Caldwell County used an 11-0 run to break a 41-41 deadlock, and the Tigers went on to defeat Hopkins County Central 76-65 in 7th District play Friday night in Princeton.
Jabrion Spikes had 29 points — finishing the game with a dunk — as the Tigers won on Homecoming night at the CAB gym to improve to 15-4 overall and 4-0 in the district.
But the Storm (8-8, 2-2) made Caldwell work for the win. Marcus Eaves dumped in 33 points for Hopkins Central, which trailed just 19-17 after one quarter and 37-33 at halftime.
The Storm drew even at 41-41, but a 3-pointer by Demaurius Thompson at the end other put Caldwell back in front to stay.
Thompson had five points during the 11-0 run and finished with a career-best 20 points in the contest.
Hopkins Central kept the outcome in doubt until the final minute, but Caldwell picked up its second win over the Storm this season.
Carter Whittington added 10 points for Caldwell.
Wesley Morris had 12 and Trevor Weldon 10 for Hopkins Central.
The Tigers have now taken eight straight from the Storm and have drawn even in the all-time series at 32-32.
Caldwell, which has won nine of its last 10 games this season, is back in action on Saturday against Webster County before visiting 7th District foe Madisonville-North Hopkins for a make-up date on Monday. The Tigers then go to Marshall County on Tuesday.
Hopkins Central next visits Union County on Tuesday.
Hopkins Central 17 16 18 14—65
Caldwell County 19 18 22 17—76
Hopkins County Central (8-8, 2-2) — Marcus Eaves 33, Wesley Morris 12, Trevor Weldon 10, Namari Hall 5, Drake Skeen 3, Reese Belt 2.
Caldwell County (15-4, 4-0) — Jabrion Spikes 29, Demaurius Thompson 20, Carter Whittington 10, Zavy Bumphus 8, Collin Whittington 8, Blake Vivrette 1.
