Hanceville's Malia Howell (13) sprints past a pair of Good Hope defenders in the Lady Bulldogs' win over the Lady Raiders Tuesday night. (Bill Piper for The Cullman Tribune)
HANCEVILLE – The Lady Bulldogs of Hanceville took the drama out of Tuesday night’s second Cullman County Tournament matchup almost immediately. Hanceville jumped out to a 22-3 lead on the Lady Raiders after the first quarter with 11 of those points coming from Kelly Pickett.
The Lady Bulldogs made it 27-3 early in the second quarter and stretched the lead out to 31-5 by the midway point of the period. Desiree Odachowski nailed a three-pointer at the top of the key to cut the lead down to 31-8 but Hanceville still held a daunting 35-9 lead at the halftime break. Pickett doubled up Good Hope herself with 18 points in the first half.
The Lady Raiders were able to shave the lead down to 40-20 late in the third quarter but two free throws from Pickett put the Lady Bulldogs in front 42-20 going into the final frame. Hanceville got off to a slow start in the fourth but a basket from Malia Howell midway through the period put the Lady Bulldogs ahead 50-26 and put the game out of reach for Good Hope. Hanceville held on to win it 62-36.
Pickett led Hanceville with 27 points in the win, followed by Kierra Merriweather with 13 and Howell with 10. For the Lady Raiders, Savanna Derrick led the way with 18 points, followed by Odachowski with nine.
Hanceville will advance to take on (2) Fairview in the semi-final round Thursday night at 7:30.
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