Keith earned a 54-47 road win over defending 2A state champion R.C. Hatch on Friday.

The Bears led 16-11 after the first quarter and pressed their way to a 33-21 lead at the half.

“I told our boys to come out and play hard,” said Keith coach Tommy Tisdale.

But a third quarter R.C. Hatch surge highlighted by two 3-point plays put the Bobcats ahead 43-41 in the fourth quarter.

“I told my guys to play through it,” said Tisdale. “I think my guys stepped up to the challenge.”

Keith responded with a 16-4 run to seal the win.

Gerald Matthews led Keith with 24 points. Forest Pasley finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds.

Brandon Battle led the Bobcats with 20 points and Trent Tucker added 12.