PREP ROUNDUP: Campbell’s clutch free throws lift Hanceville to 58-57 OT win

HANCEVILLE — With the game on the line, Zach Campbell couldn’t have been more calm.

The emotion came shortly after the freshman sensation delivered in a big way for Hanceville.

Campbell made a pair of free throws with 0.1 seconds remaining on Tuesday night, lifting the Bulldogs to a 58-57 overtime victory against Locust Fork.

Hanceville (16-12) punched its ticket to the Northeast Regional Tournament with the thrilling win.

When the final buzzer blared, a joyful Campbell was swarmed by his teammates and coaches — all of whom were sporting equally jubilant expressions following the back-and-forth affair.

But the outcome, at times, was in doubt for the home squad.

Trailing 43-40 with less than 10 seconds remaining in regulation, Tyson Bellmon made a 3-pointer just before the horn sounded to send the sub-regional game into the extra period.

The Hornets, though, quickly notched a seven-point lead in overtime.

That’s when the Bulldogs — season teetering on the edge — started showing their teeth.

They battled back — Matthew Cornelius, Izayah Glenon and Campbell came up with huge plays down the stretch — to tie things at 56 following a trio of Bellmon free throws with 10.7 seconds left.

Locust Fork, however, went ahead with 8.1 seconds remaining after sinking one from the charity stripe.

The brief advantage only served to set up Campbell’s heroics.

He sped down the court, drew a shooting foul and delivered when his team needed it.

“We trust each other in tight situations — if we’re winning, if we’re losing, it doesn’t matter,” Campbell said. “Our coaches tell us to trust each other. I knew my teammates had me, and I knew when I dished it to Tyson that he was going to hit that shot (in regulation). The main focus is just trusting each other.”

And those free throws?

“I just put faith in my shot,” he added. “We shoot every day in practice. I know if I would have missed that my teammates would have gotten a rebound and put it back in.”

Campbell finished with 17 points, while Cainon Moore (12) and Bellmon (10) also had double figures.

Raiden Morgan (seven), Glenon (six), Brodie Malcom (three) and Cornelius (three) pitched in as well.

“It was just me putting my faith in these guys,” coach Stephen Chandler said. “Tyson held us together, and Zach stepped up. It was a frustrating night. Locust Fork slows us down so well. But somehow, we kept fighting and found a way to win. I’m still trying to process it. But I’m so proud of these guys.”

Hanceville will now play top-ranked Piedmont at Jacksonville State’s Pete Mathews Coliseum.

The matchup is scheduled for Saturday at 7:30 p.m.


Varsity Boys

Muscle Shoals 67, Cullman 46

Max Gambrill: 18 points

* Cullman ends season with 15-15 record


Good Hope 84, DAR 76

Cole Maddox: 40 points

Tanner Malin: 12 points

Drew Maddox: 10 points

* Good Hope advances to Northeast Regional


Winfield 65, Vinemont 52

Jordan Hall: 14 points

Katch Johnson: 14 points

* Vinemont ends season with 11-20 record