Sam Duskin netted a game-high 16 points, Jake Dorough contributed 15 and Cullman’s varsity boys dialed up the intensity in the second half en route to a 67-41 victory over Pell City on Thursday night.

The Class 6A No. 7 Bearcats (20-8) led by only six points at halftime but made life miserable for the visiting Panthers in the third quarter thanks to an efficient offensive and a suffocating defensive effort — one which allowed the home squad to take a 46-28 lead into the final period.

“The style of play wore them down, and we started playing better offensively and competing better on the offensive end,” Cullman coach Stu Stuedeman said. “We weren’t just running around and playing basketball. We always talk about how hard can you play while keeping your discipline. In the first half, we didn’t compete well offensively, which trickled down into our defense. In the third quarter, we came out and did both. I’m proud of them. It was a great night. We got to play everybody. Now, it’s time for the big shebang.”

Brodie Banister and Evan Wilson were next in line offensively with eight points apiece for the Bearcats, who will play in the Area 14 championship next Wednesday night against either Decatur or Hartselle.

Cullman honored its six seniors — Devin Bates, Peyton Bradley, Banister, Kase Nixon, Colton Echols and Duskin — following the game.

“I owe them a great deal,” Stuedeman said of the group. “They make me look real good. Their commitment, hard work and ability to persevere through the ups and downs of basketball is incredible. It’s a very special group. They’ll go on and do things greater than basketball.”

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Varsity Girls

Pell City 55, Cullman 44: Ally Sharpe scored a team-high 24 points, but the Bearcats couldn’t get past the Panthers in Thursday night’s regular season finale.

Cullman trailed by just three points at halftime but could never quite put together a run to challenge Pell City’s lead over the final 16 minutes.

Kadence Hanback (eight) also pitched in offensively for the Bearcats, who honored four seniors — Annalee Allen, Taylor Au, Juliana Brannon and Kylie Stracener — after the game.

See more local roundup below.

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Thursday, Feb. 1

Varsity Boys

West Point 67, Dora 52

Jay Lamar: 23 points

Kolten Perry: 13 points

Pressley Burtis: 9 points

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Varsity Girls

West Point 63, Dora 27

Hallie Wheeler: 15 points

Jaelyn Faulkner: 11 points

Kylie Quinn: 11 points

Liberty Shadix: 10 points

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Wednesday, Jan. 31

Varsity Boys

Good Hope 88, Addison 65

Weston Hancock: 20 points

Kmal Bell: 20 points

Tyler Cone: 18 points

Jacob Haynes: 15 points

Tucker Malin: 10 points

*Raiders made 19 3-pointers

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Varsity Girls

Good Hope 55, Lauderdale County 46

Ivey Maddox: 26 points

Bailey Tetro: 14 points

Ava McSwain: 10 points

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Tuesday, Jan. 30

Varsity Girls

St. Bernard 44, Meek 41

Ella Davis: 16 points

Rowan Hines: 12 points

Amelia Tafazoli: 11 points