HARTSELLE — Needing a win badly, Timbo Slaton blanked out the past and provided a much-needed spark.

Slaton scored nine of his game-high 22 points in the fourth quarter, leading Hartselle High past Priceville 64-56 Monday night.

The win was Hartselle’s first since mid-December — against East Limestone — giving a team that got a late start because of the football’s team postseason success, but is recently gaining steam, some momentum as it heads into stretch run.

“We really needed this win,” Hartselle coach Keith Wright said. “The past few weeks, we’ve really improved, playing some good teams close. Our biggest challenge, the hurdle we’re trying to overcome, is figuring out how to win. We’re close. We’re getting there.”

Hartselle closes out Class 5A, Area 15 play on Friday against West Point, and the Tigers participate in the Morgan County tournament next week. Even though Hartselle is an unexpected 4-10 on the season, the Tigers expect to be a factor in both tournaments.

Because Hartselle’s football program advanced to the Class 5A quarterfinals — and several key basketball players where on the football team — the Tigers got a late start in early December to basketball season.

“And we’re getting better,” Wright said. “We’re playing better as of late.”

Hartselle led almost the entire game, building a double-figure lead in the fourth quarter. Preston Adams finished with 14 points, making four 3-pointers, while Jamel Jackson added nine points.

Luke Mason led Priceville with nine points.

Tanner 69, Ardmore 57: Despite sitting its starters for most of the second half, Class 2A No. 1 Tanner cruised past Ardmore.

Jace Haggermaker led Tanner (13-2) with 20 points, while Fred Rich added 18. Jonathon Fletcher added 10 for the Rattlers.

Ben Hargrove led Ardmore with 17 points, while Ben Noblite tossed in 16. Robbie Stevenson added 11 for the Tigers.