Caldwell County’s girls put themselves in position to spring an upset in the 7th District tournament Monday night.
Playing one of their best games of the season, the Lady Tigers held a 45-35 lead over second-seeded Hopkins County Central with less than 7 minutes to play.
However, with their season on the line, the defending district champions upped the pressure in the fourth quarter. The Lady Storm’s full-court press took its toll on Caldwell, and spearheaded a 19-2 run that quickly changed the fortunes of both teams.
Addie Menser hit two free throws with 3:49 to play to give Hopkins Central its first lead since early in the game at 48-47.
By the time Menser scored inside to finish the run, the Lady Storm held a 54-47 advantage with 2:30 to play.
Caldwell scratched back to within 57-55 when Med Thomas made two free throws with 29 seconds to go.
But Calajia Mason countered with two charity tosses at the other end five seconds later to provide Hopkins Central its winning margin at 59-55.
Three players accounted for 58 of the Lady Storm’s 59 points. Tyah White scored 11 of her game-high 28 points in the final frame to help spur the comeback. She had 18 in the second half. Mason and Menser each netted 15 points.
Tink Clark had 25 points to lead Caldwell, with 18 of those coming in the first half as the Lady Tigers built their lead.
Caldwell grabbed a 17-11 advantage after one frame. The Lady Tigers took their biggest lead of the night at 30-18 before getting to halftime with a 31-23 edge.
Caldwell held a 39-28 advantage after Morgan Aikins made three free throws with 3:16 left in the third quarter.
It was 41-33 entering the final frame.
Aikins finished with nine points. Brylee Butts had eight for Caldwell, which finished its season with an 8-22 mark.
The Lady Storm has taken eight straight from the Lady Tigers and has gone ahead in the all-time series 38-32.
Hopkins County Central (18-13) will take on top-seeded Madisonville-North Hopkins in Thursday’s 6 p.m. championship.
The Lady Maroons rolled past Dawson Springs 65-27 in Monday’s first semifinal matchup.
Hopkins Central and Madisonville have both earned berths in the 2nd Region tournament next week at Trigg County.
Caldwell County 17 14 10 14 — 55
Hopkins Central 11 12 10 26 — 59
Caldwell County (8-22)—Clark 25, Aikins 9, Butts 8, M. Thomas 7, Sykes 2, Copeland 2, Williams 2.
Hopkins County Central (18-13)—White 28, Mason 15, Menser 15, Harrison 1.
