Gallatin Co. wins third straight regional

Gallatin County put three players in double figures and cruised to a 63-41 win over Century Thursday night at the Meridian Regional.
Audrey Jackson had a game-high 24 points for Gallatin County, while McKenzie Russell poured in 20 points and Gracie Sauls finished with 11 for the Hawks.
Hallie Zirkelbach and Megan Morgan each tacked on three points for Gallatin County, while Molly Newton tossed in two points.
Gallatin County head coach Tiffany Sauls commended her girls for stepping up when the spotlight shined the brightest.
"We showed up ready to play," Sauls said. "The girls were excited and ready to go. It was slow the first three or four minutes, but once we started pounding the ball inside, we really got things going on offense. Russell stepped up, we got her the ball and she had no problem putting it in the hole. We really never looked back from that point on."
Russell, who had 16 of her 20 points in the first half, helped the Hawks jump out to a 30-12 halftime lead. Gallatin County outscored Century 16-9 in the third quarter.
"It's been a rough season and we're young," Sauls added. "But to see them have fun, play hard and enjoy this game really made you forget about the rough parts we have had this season."
Gallatin County (10-19) will play No. 1 seed Marissa in the first round of the Steeleville Sectional tonight (Tuesday) at 7 p.m. On Monday, Goreville played New Athens. The championship game will be played Thursday at 7 p.m.