HARTSELLE – Hartselle’s head coach Faron Key picked up his 100th win at the school on Thursday when the Tigers defeated West Point 85-54.
Key was a two-time all-state player for the Warriors and the school’s all-time leading scorer. His brother-in-law, Randy Jones, is the head coach of West Point.
The Tigers outscored the Warriors in each of the four quarters, jumping out to a 21-6 lead after the first quarter and 43-22 at halftime. They would outscore West Point 21-19 in the third. Tiger reserves played all of the fourth and outscored the Warriors 21-13 to bring home the win.
Four players scored in double figures for Hartselle with Tad Sivley leading the way with 21 points. Brody Peebles scored 16 points, while senior CJ Gholston and freshman Coleman Mizell each added a career-high 10 points.
Every player that took the floor for the Tigers contributed to the victory. Jackson Raley had six points and five assists while Trent Wright added four points, three rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Dominique Simmons added four points. Ryan Dunn and Kiah Key each had three points with Key added five rebounds, two assists. and two steals. Luke Ward, Tevin Shields, Ian Bodine, and Elijah Kelick each had two points. Trent Hill finished with two assists and three steals.
Hartselle (24-5) finished the night with 28 rebounds, 25 assists, and 15 steals.
West Point was led by Kobe Bowers, who finished with 11 points.
COACH KEY’S THOUGHTS
I can’t put it into words how much fun this season has been with this team. We came into the game wanting to play well and build some confidence heading into the post-season. I am proud of how each player played and contributed tonight.
Winning my 100th game here at Hartselle is humbling. It is nice to especially get this milestone win on senior night with these players.
SENIOR NIGHT
The Tigers celebrated the playing careers of six seniors before their game. Tad Sivley, Jackson Raley, Trent Hill, CJ Gholston, and Ian Bodine played their final regular-season home game. Jackson Boyer also was recognized but was not at the game due to an illness.
The five seniors combined for 38 points, nine rebounds, 13 assists, and five steals.
