Saniyah Hall scored a game-high 20 points as the Montverde Academy girls' basketball national team dominated Dr. Phillips, cruising to a 71-43 win at the Nest on Wednesday evening.

With this win, MVA continues to build momentum as one of the top high school teams in the nation. The Eagles improved to 5-0.

"We started off a bit rough," Hall said after the game. "We came in, we wanted high intensity, high energy. That was the plan throughout the whole game, but we started off a little chippy. In the end, we pulled through." 

Head Coach Matt Shewmake noted that the team was shaking off some rust from a long break but applauded their performance in the second half.

"Well, we hadn't played since before the break. This is our first game back. So, you know, we had a little first-half rust, and had to knock that off. Then we were able to jump in and have a really big third quarter and second half," Shewmake said. 

The Eagles jumped out to a 19-14 lead after the first quarter, with points from Holland Harris and Aaliyah Crump, who each hit three-pointers early in the game. Saniyah Hall added five points, including a three-pointer, to help establish MVA's rhythm.  

MVA extended its lead in the second quarter with contributions from Amaia Jackson, who hit two three-pointers, and Lourdes Da Silva Costa, who added four points. At halftime, the Eagles led comfortably, 33-22. 

Coming out of halftime, the Eagles took full control, scoring in 24 points in the third quarter, while holding off Dr. Phillips to just nine. Hall continued her amazing performance, scoring seven points in the quarter, while Aaliyah Crump and Bailey Breen added key baskets. Amaia Jackson and Lourdes Da Silva Costa also racked up some points, extending the lead to 57-31 after three quarters. 

"During halftime, we were talking in the locker room and we were just saying we just got to get it together" Hall explained. "The coaches were trying to boost up our energy, but we came out with a different mindset and we just gave it our all." 

Coming out of halftime, the Eagles took full control, pouring in 24 points in the third quarter while holding Dr. Phillips to just nine. Saniyah Hall continued her dominant play, scoring seven points in the quarter, while Aaliyah Crump and Bailey Breen added key baskets.  

"This is who we're supposed to be," Shewmake said "You know, we were in the moment and just seized it. Played fast, had great pace, moved the ball, shared the ball. You know, what special teams do." 

The Eagles kept their momentum in the final period, with Crump, Hall, and Missy Odom scoring points. Bailey Breen and Amaia Jackson added two points each, and MVA pushed the lead to 30 with two minutes left in the game. 

Key Performers 

• #2 Saniyah Hall: 20 points, leading the offense with consistent scoring throughout the game. 

• #23 Aaliyah Crump: 15 points, making an impact in every quarter. 

• #5 Amaia Jackson: 11 points, highlighted by three three-pointers. 

• #0 Holland Harris: 8 points, including an early three to set the pace.