Tatum Benford/For the FCT
Autumn Thomas (22) takes a jump shot against Tanner Thursday night.

By: Chris Yow

For the FCT

COURTLAND, LIMESTONE — R.A. Hubbard got ahead in the game early as it has done many times this season and pulled away for a 76-52 win over Belgreen Thursday night.

The Lady Chiefs used a 12-2 run over a five-minute span in the first quarter to take a commanding lead it would never relinquish.

Despite the early efforts of Belgreens’ Lexie Bragwell, who scored five of the Lady Bulldogs’ eight points in the first quarter, Hubbard never let up on the gas.

Pressure defense coupled with a knack for finding open shots in the lane propelled Hubbard to their third consecutive trip to the Northwest Regional tournament at Wallace State in Hanceville.

Alex Gholston, who was surprisingly quiet with her performance in the area tournament, led the Lady Chiefs with 24 points. The senior guard found a way to get in the paint and score lay ups and get to the free throw line as she has done since starting as a 7th-grader at Hazlewood.

Hubbard stretched their lead to over 30 points in the second half before Vinson emptied his bench.

“They have a great team,” Vinson said of Belgreen. “They will be a team to compete with in the future.

“We have our goals and aspirations set higher than this game and we have been at this point before. I think (our experience) is a big plus for us.”

Tanner 64, Phil Campbell 33

By: J.R. Tidwell

The Phil Campbell Lady Bobcats had their 2012-13 season come to an end at the hands of the Tanner Lady Rattlers, an excellent girls basketball team in 2A, Thursday night.

The Lady Rattlers proved their merit by defeating the Lexington Lady Golden Bears in the 2A Area 15 finale, so the Lady Bobcats knew they were facing a tough opponent.

The Lady Bobcats finished the season at second in 2A girls Area 16.