Gracie Hill. Photo by Jim Meadows
The Lady Tigers rallied from a 19-14 first-quarter deficit to knock off defending 4A state champ and No. 3 Deshler 57-56 in a game played at Supreme Courts in Guntersville.
Hartselle trailed 28-25 at halftime before rallying to tie the game at 46-46 heading into the final quarter. The Lady Tigers were one point better in the fourth, outscoring Deshler 11-10 to get the win.
“We had a lot of different people step up, and I thought we played great as a team,” Hartselle coach Amber Deline said. “Our team defense was outstanding. The girls did a really good job of staying with the game plan defensively. Emma Roden and Ella Springer both did a really good job of defending their best shooter. Emma and Ella both had some big shots. Mary Frances had another huge game defensively and rebounding. She was a huge presence for us!”
Gracie Hill and Hannah Burks each finished with 12 points to lead Hartselle. Hill also had four rebounds and three assists. Emma Roden added 10 points and two steals, while Mary Francis Itsede had six points and 14 rebounds. Anna Hampton Burroughs had five assists.
“Hannah Burks had a big day by hitting 3 three-pointers, while Gracie Hill made some crucial shots and finished with 12 points. In addition, Anna Hampton Burroughs did a great job of guarding and getting us into offense and hitting crucial free throws,” Deline said. “I am super proud of them and their response to today’s challenge against an excellent Deshler team.”
Chloe Siegel finished with 21 points to lead Deshler, while Cooper Thompson had 14 points.