The Tigers overcame adversity and an injury to pick up their fifth win of the season.
In a matchup between two of the top 6A programs in North Alabama, Hartselle gutted out a 63-56 win.
“We had to play tough tonight,” said Hartselle coach Faron Key. “We made a lot of plays tonight that weren’t pretty but were gritty.”
The Tigers jumped out to a 17-10 lead after the first behind 10 points from Brody Peebles. They were able to take the lead despite being held to just one rebound in the quarter.
Hazel Green hit 10 of 12 free throws in the second quarter to help cut their deficit to 37-31, heading to halftime. The Tigers had three players score five or more to stay maintain their lead.
Hartselle’s defense held the Trojans to three made field goals in the third to help push their lead to 53-44 heading to the fourth.
The start of the fourth got off to a bad start for the Tigers as Coleman Mizell was injured on the first made field goal of the quarter by Hazel Green.
The Trojans outscored the Tigers 10-2, cut the Hartselle lead to just one, 55-54, with 2:15 left.
Hartselle controlled the final two minutes and outscored Hazel Green 8-2 to hold on for the victory.
“We made some adjustments throughout the game that the guys understood and executed to get the win,” said Key.
The Trojans were able to keep the game close by outscoring the Tigers 21-3 from the foul line. Hazel Green shot 31 free throws to just three for the Tigers.
But it was the Hartselle defense that stole the show. The Tigers had ten steals and forced more than a dozen more turnovers along with four blocks to secure the win.
Peebles led all scorers with 25 points to go with a steal and an assist. Luke Ward added 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Dunn finished with ten points, two assists, a steal, and a rebound. Trent Wright had nine points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and four steals. Kiah Key ended with eight points, three steals, three assists, and two rebounds. Before his injury, Mizell had three blocks, two rebounds, and and assist. Elijah Kelick added a block and a steal.
“We are growing together as a team and getting better,” Key said. “This was a great team win.”
Jalen Curry led four Hazel Green players in double digits with 17.
Hartselle (5-0) will play Grissom in their next game on December 1.
