The Straughn Tigers came tearing into Thursday's game with three straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 30.3 points) and they left with even more momentum. They enjoyed a cozy 36-21 win over Hillcrest. Given Straughn's advantage in MaxPreps' Alabama basketball rankings (they are ranked 133rd, while Hillcrest is ranked 283rd), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Straughn found their leader in underclassman Allyx Williamson, who scored 16 points along with nine rebounds and three steals. Williamson continues to roll, besting her previous point total in each of the last three games she's played.
Hillcrest's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Ashlyn Kiser, who scored eight points along with ten rebounds and four steals. Kiser is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last three games she's played. Another player making a difference was Sonija Evans, who scored a point along with six steals and five rebounds.
Even though they lost, Hillcrest smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 27 offensive rebounds. That's the most offensive rebounds they've managed all season.
Straughn has been performing well recently as they've won six of their last eight games, which provided a nice bump to their 13-6 record this season. As for Hillcrest, they have traveled a rocky road recently, as they've lost three of their last four matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 5-10 record this season.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Straughn won't have much time to rest: their next match is against Georgiana at 5:30 p.m. on January 12th. Georgiana is strutting with some offensive muscle, as they've averaged 52.7 points per game. As for Hillcrest, they will be playing at home against Shields at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.
