Dunn and Key lead Tigers to area win over rival Decatur

Coach Faron Key talks to his team during a fourth-quarter
timeout in the Tigers' 48-41 victory over Decatur. Photo by Jim Meadows.
Coach Faron Key talks to his team during a fourth-quarter timeout in the Tigers' 48-41 victory over Decatur. Photo by Jim Meadows.

Rylan Smothers opens the game with two points and is fouled in the Tigers' 48-41 victory over Decatur. Photo by Jim Meadows.

The Tigers (13-11, 2-1) scored the game's first three points and never trailed in their 48-41 victory over the Red Raiders (10-12, 1-2). Hartselle led 10-6 after the first quarter and 22-14 at halftime. They led 31-22 heading into the final quarter.

“Coming off two straight losses, it is not easy to turn your mindset from that coming into tonight’s environment,” Hartselle coach Faron Key said. “Their students created an incredible environment tonight, but I am proud of our guys for showing toughness and grit in getting the win. Tonight was about getting stops and rebounds and making the most of every chance we got.”

Decatur cut the lead to two by forcing three straight turnovers, but the Tigers rallied to get the win.

“I was disappointed with three straight turnovers by our seniors,” Key said. “I thought defensively we let our guard down when we got up in the fourth quarter, but they rallied for the win.”

Ryan Dunn beats his defender and shoots a layup in the fourth quarter of the Tigers' 48-41 victory over Decatur. Photo by Jim Meadows.

Ryan Dunn finished with 18 points and four rebounds to lead Hartselle. Kiah Key and Rylan Smothers each had 10 points. Key had nine rebounds and two steals, while Smothers had five rebounds. Thomas Itsede had eight points.

“Dunn exploited his matchup with Decatur and finished every chance he had,” Key said. “Kiah made a difference on the boards and came up with two tremendous defensive plays late in the game.”

Ellis Dickman finished with 16 points to lead the Red Raiders, while Jayden Brown added 11.