HARRISBURG — The Hardin County Cougars used a stifling defensive performance and timely baskets down the stretch to beat Gallatin County 48-35 for the Greater Egyptian Conference Tournament championship.
The Cougars took control by outscoring the Hawks 15-2 in the second quarter to take a 29-13 lead into halftime. Gallatin County scored the first eight points of the third quarter to get it back to single digits. Hardin County led 37-27 after three quarters.
The Cougars did not let the Hawks get closer than seven points in the fourth quarter, eventually winning by 13.
Hardin County senior Nick Austin led all scorers with 21 points. Brandon Dutton added 11 and Morgan Fricker 10 for the Cougars. Noah Richardson led the Hawks with 10.
