HOMER — Josey used a big second half to erase a Banks County halftime lead and pull away for a 77-68 win over the Leopards on Thursday night in the second round of the Class AA playoffs.
Banks County, which finished the season at 23-5 and had its 20-game win streak snapped, led 36-30 at halftime after outscoring the Eagles 23-18 in the second period.
But despite 31 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks from senior Kahmal Wiley, the Leopards could not hold the lead. Wiley also went over the 1,000-point mark for his career, accomplishing the feat in just three seasons.
Josey (22-7) exploded for a 25-12 third quarter to take a 55-48 lead into the fourth and then held off several Banks County rallies over the final eight minutes.
Darius Bonds finished with 13 points and four assists, and Dylan Orr had a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds to go with three blocks. Freshman Carl Cleveland, who came in red-hot over the past month, was held to just eight points and three rebounds.
