By GREG MENGELT
Hibbard went 7 for 8 from the field and 9 for 9 at the free throw line as the Panthers dominated the Pioneers for their sixth win in their last seven games. The senior guard also had three rebounds and two assists.
Hanover (21-4) will host 6-seed Franklin (13-14) in Saturday’s HCAC championship game. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. at John Collier Arena. The Panthers beat rival Franklin 81-57 on Jan. 12 and 92-67 on Feb. 9. The Grizzlies have won four of their last five games, including a 73-54 win over Rose-Hulman in Friday’s other semifinal.
Friday’s win was the rubber match between Hanover and Transy. The Pioneers beat the Panthers 86-81 10 days ago, but Hanover was in control all evening Friday. It led 43-34 at the half and led by as many as 17 at 70-53.
Junior forward Ty Houston (Union, Ky./Cooper) with 18 points and eight rebounds and sophomore guard Max Greenamoyer (Zionsville/University) added 17 point for the Panthers, who shot 57 percent from the field (30 for 53) out-rebounded Transylvania 37-24.
Transylvania (16-9) was led by sophomore Jaylen Green (Lexington/Douglass) with 15 points and freshman guard Colby Napier (Hindman, Ky./Knott Co.) added 14. The Pioneers, who were 27 for 58 (38.7 percent) in the loss, entered the contest on a 5-game winning streak.
