TOCCOA — North Hall could have let this one get away, caught up in a tough region showdown on the road -- but the Lady Trojans weren't interested in ending the regular season with a whimper.
So North Hall fought with everything it had and notched a 47-44 double overtime victory over Stephens County on Friday in Toccoa.
Coming off a loss to region and cross-town rival Chestatee, and with the Region 8-AAAA tournament looming next week, North Hall ensured it will enter the competition from a position of strength after putting up eight points in the second overtime to seal the win.
The Lady Trojans (15-10, 5-3 Region 8-AAAA) could not pull away from the Lady Indians (8-16, 3-5) through four quarters and one overtime, as the two foes found themselves tied after the third quarter, 29-29. The score was knotted 36-36 after regulation and then again 39-39 after the first overtime.
Tatum McQuillian helped North Hall pull away, scoring seven of her 12 points in overtime. Sadie Cleveland, meanwhile, carried much of the scoring load through regulation, putting up 18 points, including four 3-pointers. The Lady Trojans nailed seven 3-pointers as a team on the night. Niki Carver also chipped in with nine points in the win.
Meanwhile, Stephens County did much of its damage through Kentasia Tremier, who put up a game-high 23 points. Mya Cleveland also scoted 10, gioing 7 of 13 from the free throw line.
Both teams will play again next week in the Region 8-AAAA tournament next week.
NORTH HALL BOYS 58,
STEPHENS COUNTY 49
The Trojans (19-6, 7-1 Region 8-AAAA) pulled away from a nip-and-tuck contest with a strong fourth quarter performance. North Hall out-scored Stephens County 20-12 over the final eight minutes after leading juust 38-37 after three quarters.
Evan Easton and Carson Heinen each provided key baskets down the stretch -- Easton scoring six of his game-high 19 during the fourth quarter -- including going 4 for 4 at the free throw line -- while Heinen scored seven of his 18 over the final eight minutes.
Sam Jackson also added 10 points in the win.
Tay Jones put up 15 points to pace the Indians (16-8, 4-4), while Nunu Walker scored 10.
North Hall will enter next week's Region 8-AAAA tournament as the No. 2 seed, just one game behind top-seeded Buford.
