Gallatin Co. captures third straight GEC championship

Mackenzie Russell had a game-high 12 points and Carly Foster finished with 10 points as Gallatin County knocked off Galatia-Thompsonville 42-25 in Thursday night's Greater Egyptian Conference Tournament title Thursday night at Galatia High School.

The tournament title is the third in the last four years for the Hawks who improved to 19-10 overall and 8-0 in GEC play.

"This is a great accomplishment and speaks volumes for this group," said GCHS head coach Tiffany Sauls. " This group of seniors have had a lot of success in their four years of high school and it's truly something to be proud of.

"I'm beyond proud of this program as a coach and former player. Hard work and drive has paid off for these girls and I'm hopeful that hard work will continue to pay off as we enter regionals."

Audrey Jackson added eight points for Gallatin County, while Gracie Sauls and Molly Newton each scored six points a piece for the Hawks.

Galatia-Thompsonville got a team-high 12 points from Kate Bond, while Chloe Mays and Mattie McFarland each finished with four points. Jayden Beers tacked on three points and Bridget Taylor tossed in two points.

Gallatin County got off to a hot start, jumping out to a 8-2 first quarter lead and led 18-6 at halftime.

The Hawks outscored Galatia-Thompsonville 12-9 in the third quarter and 12-10 in the final eight minutes.

Gallatin County has the No. 1 seed at the Shawnee Regional and will play the winner of Cobden or Dongola Tuesday night at 6 p.m.