By Gary Lloyd
TRUSSVILLE — Gadsden City trailed for just over one minute and led the rest of the way, defeating Clay-Chalkville 63-53 on Monday night to win the New Year’s Shootout at Hewitt-Trussville.
Haley Troup, named the tournament’s most outstanding player, scored a game-high 22 points for Gadsden City (13-2). Brooke Burns added 12 points for Gadsden City.
Junior guard Kristian Hudson paced the Lady Cougars (15-4) with 18 points. Freshman Raven Omar dealt with foul trouble much of the second half but scored 13 points for Clay-Chalkville. Junior forward T.J. Thomas scored 10 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and notched a couple steals. Senior Bria Bethea was held to seven points, all in the second half.
Hudson, Thomas and Bethea were named to the all-tournament team from Clay-Chalkville.
Hewitt-Trussville beat Vestavia Hills 39-37 on Monday to take third place in the tournament. Junior Cayla Dillard led the Lady Huskies (11-7) with 11 points. Senior Skylar Reaves scored eight points and senior Morgan McLain chipped in with seven points. Hewitt-Trussville connected on eight 3-pointers.
Pinson Valley fell 74-26 in the consolation game against Scottsboro.
Clay-Chalkville and Hewitt-Trussville each finished with a 2-1 record in the tournament, while Pinson Valley was 1-2.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.