The Goshen Lady Eagles earned the right to host the area tournament as the No. 1 seed thanks to a key win Thursday over New Brockton.

The Eagles defeated the Gamecocks 43-26.

“It’s extremely special,” said Eagles head coach Fred Lowery. “That is something that hasn’t happened in a number of years. Being able to play at home in front of your home fans and not having to travel is huge. It’s extremely special for this girls basketball program.”

Both the Lady Eagles and Gamecocks needed a win, and New Brockton looked hungry as the game began.

“It wasn’t good early,” Lowery said. “I wasn’t pleased with it. We let up nine layups in the first quarter.”

The Gamecocks jumped out to a 5-2 lead before Bre Griffin tied the game at 5. Griffin led the way for the Eagles in the first half by scoring 13 of the Lady Eagles 21 points of the half.

“She (Bre Griffin) kept us in the game,” Lowery said.

The Lady Eagles were able to coral the lead over the Gamecocks entering the second quarter at 11-10.

The Lady Eagles carried over their momentum in the second quarter and trailed just briefly at 16-15 before the Eagles ended the half on a mini 6-0 run giving them a 21-16 lead as they went into halftime.

Four different Eagles scored for the Eagles in the second half.

“That was extremely important,” Lowery said. “That’s what we want is balance. You never just want one player scoring all your point what you want is a collective effort

Griffin finished with 22 points for the Trojans, while sister Shamiya Griffin finished with 10.

The Lady Eagles will close out area play Friday evening when they make the trek south to take on the Zion Chapel Rebels. Tip off is scheduled for approximately 6 p.m.