HUTTO – The Hutto Hippos varsity boys basketball team secured its first district win of the season with a commanding 78-50 victory over Manor on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
Senior guard Malachi Hilby led the way with 21 points on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting performance, helping set the tone for an offense that stayed in rhythm from start to finish.
Hutto opened the night with a fast start, outscoring the Mustangs 22-15 in the first quarter behind a transition three-pointer from junior guard Nicholas Valdez.
Manor briefly closed the gap to 22-19 early in the second, but Hilby responded with a timely three to spark another scoring surge.
From there, Valdez and Hilby each knocked down multiple shots from beyond the arc as the Hippos put together a 21-12 run to build a 46-31 halftime lead.
The outside shooting continued to fuel Hutto in the second half. The Hippos poured in 24 third-quarter points while holding Manor to 12, stretching the margin beyond reach.
Hutto closed out the game with steady defensive pressure and disciplined offensive possessions, outscoring the Mustangs 8-7 in the final period.
Senior forward Ronald Willis added 15 points on 4-of-6 shooting, giving the Hippos a strong interior presence to complement their perimeter attack.
Valdez finished with 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting, and Hutto collectively shot 47% from the field and an impressive 40% from threepoint range.
The win moved Hutto to 6-8 overall and 1-1 in district play. The Hippos faced Bowie on Friday and will return to action at home against Austin Navarro on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m.
