It was a good run, but the Hillcrest Jaguars unfortunately witnessed the end of their six-game winning streak on Saturday. They opened the new year with a less-than-successful 52-44 defeat to Jackson. Hillcrest found out winning isn't easy when you're outrebounded 10 to 3 on offense.
When it comes to explaining why Hillcrest lost, one person who can't be blamed is Robert Simpson. Despite the final result, he dropped a double-double on 21 points and 15 rebounds. Jermonte Stallworth was another key contributor, scoring 13 points.
Jackson's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Micah Caster, who scored 24 points. The game was Caster's 15th in a row with at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of Keeyun Chapman, who dropped a double-double on 11 points and ten rebounds.
Hillcrest's loss ended a 11-game streak of away wins dating back to last season and brought them to 15-4. As for Jackson, their win was their 19th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 13-2.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Hillcrest will take on W.S. Neal at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. W.S. Neal will have to bring their A-game into this one, as they are staring down a pretty big deficit in the MaxPreps Alabama Rankings (they are ranked 344th, while Hillcrest is ranked 59th). As for Jackson, they have the luxury of staying home another game and will welcome T.R. Miller at 7:30 p.m. on January 9th.
