Prep Hoops: Gallatin County stumbles out of gate at Marion Invitational

It wasn't the start to the season that Radar Patton and the Gallatin County girls' basketball team was hoping far in a 68-51 loss to Carterville Monday night at the Marion Lady Wildcat Invitational at Cuss Wilson Gymnasium.

Saddled with four fouls in the first half, Gallatin County's senior and returning leading scorer Hailey Chubb was sent to the bench for two quarters, but still managed to finish with a team-high 19 points.

Caitlin Lynch and Morgan Roderick each added eight points for the Hawks (0-1), while Harlie Turner scored seven points. Audrey Jackson and Kaylee McCuire each finished with four points, while Molly Newton tossed in a free throw.

Carterville led 22-14 after one quarter of play and took a 35-22 lead into the locker room. The Lions pulled ahead 54-39 after three quarters and Gallatin County got to within six in the final eight minutes, but couldn't get any closer.

Gallatin County returns to action tonight (Tuesday) when they will play Herrin, starting at 5:30 p.m. back in Marion.