BENTON — Du Quoin and Hamilton County figured to be one of the best opening round matchups at the Benton Christmas Classic. And it was, thanks to Lauren Heape.

The Du Quoin senior scored 12 of her game high 16 points in the second half, including nine in the fourth quarter to lead the Lady Indians to a come-from-behind, 41-38 win.

The Lady Foxes led by 11 points at the half and extended that lead to 13 in the third quarter before the Lady Indians mounted a rally.

Trailing by nine heading to the fourth, Du Quoin held Hamilton County to just a single field goal and two points in the final frame. Meanwhile, the Lady Indians used a 10-0 run to take the lead.

Hamilton County momentarily regained the lead on Sydney Downen’s rebound basket, but Heape put Du Quoin back on top to stay on a basket with 1:30 to play.

Du Quoin advances to face Mt. Vernon in the quarterfinals Tuesday. Hamilton County will face Herrin in the consolation bracket.

Here are the day one results from the Benton Christmas Classic:
Game 1–Carterville 66, West Frankfort 26
Game 2–Goreville 45, Marion 35
Game 3–Mt. Vernon 69, Herrin 41
Game 4–Du Quoin 41, Hamilton Co. 38
Game 5–Benton 54, Carterville JV 22
Game 6–Christopher 46, Salem 33
Game 7–Alton Marquette 45, Harrisburg 24
Game 8–Vienna 38, Pinckneyville 25