Hanceville's Brendan Flanigan sets his sights on a basket on Thursday night.

HANCEVILLE — Cold Springs’ varsity girls wanted a victory in the worst way on Thursday night.

And, thanks in large part to Elizabeth Hill’s outstanding effort, that’s exactly what they got.

The sophomore claimed 13 of her game-high 26 points in the fourth quarter, and the Lady Eagles held off Hanceville to earn a 56-44 road win at Lane Horton Gymnasium.

Cold Springs, which also nabbed top scoring contributions from Neely Ellison (11), Toni West (eight), Aubrey Negron (seven) and Kinley Campbell (four) improved to 9-8 on the season.

“We needed that one more than we’ve needed any game in a long time,” coach Tammy West said. “We’ve just really been down, and we were coming off three rough losses. With Camryn (Crider) out tonight, everybody had needed to step up … and that’s what they did. That’s what teams do.”

The Lady Eagles stormed out to a quick 21-11 lead behind Ellison’s trio of first-quarter treys and took a 26-17 advantage into halftime.

However, Malia Howell and Kelly Pickett spearheaded a strong third frame for Hanceville, combining to score 11 big points to close the deficit to six entering the final stanza.

The Purple and Gold eventually climbed to within three before Hill turned it on late.

After a West 3-pointer made it 41-35, Hill tallied a three-point play and a layup to put the Blue and Gold back in front by 11 points.

She made all seven of her free throws in the quarter and pulled down nine rebounds in the game.

“I just felt like the floor was open, and I could drive a lot,” Hill said. “When they made their runs, we just had to stay calm and not make turnovers. They have a good team.”

Hanceville (9-7) was led by Pickett’s terrific 18-point effort. Karmen Johnson (10), Howell (seven), Kierra Merriweather (five), Lauren Roberson (two) and Hannah Flanigan (two) rounded out the offensive production.

Cold Springs, which heads to Winston County on Friday, nabbed the No. 3 seed in the Cullman County Tournament following the victory.

The Lady Bulldogs, meanwhile, will look to get back on track at Carbon Hill on Friday.

% Other score(s): Dora 45, Good Hope 39

---

Varsity Boys

% Hanceville 46, Cold Springs 37: Brendan Flanigan scored 17 points, and the Bulldogs slipped past the Eagles on Thursday night to improve to 10-4 on the season.

RJ Evans (seven) and Josh Stanley (seven) were next in line offensively, while Raiden Morgan, Damion Johnson and Zeke McDonald all put forth five.

“We have found a way to win two games this week we easily could have lost,” coach Daniel Wakefield said. “I am proud we found a way, but we have to play better.”

Cold Springs received nice contributions from Adam Hill (13), Logan Rice (10) and Hunter McClendon (eight). Carson Garmon and Matthew Peed each sank a 3-pointer as well.

% Dora 52, Good Hope 49: The Bulldogs swished a clutch 3-pointer with two seconds left on Thursday night to send the Raiders away with a heartbreaking area loss.

Good Hope (9-8, 1-2) was paced by Isaac McDonald (19) and Cole Maddox (16) on offense.

The Red and White hosts West Morgan on Saturday.

% Oakman 90, Vinemont 74: The Eagles fell short in an offensive shootout on Thursday night.

Katch Johnson (25), Jack Hill (18) and Connor Handley (11) all reached double figures for the Eagles.

Vinemont welcomes in West End on Friday.