Madisonville-North Hopkins extended its reign in the 7th District tournament.
With a 73-65 win over Caldwell County on Tuesday, the Maroons have won 12 straight district championships.
Madisonville (10-4) grabbed the lead early, then turned back every Caldwell run in the title tilt at the CAB gym in Princeton.
Madisonville opened the night with a 16-6 burst over the first 5:37 of the contest.
But by halftime, Caldwell (8-15) had scratched its way back to within 32-27.
The Maroons threatened to open up the game in the third quarter when the margin grew to 44-32.
But, again, Caldwell battled back to within striking distance.
A three-point play by Jabrion Spikes pulled the Tigers within 54-48 with just over 6 minutes left in the contest.
A 3-pointer by Zavy Bumphus made it a four-point contest at 61-57 with still 2:36 remaining.
But Madisonville got a 15-footer from Kale Gaither to start a quick 6-0 burst that gave the Maroons some breathing room.
Zach Tow’s dunk with 1:04 to play pushed the margin to double figures at 67-57 and the Maroons held on for the eight-point decision.
The final minute held some drama, though, when Caldwell’s Spikes was ejected from the contest with 53 seconds left after officials ruled he threw a punch at a Madisonville player.
That came following a Bumphus 3-pointer that cut the gap to 67-60.
Spikes finished the night with 20 points to lead Caldwell. However, his status for next week’s 2nd Region tournament is uncertain.
Bumphus added 14 points for Caldwell and Tate VanHooser had 12.
Gaither finished with a game-high 26 points to lead Madisonville, which will host a first-round game in the regional tournament on Monday.
The Maroons also got 15 points from Zach Tow, 12 from Ashton Gaines and 10 from Landon Cline.
It was Madisonville’s third win over the Tigers this season.
Caldwell County 11 16 15 23 — 65
Madisonville-NH 22 10 18 22 — 73
Caldwell County (8-15)—Jabrion Spikes 20, Zavy Bumphus 14, Tate VanHooser 12, Collin Whittington 9, Tripp Branch 6, Carter Whittington 4.
Madisonville-North Hopkins (10-4)—Kale Gaither 26, Zach Tow 15, Ashton Gaines 12, Landon Cline 10, Danye Frazier 6, Brytton Walker 2, Destin Cheirs 2.
