steals.

Even though they lost, Intermountain Christian was working as a unit and finished the game with 16 assists. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Vanguard Academy only racked up five assists.

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Vanguard Academy to victory, but perhaps none more so than James O'Brien, who dropped a double-double on 20 points and 12 rebounds. O'Brien is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in the last four games he's played. Another player making a difference was Nathaniel Peterson, who almost dropped a double-double on nine points and 17 boards.

Intermountain Christian's loss dropped their record down to 3-12. As for Vanguard Academy, the victory got them back to even at 4-4.

Intermountain Christian won't have much time to rest: their next matchup is against Merit Preparatory Academy at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Merit Preparatory Academy will roll in looking for their 11th straight win, something Intermountain Christian surely won't give up without a fight. As for Vanguard Academy, they will also get right back to it: they'll square off against Utah Military Academy - Camp Williams at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Vanguard Academy is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 55.8 points per game this season.