The game everyone has been waiting for took place on Friday. The Hazard Bulldogs and the Perry County Central Commodores took to the floor to decide the 54th district title.

The Commodores got the first point on a free throw, but the Bulldogs knocked down the first basket. Perry Central was able to use their defense to hold the Bulldogs at bay down the stretch, and went into the second period with the 13-8 lead.

Hazard turned the tables on the Commodores in the second period, using their defensive prowess to set up some easy baskets. The Bulldogs were able to shut Perry Central down, and went into the locker room with the 22-18 advantage.

The tempo slowed considerably in the third period, forcing both teams to make the most of each opportunity. The Commodores won the battle of the scoreboard in the frame, but went into the final period still trailing the Bulldogs 29-28.

The outcome of the game remained up in the air for most of the fourth quarter as the lead was passed back and forth. The Bulldogs picked up the key baskets late in the game, and forced the Commodores to put them on the line. Hazard made good on their free throws, and with only seconds remaining in the game held a six-point advantage.

Perry Central hit a three late in the game to draw to within three (44-41), but were out of timeouts. Hazard calmly stepped out of bounds with the ball, and let time run out, giving them the 54th district title.

Hazard (44)

Josh Whitaker 11 (5 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals), Jordan Olinger 9 (4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal), Allan Fugate 7 (3 rebounds and 1 steal), B. J. combs 7 (3 rebounds and 1 steal), Jon Combs 6 (1 rebound), Eric Back 4 (3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal) and Joey Meehan (1 rebound).

Perry Central (41)

Corey Martin 13 (3 rebounds and 2 assists), Dillon Cornett 8 (5 rebounds), Tyler Mullins 7 (2 rebounds), Jordan Amis 5 (4 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal), Josh Salyers 4 (1 rebound), Dustin Brewer 2 (2 assists), and Chris Noble 2 (2 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal).