Defending VISAA Division I State Champion Highland doesn’t have Nate Ament this year, but the Hawks still have a ton of talent. On Sunday afternoon at home against Fairfax Christian, Highland showed what the 2025-2026 team can do, defeating the Cardinals 64-48.
Highland, ranked #4 in our Nova Nineteen poll, has generally had a good season so far, but the Hawks haven’t been at full strength. They’ve battled injuries and illness and in their last meeting with Fairfax Christian on January 13th, fell 66-54.
“We’re at full strength again and our guys are happy to be back playing together,” said Highland Coach Logan Miller. “That was the difference. You saw our energy was extremely high…we’re at full strength, for the first time since the beginning of January.”
Highland’s energy and depth shone through against the #3 Cardinals. Sophomore guard Isaiah Carter, one of the Hawks who has missed games recently, came off the bench to lead the team with 14 points. He had plenty of help as three other Hawks scored in double digits: senior forward Ripp Kodi (12 points); sophomore forward Jayden Banks (12); and junior guard Amani Asare (11).
Eight Hawks scored. Two other Highland players who had missed time recently were solid contributors off the bench as well–sophomore forward Blake Fitzgerald and junior guard Jemal Smith. Fitzgerald had four points in limited action and put home an alley-oop dunk. Smith had a solid all-around game with four points, five boards, and five assists.
“Happy to have them back,” said Miller. “A lot of guys have been catching the flu, a lot of guys in and out of the lineup.”
As a team the Hawks played great defense as well. At halftime Highland led 29-19 after holding Fairfax Christian (23-3) to 26% shooting from the field. The Hawks (16-7) did a great job swarming Fairfax Christian senior star forward Frank Siaca-Bey, holding the Fordham recruit to nine points, well below his average.
With Siaca-Bey in check, Cardinals senior forward Jonathan Jennings stepped up, scoring 12 of his team-high 16 points in the second half. It just wasn’t enough, however. Highland scored 21 third quarter points to take a 50-32 lead after three quarters, essentially clinching the game.
The win showed how good the Hawks can be. They’re not as experienced as last year’s team, but they have more depth and they retain a high ceiling.
“We just got to keep going together, keep finding that chemistry,” said Miller.
“I like where we’re headed.”
–Chris Jollay