Hilley's clutch play sparks Lakeside's win over Effingham County

Brad Hilley scored in transition to give Lakeside a 63-60 lead Wednesday.

Lakeside's Brad Hilley led four Panthers who scored in double figures in Wednesday's 66-61 holiday tournament win over Effingham County at Evans High. Hilley finished with 17 points, including 3 three pointers, and Jalen Nealous added 16, Deon Berrien 13, and Kre'Sean Hall 12 for class AAAAAA's 10th ranked Panthers.

Lakeside trailed 50-42 in the fourth quarter before Hilley led a late push in which he tied the game twice, first at 53-53 with a three pointer from the left wing, and next at 56 all with another triple from the right corner. Finally, the 6'4" junior finished a drive in transition immediately after forcing an Effingham turnover to give Lakeside a lead for good at 62-59 with less than two minutes remaining.

Hilley's forced turnover in the fourth quarter set up his final bucket and Lakeside's win.

The Panthers (9-3) advanced to Thursday's semifinal round for a matchup against region rival Grovetown in a non league meeting.