JASPER — Hamilton County saved its best for last Tuesday, putting up 20 fourth-quarter points to defeat Lafayette 69-58 at HCHS.

Leading 57-54 with four minutes left in the fourth quarter, HCHS sophomore Joseph Stockton connected on a 3-pointer and came back moments later with a three-point play to give Hamilton a nine-point edge.

“I’m so impressed with my young guys,” said Trojans coach Malcolm Pollock. “Joseph Stockton played really well — ran our offense, controlled the tempo.”

Lafayette shot 42 percent from the field for the first three quarters and made seven 3-pointers. The Hornets only hit five of 15 shots in the fourth and missed all six of their 3-point attempts.

“Hamilton’s been kind of a step up, but we’re right there with them,” said LHS coach Ehrin Beach. “We just got to have a few shots fall. We kind of went cold.”

Hamilton’s Jordan Coffee celebrated Senior Night with 15 points, which included two 3-pointers. The Trojans also played with seniors Lamichael Bryant and Malik Wallace (15 points).

“That’s the most fun I’ve had coaching,” Pollock said. “We shared the ball. We played defense. That’s the most assists we’ve had all year.”

Tre Clark scored 14 points, Ylusse Siverain had 13 and Devon Fleming added 11 for the Hornets, who are now 8-7. LHS travels to Suwannee High on Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. game. 

It was the second time Hamilton defeated Lafayette this season. The 12-6 Trojans travel to Columbia High School on Saturday for an 8 p.m. tip against the Tigers.