BIRMINGHAM — Hale County boys basketball overcame a first-half deficit and defeated Fultondale by a score of 52-51 on Monday at the AHSAA central regional semifinal at Bill Harris Arena.

Fultondale held Hale County to one layup and two made free throws in the first period as it jumped to an early 12-4 lead. The second quarter, though, saw Hale County put up 19 points compared to Fultondale's 12 as it chipped away at the lead and entered halftime down 24-23.

The team's continued to exchange the lead in the second half, up until the final minutes. Hale County held a 52-50 lead with 01.1 seconds remaining before fouling Fultondale's Eric Brown. Brown went to the line, making one of his two free throws as Hale County held on to win and punch their second-straight ticket to the Elite 8.

"We started off slow, but we always preach keep your composure and just keep playing basketball no matter what happens," Hale County coach Antwon Butler said.

Hale County's Alvin Edwards finished with 16 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Gage Mayfield finished with 11 points, three blocks and one steal. The Wildcats shot 43.9% (18-of-41) from the field as a team and 31.3% (5-of-16) from beyond the arc.

Hale County now advances to play American Christian Academy on Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. in the central regional final at Bill Harris Arena. It will be the third meeting of the season between ACA and Hale County, with ACA winning both contests prior.

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Anna Snyder covers high school sports and University of Alabama softball and football recruiting for The Tuscaloosa News. Reach her at asnyder@gannett.com. Follow her on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, @annaesnyder2

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: AHSAA regionals: Hale County holds on to defeat Fultondale