FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Hoover High School boys’ basketball team held off a late rally by Pelham to defeat the Panthers 56-44 in Class 6A, Area 10 play Jan. 25.

Tony Williams led Pelham (8-13 overall, 0-5 in Class 6A, Area 10) with 13 points.

Cameron Slane added eight points. Graham Reilly finished with five assists and four steals. Tanner Rice contributed six points and a game-high seven rebounds.

The Panthers were hurt by poor free-throw shooting in the first half, hitting just 7-of-18 before intermission.  They improved to 11-of-14 in the second half.

The Bucs converted 8-of-8 free throws in the final 1:05 to halt a 17-2 run by the Panthers in the fourth quarter.

Pelham cut the lead to 46-40 when Reilly had a steal and hit a pair of free throws after being fouled. The six-point margin was the closest the score had been since the first quarter.

Pelham outscored Hoover 22-18 in the final quarter after trailing 38-22 through three periods. The Bucs stretched it back to a 12-point lead at 52-40 on two free throws with 53 seconds remaining.

GIRLS

The Pelham High School girls’ basketball team fell to Hoover 59-9 in a Class 6A, Area 10 contest Jan. 25.

Erin Whitman led the Panthers (6-12 overall, 0-5 in Class 6A, Area 10) with four points.

Sydney Days added three points. Carlie Walker finished with two points.