The Hartselle Tigers improved to 2-1 in area play with a 48-41 win over Decatur this past Friday. The win gives the Tigers the top spot in 6A Area 14 heading into the final week of area play.

Hartselle 48, Decatur 41
The Tigers (13-11, 2-1) scored the game’s first three points and never trailed in their 48-41 victory over the Red Raiders (10-12, 1-2). Hartselle led 10-6 after the first quarter and 22-14 at halftime. They led 31-22 heading into the final quarter.

“Coming off two straight losses, it is not easy to turn your mindset from that coming into tonight’s environment,” Hartselle coach Faron Key said. “Their students created an incredible environment tonight, but I am proud of our guys for showing toughness and grit in getting the win. Tonight was about getting stops and rebounds and making the most of every chance we got.”

Decatur cut the lead to two by forcing three straight turnovers, but the Tigers rallied to get the win.

“I was disappointed with three straight turnovers by our seniors,” Key said. “I thought defensively we let our guard down when we got up in the fourth quarter, but they rallied for the win.”

Ryan Dunn finished with 18 points and four rebounds to lead Hartselle. Kiah Key and Rylan Smothers each had 10 points. Key had nine rebounds and two steals, while Smothers had five rebounds. Thomas Itsede had eight points.

“Dunn exploited his matchup with Decatur and finished every chance he had,” Key said. “Kiah made a difference on the boards and came up with two tremendous defensive plays late in the game.”

Ellis Dickman finished with 16 points to lead the Red Raiders, while Jayden Brown added 11.

Spain Park 74, Hartselle 59
The Tigers dropped their MLK Day matchup with 7A No. 4 Spain Park 74-59 at Brookwood. Hartselle trailed 35-31 at halftime before Spain Park took control of the game with a 10-0 run to start the third quarter to build a 45-31 lead.

Kiah Key finished with 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals to lead Hartselle. Ryan Dunn had 12 points and six assists. Kohl Key, Ty Odom and Rylan Smothers each had seven points. Smothers had five rebounds, while Kohl Key had four steals.

Sam Wright finished with 29 points to lead Spain Park. Zach Gray added 13 and Chase James 12.