NASHVILLE — The Nashville Hornets took over sole possession of first place in the River to River-Mississippi with a convincing 57-38 win over Pinckneyville, just days after the Panthers took over the top spot in the Associated Press 2A poll.
The Hornets, ranked tenth in the same poll, took control with a dominant second quarter, closing the half on a 13-0 run to lead 25-10 at the break. Nashville outscored Pinckneyville 15-3 in the quarter.
The Panthers cut into that lead in the third, closing the gap to ten at 33-23 heading to the fourth.
Nashville scored the first six points of the fourth to erase any thoughts of a Panthers’ comeback.
Carson Parker and Tristen Hercules each scored 16 points to lead the Hornets’ attack. Pinckneyville senior Dawson Yates led all scorers with 19.
The Hornets improve to 14-3, 4-0 in the Mississippi. The Panthers fall to 14-2, 3-1 in the conference.
The two teams will meet again February 15th in Pinckneyville.