Gallatin, East Buchanan boys and Savannah, South Harrison girls advance in Hamilton Invitational Tournament Semifinals

By: Brett Kennedy

(HAMILTON, MO) – The Hamilton Invitational Tournament semifinals were Thursday evening for high school basketball.

Gallatin boys survive battle with Hamilton

The 1 seed Gallatin boys basketball team fought off a tough Hamilton squad to win 44-39 to advance.

It was a back and forth battle right until the end, the Bulldogs held a 3 point lead with 35 seconds left, senior Jacob Miller drove inside and knocked down a layup drawing contact for a potential and-one to possibly tie the game, but it was ruled a charge.

Senior Gavin Wilmes led Gallatin with 15 points, followed by senior Jack Donovan with 11 points and junior Reid Hemry with 9. For Hamilton, Miller finished with 25 points and freshman Hudson Creekmore had 12 points.

East Buchanan conquers Lafayette County

In the other semifinal game, East Buchanan defeated Lafayette County, 55-46.

The Bulldogs had 3 players finish in double-figures, sophomore Brody Lewandowski led the way with 17 points, followed by junior Logan Jessen with 13 points and junior Landon Smith with 11.

East Buchanan will face Gallatin in the boys championship of the Hamilton Invitational on Saturday, January 31st at 1:30 pm.

Savannah girls get past Lafayette County

The 1 seed Savannah girls defeated Lafayette County in one of the semifinal games, 41-37.

Senior Ella Scott led the Savages with 11 points, junior Macee Blythe had 10 points and senior Taylor Hilsabeck had 8.

South Harrison girls knock off Lathrop

The South Harrison girls basketball team defeated Lathrop 40-34 in the other semifinal game.

Senior Lexi Hunter led the Lady Bulldogs with 10 points, junior Bailey Barnett had 7 points. For Lathrop, junior Jacie Kassanavoid led the team with 16 points.

South Harrison will face Savannah for the girls championship of the Hamilton Invitational on Saturday, January 31st at noon.