A 17-0 run in the first half helped Caldwell County’s girls turn back Hopkins County Central 47-36 in the 7th District tournament semifinals.
The Lady Tigers will play host Madisonville-North Hopkins for the district championship Thursday night.
Caldwell (16-13) changed its typical game plan against the Lady Storm. Instead of pressing the entire game, the Lady Tigers concentrated on their half-court defense — and held Hopkins Central to just 10 points in the first half.
The Lady Storm (9-18) led 4-0 early. But Caldwell scored the next 17 points.
The Lady Tigers’ biggest lead of the night came at 17-4 following a Bella McConnell 3-pointer midway through the second quarter.
McConnell went on to record a double-double, finishing with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Caldwell led 20-10 at halftime, but saw Hopkins Central get within 26-21 through three quarters thanks to a 3-pointer at the buzzer by Emile Jones.
A 3 by Madison Grigg with 5:29 to play had the Lady Storm within 30-26.
But McConnell responded with back-to-back baskets for Caldwell.
Jacey Jaggers scored nine of her 11 points in the final frame to help the Lady Tigers’ hold on for the win.
Majah Hollowell added 12 points for Caldwell.
Briana Fritz led Hopkins Central with 10 points. Jaleah Bowman had nine.
It was Caldwell’s third win over Hopkins Central this season.
Hopkins Central 4 6 11 15 — 36
Caldwell County 8 12 6 21— 47
Hopkins County Central (9-18) — Fritz 10, Bowman 9, Grigg 6, Ker. Reynolds 4, Kel. Reynolds 3, Jones 3, Sutton 1.
Caldwell County (16-13) — McConnell 20, Hollowell 12, Jaggers 11, Parker 2, Goffinet 1, Gray 1.
