The Hilliard Red Flashes are heading to the Final Four! In a nail-biting overtime battle, Hilliard pulled off a 67-64 victory over Fort White in the Elite 8, punching their ticket to the FHSAA State Semifinals.
Hallman Leads the Way
Junior standout Alyssa Hallman had a monster game, leading all scorers with 26 points. The 6-foot playmaker has been dominant all season, averaging 17.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.8 steals per game. Alongside her, Molly Dean added 14 points, while Reah Saunders chipped in 10 to help secure the win.
Red-Hot Red Flashes
Hilliard has been on a roll, winning four straight games and improving their record to 18-8. Under Head Coach Daneisha Alderman, the team has found its rhythm at just the right time. Dean has been a key contributor all year, averaging 11.4 points and 3.9 steals per game, while Hallman continues to be a force on both ends of the court. Saunders is a sensation. Ranked #4 in the nation she is just a 7th grader starting on the high school Final 4 varsity team!
REAH SAUNDERS
— Hilliard Flashes BBall (@Hilliard_Hoops) January 28, 2025
CLASS OF 2030
5’3 POINT GUARD
RANKED #4 NATIONALLY
Coach – Brianti Saunders @flight_24
7TH GRADE STARTING VARSITY
AAU – @EssenceGirlsBB
MID SEASON HIGHLIGHT
6.0 PPG 3.3 Rebs 3.6 Ast 2.2 Stls @Coachheard @COACH_ABE @CoachQswader @goiowa @CoachVic_UT… pic.twitter.com/rzPlDemPvq
This deep playoff run has been fueled by teamwork, strong defense, and clutch performances. Against Madison County they won 65-39 in the Sweet 16. Hallman hung 25 on the Cowgirls. Hilliard faced Lafayette in the first round of the playoffs beating them 68-33. Hallman Alderman and Matos combined for 46 of those points. Now, the Red Flashes are just two wins away from a state championship.
Next Up: Holmes County
Hilliard’s next challenge won’t be easy. They will face Holmes County (25-2) in the Final Four, a team with plenty of firepower. Holmes County is led by Emma Whitaker, who averages 17.5 points per game, along with Bri Adams (13.1 ppg) and Jacee Bowers (12.2 ppg).
It’s shaping up to be a tough matchup, but Hilliard has proven they can compete with anyone. With Hallman leading the charge and a team that refuses to back down, the Red Flashes are ready for the challenge.
The state semifinals are set, and Hilliard is looking to keep their championship dreams alive. The boys have been to Lakeland several times in recent years, but now it’s the girl’s turn. Can they take down Holmes County and move one step closer to bring a much coveted title back to Hilliard and Nassau County?
