MCLEANSBORO — Hamilton County built a big third quarter lead, then held on to beat Fairfield 48-45 Monday night. That leaves the Lady Foxes and Lady Mules tied with Eldorado atop the Black Diamond-East, all with 4-1 conference records.
Hamilton County led 25-18 at the half, and after Fairfield closed within four, the Lady Foxes then scored ten of the next 11 points to build a 39-26 lead.
The Lady Mules mounted a charge, closing to within 41-33 by the end of the third, but the rally didn’t stop there.
The run eventually reached 15-3 as Fairfield pulled within one at 43-42.
But the Lady Foxes never gave up the lead. Hamilton County hit enough free throws down the stretch, and Fairfield missed a potential game-tying three-pointer in the final seconds.
Grace Lueke led the Lady Foxes with 15 points. Kolby Brake added 14 and Kaelee Karcher 13. Fairfield’s Leah Bowers led all scorers with 19 points. Kylie Stewart added 14.
Hamilton County improves to 19-3 overall. Fairfield falls to 17-4.
These two teams will close the regular season against each other, February 6th in Fairfield.