Basketball Recap: Hutson Rowe Leads a Balanced Attack to Beat Escambia

There's no place like home for Gulf Breeze, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Tuesday. They enjoyed a cozy 63-44 win over the Escambia Gators on Thursday. Given the Dolphins' advantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 68th, while the Gators are ranked 496th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Gulf Breeze's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Hutson Rowe, who almost dropped a double-double on 17 points and nine boards. That's the most rebounds Rowe has posted since back in November of 2024. Spencer Smith also deserves some recognition as he posted his first block of the season.

Gulf Breeze was working as a unit and finished the game with 14 assists. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Escambia only posted five assists.

Several Gators players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Roycen Jones, who posted 12 points. Another player making a difference was Hampton Brasfield, who put up ten points.

Gulf Breeze's win bumped their record up to 16-3. As for Escambia, they have also been struggling recently as they've lost eight of their last nine matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 3-12 record this season.

Gulf Breeze wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next game, a 53-35 victory against Pace on the 17th. Escambia has also already played their next contest, a 49-45 win against Pensacola on the 17th.