A big second period gave Christopher Jr. High a comfortable lead, and they went on to top Hamilton County 55-38 in the semifinals of the Coal Belt Girls Conference Tournament Monday night.

Johnston City beat Sesser 29-17 in the other semifinal and was scheduled to meet Christopher at 7:30 p.m. for the conference title tonight in Christopher.

Johnston City, in an unexplained move, has now decided to forfeit the game and give the championship to Christopher. The two teams played earlier this season, with JC squeaking by at home with a two-point win over the Lady Bearcats,

The Jr. Lady Cats led 13-7 after one period Monday night, but used a 20-11 run before halftime to lead 33-18 at the break, cruising to the win.

Maddy Caruso and Brandy Mifflin led Christopher with 22 and 19 points, respectively.

Sesser will play Hamilton County at 6 p.m. in the third place games. All-Conference team and All-Conference trophies will be presented after tonight’s games.