Area heartbreak
The Hartselle-Cullman rivalry lived up to its hype once again in the girls Class 5A, Area 15 championship game.
This time, however, Cullman edged the Lady Tigers 25-24 to win the area and clinch home court in the sub-regional round.
Hartselle will travel to Lawrence County on Thursday for a chance to advance to the Northwest Regional at Wallace State.
With under two minutes to play, it looked like Shaneal Johnson’s go-ahead lay-up might prove to be the difference, as it put Hartselle up 24-23.
However, the Lady Bearcats drew a foul with nearly 15 seconds to go and Oakleigh White drained both free throws, putting the Bearcats back ahead.
Hartselle had two opportunities to take the lead, but were unable to score.
Johnson led the Lady Tigers with eight points followed by Melissa Paul Hill with seven. Quanesha Burks added three while Alice Ann Glasgow, Jessica Matthews and Kaylee Shelton all scored baskets for Hartselle.
Morgan Smith led all scorers with 13 points.
Hartselle shot just one free throw compared to 13 for Cullman.