Kasey Hill helps Montverde stay unbeaten

Nearly a year ago, Class of 2013 point guard Kasey Hill committed to the Florida Gators. And after signing his letter of intent back in November, the 6-foot-1, 170-pound guard has helped lead Montverde Academy to a 12-0 record.

On Thursday, Hill was instrumental in the Eagles’ 98-78 victory over Ensworth (Tenn.). The Eustis, Fla., native had nine points, seven assists and three steals. Despite the 20-point win, Hill said he thought his team came out flat in the first half before pulling away in the second half.

“It was a bad game for us. We were definitely embarrassed a little bit [in the first half],” Hill said. “We’ll be fine. We’ll be ready to play tomorrow.”

Hill struggled in the first half, only scoring three points, but he had a few highlight plays in the second half, including a quick crossover along the baseline and dunk to finish off the play.

With the win, Montverde holds on to their number one national ranking. While being considered the best high school team in the country is exciting, Hill believes it definitely adds a little more pressure to their games.

“Yeah there’s always going to be pressure on us, but it’s a good kind of pressure. We like it,” Hill said. “We just have to sustain, keep playing hard and keep playing defense and we’ll be fine.”

As one of Florida’s two signees in the 2013 class, Hill still keeps in constant contact with the coaching staff and has developed a close relationship with UF assistant coach Matt McCall, who was in attendance for the game.

“I talk to the coaches all the time, especially Coach Matt,” Hill said.

Hill appreciates the support he’s been given by the coaching staff and said he likes seeing McCall at his games.

“It’s an assurance of their support. It’s fun,” he said.

Although Montverde’s traveling schedule has kept Hill from watching Florida’s last four games, he said he’s impressed with how they’re playing so far this season.

“I think they’re playing well. They got caught slipping twice, but they’ll be fine,” Hill said.

With his recruiting behind him and his senior season halfway finished, Hill is focused on the season, but is anxiously waiting for the next stage of his career.

“It’s exciting [to think of how close I am to college],” he said. “I think about it all the time. It’s still a little while away, but I’m definitely ready to go to college. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans.”

Along with Hill, forward Chris Walker (Holmes County/Bonifay, Fla.) is also on his way to Gainesville as a part of the 2013 class. Hill said he and his AAU teammate have big plans for their time together at Florida.

“Chris and I just have to go in and work hard and it’ll go from there,” Hill said.

Hill and his Montverde squad will take on Orlando Christian Prep on Dec. 28 as a part of their holiday tournament.

drewlaing
Drew is a senior at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala. When not at school, Drew resides in Lakeland, Fla. Ever since working on his high school yearbook, Drew has had an interest in pursuing a journalism career after college. In addition to being Editor-in-Chief of his school newspaper, The Samford Crimson, Drew has also been with Gator Country as an intern for one year. He enjoys the finer things in life like Tampa Bay Rays baseball and always making sure to make fun of the Atlanta Braves to Andrew Spivey’s face.