Hillman and Alcona were very familiar opponents entering the night.

The teams have already split the series 1-1 this season.

Despite coming off a recent win against Alcona, Hillman ultimately fell by a final score of 39-34, meaning Alcona will move on to face Mio in the district championship tonight.

The final game will still be hosted in Hillman, and the winner will be crowned the winner of District 105.

Courtesy Photo Autumn Lis (40) stands at the free throw line, ready to take the shot on Wednesday night in Hillman in the district playoff game against Alcona. Alcona ultimately took the win on the night with a final score of 39-34, officially moving them forward to play in the district championship on Friday against Mio.

While Hillman had its chances throughout the game, Alcona got off to an early start due to its production beyond the arc.

Alcona sunk a pair of three-pointers to begin the game, taking a 6-0 lead.

Hillman swiftly returned the attack, scoring six of its points, but by the end of the first quarter, Alcona was out in front 13-8.

Although Alcona was leading, Hillman kept fighting back for the remainder of the first half.

Bringing the game back to a one-score game was vital, as for the majority of the second, Hillman was down just two points.

Courtesy Photo Elise Flaugher (21) dribbles the ball looking for an open teammate to pass to on Wednesday night in Hillman. Alcona defeated Hillman, 39-34, sending Alcona forward to the district championship on Friday against Mio.

Once again, Hillman finished with an eight-point effort offensively, unable to figure out an answer to Alcona’s defense.

Oppositely, Alcona added on six points, plenty to keep up with Hillman’s slow-moving offense.

Heading into the half, Alcona held a 19-16 lead on the road.

Kicking the game back off in the third quarter, Alcona appeared lost, and Hillman took full advantage of the offensive deficiencies.

Hillman snatched a 22-19 lead for the first time all game and extended it to 27-20 near the end of the quarter.

Courtesy Photo Alcona’s Emma Travis (10), left, and Hillman’s Saige Flaugher (12) play in Wednesday night’s game in Hillman. Both girls led their respective teams with Travis ending the night with 16 points and Flaugher with 13 points on the night. Alcona ultimately took the win on the night with a final score of 39-34, officially moving them forward to play in the district championship on Friday against Mio.

This massive run by Hillman completely switched the momentum going into the game’s final quarter.

With a 27-23 lead, Hillman’s intensity needed to stay on track enough to hold the lead for the remaining eight minutes.

Even though that was the expectation, Alcona picked up from its first-half scoring and stole the lead right back.

A significant 8-0 run from Alcona entirely deflated Hillman, and just like before, the momentum rolled over completely.

Now, up 31-27 with just under five minutes left, Alcona needed to survive to the finish line.

This late-game run proved enough to complete the comeback, and soon enough, the Alcona Tigers had knocked off the Hillman Tigers by a final of 39-34.

Alcona plays Mio today in the district championship.

Leading Alcona was Emma Travis with 16 points. Not far behind was Sage Gauthier with 10 points.

Saige Flaugher led Hillman, finishing the night with 13 points.