The Centertown Lady Warriors used a strong second half to defeat Eastside on Tuesday night, 45-32, in the semifinals of the 7-8 County Basketball Tournament at WCHS.

The win sets up a showdown with undefeated Morrison for the county championship Friday night at 7 p.m. at WCHS. The Lady Eagles beat Centertown in the preseason tournament and twice during the regular season to establish themselves as favorites.

Morrison has the fantastic trio of Jayla Garibaldi, Chloe Wanamaker and Harmoni Kennerly. From start to finish, Garibaldi has been the best player in the league this season.

But Centertown coach Kelly Eckenrod is a coaching veteran who is sure to have a trick up her sleeve. She has overpowering post Kealey Simpson and talented Allie Melton to help her along the way. Getting guard Trinity Reynolds back from injury would be a nice development too for coach Eckenrod.

Eastside made Centertown work to reach the finals. It was a tight game at the half, 15-13, before the Lady Warriors began to pull away.

Kealey Simpson exerted her will in the fourth quarter with 10 of her team-high 18 points. Kendra Fann was also a big-time player, scoring all 6 of her points in the second half.

Sara Kate Winfree and Macie Bush were the only Lady Bulldogs to score after halftime. They combined for 19 points, but it wasn’t enough.

CENTERTOWN -- Kealey Simpson 18, Allie Melton 12, Kendra Fann 6, Shelby Miller 6, Emma Carter 3

EASTSIDE -- Sara Kate Winfree 19, Macie Bush 9, Kyaira Sharpe 2, Ansli Womack 2