Hartselle did something on Friday night that they have not done in at least ten years, they celebrated a victory over Austin on the Black Bears home court.
The Tigers got 48 points from the duo of Brody Peebles and Tad Sivley in their 67-58 victory over the Black Bears.
“This is a nice win over a team that’s had our number the last few years,” Hartselle coach Faron Key said.
The Tigers took a 19-18 lead to end the first quarter. Austin took control of the first half with a 14-0 run to start the second quarter that helped them build a 36-26 lead at halftime.
“They hit us in the mouth to start the second quarter,” Key said. “We knew it would be tough but we knew we had to weather the run and stay in the fight.”
Hartselle came out of the locker room and went on a 23-2 run in the first four minutes of the third quarter to a 49-38 lead. Peebles scored the first nine points of the run and finished with 15 in the quarter. Austin outscored the Tigers 8-2 over the final three minutes to cut the lead to 51-46 heading into the fourth quarter.
Hartselle (9-3) would outscore the Black Bears 16-11 in the fourth to pull away for the 67-58 victory. Sivley led the Tigers charge in the final quarter with 12 of Hartselle’s final 14 points.
“We made some adjustments at halftime that led to our run to start the third quarter,” Key said. “Our guys fought hard tonight after falling behind. Kiah Key and Trent Wright battled on defense and on the boards while Jackson Raley’s toughness led to our victory!”
Austin was led by Jaylon Barrett’s 14 points and Kolten Petty’s 11.
