The Hartselle Tigers moved to 7-0 on the season following their 78-67 victory at Madison Academy on Thursday.

The Tigers came out hitting from every part of the floor as they built an early 16-1 lead by knocking down four three-pointers by four different players inside the first four minutes of the game. Madison Academy finally got on track and outscored Hartselle 13-10 in the final four minutes of the quarter to cut the Tigers’ lead to 26-14.

The second quarter was like a great boxing match with both teams landing blow after blow. Hartselle was hitting from the outside while Madison Academy was hitting from inside the point. By the time the buzzer sounded, the Tigers had extended their lead to 53-38.

Hartselle hit nine 3-pointers and scored 11 points off 13 Mustang turnovers in the first half.

“I thought both teams were trying to figure each other out in the first half,” said Hartselle coach Faron Key. “Both teams made a lot of shots in the first half.”

The pace slowed dramatically in the second half as both teams made halftime adjustments. The Tigers went cold from three-point territory in the second half as they failed to make one, but they maintained their lead by scoring points in the paint and from the free-throw line. Madison Academy outscored Hartselle 16-15 in the third quarter to cut the Tigers’ lead to 68-54.

The fourth quarter started with the Mustangs going on an 8-0 run to cut the Hartselle lead to 68-62 with 5:30 left in the game.

“When they hit a three to cut our lead to six, we weren’t phased as we have been in that position before,” said Trent Wright. “We knew what we had to do not to let the Mustangs get any closer.”

But Madison Academy would get no closer as the Tigers answered the Mustang run with an 8-0 run of their own to push the lead back out to 76-62. The Mustangs hit a last-second three to make the final score 78-67.

“This was a big win for us against an outstanding team on their home court,” said Key. “We got contributions once again from everyone who hit the floor for us.”

Brody Peebles was one of four Tigers who scored in double digits, as he scored a game-high 32 points and finished with three rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Luke Ward added 13 points, four assists, one rebound, and one steal.

Peebles talked about his excitement in seeing the young guys on the teams growing in their roles.

“We all have matured a lot since the start of the season,” said Peebles. “Guys are growing in their roles and potential, and that makes every night fun for us.”

Kiah Key scored 12 points and added five rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Trent Wright netted 10 points and finished with five rebounds, five steals, and three assists.

“I was able to find the open spots in the first half and hit four three-pointers,” said K. Key. “We all trust each other to make the right play, and that’s what has helped us the last couple of games.”.

Elijah Kelick finished with six points, four rebounds, three steals, three assists, and two blocks, while Ryan Dunn added five points, four assists, two steals, and a rebound.

The Mustangs (0-1) were led by Landon Jacobs, who scored 23 points. Cody Baerlochur added 17, while Drew Blackston finished with 11.