After junior Robby Hamilton hit a jumper to give North Hall (15-8, 8-2 Region 7-AAA North) the final lead, Mitchell shadowed Fannin's Thomas Arp, who had hit three 3-pointers in the game, from launching another one. The Rebels (8-17, 5-5) got off a weak shot at the buzzer but it fell a foot shot.
"Matt just did a great job on their guy. He wasn't able to get open. Matt was outstanding down the stretch," North Hall coach Bobby Pless said.
Hamilton's basket capped a wild final two minutes that saw three lead changes and two ties.
The Trojans started the game strong jumping out to a 16-8 lead. but Fannin whittled away at the lead until it was just 44-43 heading into the final period.
Fannin was able to grab its first lead - 43-42 - since 3-0 following an 8-0 run.
"We let them get back in the game and we're going to have to get better before next week. But it was good to get a win in a close game."
Hamilton finished with 13 points along with Ronnu Hulsey. Russ Short added 11 for North Hall.
Arp led Fannin with 16 points. Tyler Sanders had 12 and Kyle Manners 10 for the Rebels.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2004/2/164102