By Staff
Justin Schuver, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle boys 41, Cullman boys 38
The Tigers used a suffocating defense and hit some big shots down the stretch to complete the sweep of Cullman Friday evening at the Pettey Center. In addition to picking up its third area win of the season, Hartselle (8-5, 3-1 in Area 13) also vanquished a foe that won the first match-up at Cullman by the score of 60-39 on Nov. 30.
"I think the big thing for us was that Cullman didn't do anything in the game that we hadn't practiced," Hartselle coach Johnny Berry said. "These kids watched a lot of film to prepare for this game and our defensive coaches Keith Wright and Gary Orr did a fantastic job."
Early in the game, things looked bleak for the home team as Hartselle fell behind 17-8 with 4:50 left in the second quarter. Berry called a timeout and his team responded to close out the first half on an 8-1 run, bringing the crowd back into the game and going into halftime with momentum.
"Our young guys off the bench really gave us some energy in that first half," Berry said. "We had a spirited discussion at halftime and came out ready to play in the second half."
Cullman maintained its lead for most of the third quarter before senior Ryne Lindsey hit a long jumpshot to put Hartselle up 21-20 and give the Tigers their first lead of the game with 5:40 left in the third.
The Tigers stretched that lead to 27-21 with two minutes left in the third but Cullman battled back and Hartselle led 29-26 after three quarters. It was touch-and-go the rest of the way, with the lead switching sides five times in the fourth quarter.
Cullman's Jacob Lovetto hit a lay-up to put the Bearcats up 38-36 with 2:07 left in the game. Lindsey had a response for the Tigers 20 seconds later, nailing a three-pointer to give Hartselle a 39-38 lead it would not relinquish.
Cullman missed the front end of two one-and-one free throw situations and came up short on a potential game-tying three-pointer from half-court as the final buzzer sounded.
"This was a fun game for us," said Berry, whose team won just two games last season. "Last year there were a lot of sad locker rooms after games and (Cullman) embarrassed us several times last year. I'm proud that these guys have worked so hard and all that work is starting to pay off for them."
Lindsey led Hartselle with 10 points, six in the fourth quarter. Lovetto led all scorers with 12.
Hartselle girls 46, Cullman girls 26
The Lady Tigers took a 14-2 lead after the first quarter and cruised from there on the way to remaining undefeated in area play.
Hartselle (10-2, 4-0) was led by Lauren Drake's 13 points. Drake also finished with five assists and five steals. Anna Reeves had 11 points and five assists for the Lady Tigers.
Andrea Mason had eight points to lead Cullman.
Good Hope boys 57, Danville boys 55
Down 10 at halftime, Danville came up just short in its comeback attempt as it fell at home Friday evening.
Senior Zack Orr finished with 28 points and 11 rebounds for the Hawks (1-8). Roger Smith added 13 points, 10 rebounds and three assists.
Alex Richter finished with 14 for Good Hope.
Danville girls 37, Good Hope girls 33
Lauren Simmons had 14 points and nine rebounds as Danville improved its overall record to 8-4 Friday evening at home.
Good Hope was led by Heather Buchanan's 12 points.
Tanner boys 90, Falkville boys 54
The Blue Devils had a tough time of it on the road against Tanner Friday evening.
Falkville senior Heath Alford had 22 points and eight rebounds and Joseph Lacy added 14 points for the Blue Devils.
DeMarcus King had 19 points to lead Tanner.