Hopkins County Central’s girls will go into the 2nd Region tournament on their home floor next week as a district champion.
A 24-3 run Thursday night turned around what had been a 9-0 Caldwell County start, and the Lady Storm went on to capture a 57-34 decision in the championship game of the 7th District tournament in Mortons Gap.
Addie Menser had 24 points and Tyah White added 18 for the Lady Storm, who will carry a 19-11 record into the regional tournament.
Caldwell (14-12) got 15 points from Tink Clark.
Clark had a pair of early 3-pointers, and Med Thomas knocked down another shot from behind the arc, as the Lady Tigers bolted out to a 9-0 lead while looking to upset the top-seeded Lady Storm.
Caldwell entered the district final on a six-game winning streak.
However, Hopkins Central got out of its 1-3-1 zone, and utilized a full-court press to come roaring back.
The 24-3 run put momentum firmly on the side of the Lady Storm, as Caldwell struggled to get into its offense against the press.
Hopkins Central led 13-12 after one period on the way to a 24-12 lead midway through the second quarter.
By halftime, the Lady Storm held a 29-16 advantage.
A huge third quarter by Hopkins Central assured that Caldwell never got a chance to make a run to get back into the contest.
The Lady Storm outscored Caldwell 24-8 to take a 53-24 lead to the fourth quarter — and Hopkins Central was well on its way to its third district championship in four years.
The Lady Storm has reached the title tilt each of the past six seasons.
Caldwell was in the district title game for the first time since 2020. The Lady Tigers last won the district crown in 2018.
Meanwhile, the Lady Storm has taken 13 straight from Caldwell. That has allowed Hopkins Central to open up a 44-30 lead in the all-time series.
Both teams will play in the 2nd Region tournament next week, with first round action set for Monday and Tuesday in Mortons Gap.
Caldwell County 12 4 8 10 — 34
Hopkins Central 13 16 24 4 — 57
Caldwell County (14-12)—Clark 15, McCoy 8, Thomas 3, Hooks 3, Whitaker 2, Thompson 2, White 1.
Hopkins County Central (19-11)—Menser 24, White 18, Mason 7, Dulin 4, Carney 2, Liles 2
