By Staff
Nick Johnston, Hartselle Enquirer
HUNTSVILLE – Hartselle's slingshot malfunctioned before putting Goliath down for good Saturday night.
The Tigers reached the finals of the SportsMed Shootout only to be beaten by West End of Birmingham 46-42.
West End, playing the role of Goliath, appeared as grown men playing amongst boys. But, appearances do not tell the entire story.
Hartselle hit basket for basket with the Lions throughout the game despite being out-rebounded on the offensive glass 16-3. Many of those offensive rebounds led directly to easy baskets for West End and kept the Lions ahead for the majority.
Yet, with :53 remaining in the contest, the Tigers took a 40-39 lead on a pair of free throws by Keith Rodgers. Seconds later, Tyler Reeves was fouled and he added two more free throws as the Tigers took a 42-39 lead with just :30 remaining.
The Hartselle defense then forced a turnover, prompting many to begin gathering their belongings and head for the exits.
Another West End foul sent Rodgers back to the free throw line, where he was perfect on the night, until…
See RODGERS, B4