Russell Conwell for River Radio Sports Central

PINCKNEYVILLE — Going home in the postseason is usually not a good thing. That’s not the case for the Nashville Hornets this year.

The Hornets earned a spot in the sectional they are hosting by beating rival Pinckneyville 59-44 to win the Pinckneyville 2A Regional championship.

The Panthers jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead and still lead 21-18 at the half. Nashville controlled the second half, turning the three-point halftime deficit into a three-point lead after three quarters then pulling away late for the 15-point win.

Hornets senior Maddox Ritzel led all scorers with 24 points and made it a double-double by grabbing 10 rebounds. Gannon Turner added 16. SIU signee Ty Laur led Pinckneyville with 19 points.

Nashville improves to 31-2 and will host Benton Tuesday night in the first sectional semifinal. Pinckneyville finishes its season 20-14.