Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
HARRISBURG — The Gallatin County Hawks jumped out to a big lead early then held on late to knock off top-seeded Crab Orchard 72-63 to earn a spot in the GEC Tournament championship game.
The Hawks led 25-8 after one quarter and still led by 12, 38-26 at the half. They extended the lead back to 18 in the third quarter before the Trojans mounted a furious rally.
Crab Orchard got as close as three on two different occasions late in the fourth quarter but could get no closer, as the Hawks went on to the nine-point win.
Gallatin County’s Grant Jackson led all scorers with 23 points with Noah Richardson added 17. Cameron Clark led the Trojans with 22.
The Hawks will face Hardin County at 8:30 Saturday night for the title. The Cougars got by Pope County 44-39 in the other semifinal. Crab Orchard will take on the Pirates in the third place game at 7:00.
