The Danville boys basketball team got a huge area win Friday night, defeating Hanceville 55-52 at Wallace State’s Tom Drake Coliseum.

Hanceville jumped out fast in first quarter, but the Hawks gained some momentum to end first quarter, trailing 19-12. Danville continued to strive and took lead into the half 31-28. Coming back from the half, the Hawks were held in third quarter to just two free throws by Justin Morgan to trail 43-33.

The fourth quarter was action-packed, after two Hawks players received technicals for comments made to teammates, but not the referees. Danville coach Scott Ellis called a timeout to talk to the officials.

However, all of these events seemed to give the Hawks momentum to endure and pull ahead at the end. Patrick Doherty had been scoreless the entire game until the fourth quarter, when he hit three key 3-pointers that put the Hawks right back into the game.

The Hawks are now 4-1 in area play and plays Vinemont Tuesday night to finish area play. This game will determine who hosts the area tournament.

Morgan led the way with 19 followed by Doherty with nine, Slater Robinson and Kyle Alexander with seven each, Andres Cordova with five, Alan Cordova with four and Tyler Fields with three.

Leading scorer for Hanceville was Brontea Harris with 17 followed by Dante Reece with 13.