Hillcrest completes thrilling late fourth-quarter comeback to win Class 5 District 5 championship

Hillcrest rallies from 11-point deficit in the third quarter to defeat Carl Junction 63-61 in the district final

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Hillcrest head coach Jordan Fielding's team overcame a double-digit deficit in the third quarter to defeat Carl Junction 63-61 and win the Class 5 District 6 championship. Led by junior Kyrese Simpson's 24 points, the Hornets rallied in the fourth quarter, sparked by key plays from junior Jayven Jones and freshman Kaivon Alexander, before Simpson hit the game-winning layup in the final seconds.

Why it matters

This victory marks Hillcrest's second district championship in three years, showcasing the team's resilience and ability to make clutch plays when facing adversity. The comeback win also sets up a quarterfinal matchup against Helias Catholic, as the Hornets continue their quest for a state title.

The details

After Carl Junction took a 48-37 lead in the third quarter, Hillcrest mounted a furious rally. Simpson hit a 3-pointer to stop the Bulldogs' run, and Jones made a key block that led to a transition basket to cut the deficit to four. Then freshman Kaivon Alexander hit four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 58-58. With the game on the line, Simpson drove through traffic and scored the game-winning layup in the final seconds.

  • Hillcrest trailed Carl Junction 48-37 midway through the third quarter.
  • Hillcrest rallied in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 58-58 with seconds remaining.

The players

Jordan Fielding

The head coach of the Hillcrest Hornets, who led his team to a thrilling comeback victory in the district championship game.

Kyrese Simpson

A 5-foot-10 junior and all-state honoree who scored a game-high 24 points, including the game-winning layup in the final seconds, to lead Hillcrest's comeback.

Jayven Jones

A 6-foot-6 junior who made several key defensive plays, including a crucial block in the fourth quarter, to help Hillcrest rally.

Kaivon Alexander

A 6-foot-4 freshman who hit four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to tie the game and spark Hillcrest's comeback.

Brody Pant

A 6-foot senior for Carl Junction who scored a team-high 17 points, including 10 in the first half, to help the Bulldogs build their lead.

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What they’re saying

“It really just shows it's not about Xs and Os, sometimes. It's about players making plays, and that's what it was tonight. Kyrese made plays tonight – all my guys made plays tonight at some point to help us win. I'm just really proud of them.”

— Jordan Fielding, Head Coach, Hillcrest Hornets (ozarkssportszone.com)

“I'm just trying to get my team the ball. Coach just said to stay in front of (Pant) and don't let him get deep in the paint. I was just trying to move my feet and play up if he got low. Coach told me I've got to stay in the game, so I've got to be vertical. I saw (the shot) was right there, so I just went for it.”

— Jayven Jones, Junior, Hillcrest Hornets (ozarkssportszone.com)

“We were down, adversity was hitting, but we had to go up. A lot of pressure for me – I ain't gonna lie.”

— Kaivon Alexander, Freshman, Hillcrest Hornets (ozarkssportszone.com)

“I knew I was going to be open at the end of the game if there was nobody at the help. So, I waited it out to see what was going on, I went in and made the play. My first year, we lost in the championship – it was a heartbreaker. Last year we lost in the first round. This year, it means everything.”

— Kyrese Simpson, Junior, Hillcrest Hornets (ozarkssportszone.com)

What’s next

Hillcrest will now prepare for a March 14 quarterfinal matchup against Helias Catholic to be played at Nixa. The 19-10 Crusaders downed Capital City to win the District 5 championship.

The takeaway

Hillcrest's thrilling comeback victory in the district championship game showcases the team's resilience, clutch playmaking, and ability to overcome adversity. This win sets the stage for an exciting quarterfinal matchup as the Hornets continue their pursuit of a state title.