Caldwell County’s girls are giving themselves chances.
For the second straight game, the Lady Tigers held a fourth-quarter lead — this time against 7th District foe Hopkins County Central Monday night.
But, for the second straight game, Caldwell couldn’t nail down the win.
Instead, Hopkins Central stormed back down the stretch to claim a 60-52 win at the CAB gym in Princeton and complete a regular-season sweep of the Lady Tigers.
Caldwell, now 5-14 overall and 2-3 in district play, led 29-20 early in the second half following 3-pointers by Med Thomas and Brylee Butts to start the third period.
Hopkins Central (12-9, 4-1) regrouped to tie the game at 34-34 on Calajia Mason’s drive to the basket. However, Butts scored from inside to send Caldwell to the final frame with a 36-34 edge.
The Lady Tigers led 40-36 early in the fourth quarter following two Butts free throws.
Caldwell was still up 45-43 following a stickback and three-point play by Davani Williams with 5:40 to play.
But Hopkins Central scored the next three baskets — all off of steals — with a layup by Kenzleigh Harrison putting the visitors up 49-45 with 4:22 to go.
The Lady Storm led the rest of the way.
Caldwell was still as close as 55-50 when Thomas made two charity tosses at the 1:58 mark.
But Hopkins Central went up 59-50 with just over a minute to play on the way to the eight-point triumph.
Mason finished with 20 points to lead the Lady Storm while Addie Menser scored 11 of her 15 points in the second half. Ty White added 12.
Butts totaled a game-high 21 points for the Lady Tigers. Tink Clark added 13.
Hopkins Central has now taken seven straight from Caldwell. The Lady Storm lead the all-time series 37-32.
Hopkins Central is still in the hunt for the No. 1 seed for the district tournament, but will have to win Feb. 5 at Madisonville-North Hopkins.
The Lady Tigers appear headed to the No. 3 seed.
Caldwell’s girls will next head to Trigg County on Thursday for a girls and boys doubleheader.
Hopkins Central’s girls will then go to Trigg on Friday.
Hopkins Central 16 4 14 26 — 60
Caldwell County 9 14 13 16 — 52
Hopkins County Central (12-9, 4-1)—Mason 20, Menser 15, T. White 12, Harrison 6, March 6, S. White 1.
Caldwell County (5-14, 2-3)—Butts 21, Clark 13, M. Thomas 7, Williams 5, Sykes 3, Aikins 3.
