SESSER — Goreville sophomore Cole Tripp picked a great time to break out of a recent shooting slump. Tripp hit four second half three-pointers including the game winner with 1.2 seconds to play as the Blackcats knocked off top-seeded Sparta 68-67 in the semifinals of the 41st Sesser-Valier Holiday Tournament.

Sparta’s Zach Bodeker was fouled and made two free throws with 6.8 seconds left to give the Bulldogs a 67-65 lead. Goreville’s Drake Moss passed ahead to Tripp who stopped and drained the game winning 25-footer.

Moss led the Blackcats with 18. Tripp finished with 17. Tyler Suits and Marquavion Cleaves each scored 11.

Freshman Robert Greer led the Bulldogs with 16, all coming in the second half. Damian Lanton added 15, Brayden Henry 14, with Ethan Willis and James Pillers each scoring 10.

Goreville will face Altamont for the title Thursday night at 7:00. The Indians downed Du Quoin 72-57 in the other semifinal. Sparta and Du Quoin will battle for third place at 3:00.