Basketball Recap: Huss Takes Loss Despite Strong Efforts from Jaleel Smith and Zaiyir 'Zii' Phillips

Huss fought the good fight in their overtime game against Ashbrook on Friday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They took a 95-89 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Ashbrook Greenwave. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Greenwave this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 73-60 back in January.

Jaleel Smith

Points

02/14/25 vs Ashbrook	26
02/11/25 @ Stuart W. Cramer	27
02/07/25 vs South Point	27
02/04/25 vs Kings Mountain	27
01/31/25 @ Crest	35
+ 6 more games

Despite the defeat, Huss had strong showings from Zaiyir 'Zii' Phillips, who went 8-for-18 on his way to 30 points in addition to five rebounds and three steals, and Jaleel Smith, who posted 26 points along with five boards and three steals. Smith's evening made it 11 games in a row in which he has scored at least 15 points. Antonio Worthy was another key player, going 7-for-13 en route to 15 points.

Even though they lost, Huss smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 17 offensive boards. That's the most offensive rebounds they've posted since back in February of 2024.

Ashbrook's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Issac Byers Jr., who went 9-for-17 to rack up 29 points in addition to eight assists and six boards. That's the most points Byers Jr. has posted since back in December of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Jamari Smith, who went 11-for-22 on his way to 24 points along with six assists and six rebounds.

Huss' loss dropped their record down to 15-7. As for Ashbrook, the victory (which was their third in a row) raised their record to 21-3.

Coming up, Huss will take on Crest in a tournament on Tuesday. Crest knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with 55 points or more in their past 18 contests -- so hopefully Huss likes a good challenge. Ashbrook does not have any more games scheduled as of now.