BENTON — Hamilton County junior center Wyatt Hamson and his teammates still were a few years from being born the last time the Foxes beat Pinckneyville. Hamson’s 26 points and 13 rebounds helped Hamilton County end 20 years of frustration with a 56-42 win over the Panthers in an opening night game at the Benton Invitational.

This game was tied 20-20 at the half, but Hamson personally outscored the Panthers 17-11 in the third quarter. His teammates chipped in four more points for a 41-31 lead heading to the fourth. The Foxes made only two field goals in the final quarter, but extended their lead thanks to 11 makes from the free throw line.

Duke Riggins led three Panthers in double figures with 12 points. Nile Adcock added 11 and Kellen Scott 10.

Hamilton County improves to 17-2. The Foxes will face Sesser-Valier at 8:30 Wednesday night. The Red Devils also won their tournament opener, beating the host Rangers 47-42.

Pinckneyville falls to 14-3. The Panthers will take on Meridian Wednesday at 7:00. The Bobcats beat Vandalia 72-62 in their tournament opener.