HOMER — The Banks County boys used a big second half to pull away from Social Circle for a 79-59 victory in the first round of the Region 8-AA Tournament Tuesday night.
The win moved the Leopards (22-4) into the Class AA state tournament. They will be joined by Putnam County and Monticello, who also took wins on Tuesday. Putnam County nipped Rabun County 58-56 while Monticello routed Oglethorpe County 95-72 in the other quarterfinal matchups.
Banks County led just 17-14 after one quarter but was able to push the lead to 38-30 by halftime. The Leopards outscored the Patriots 41-29 in the second half to put the game away.
Dylan Orr had a monster night with 22 points, 19 rebounds, 7 blocks and 4 assists to lead Banks County. Carl Cleveland wasn't far behind with 15 points, 21 rebounds and 9 assists. Darius Bonds added 15 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists for the Leopards.
Social Circle was led by Bryan Oglesby and Ennis Woolfork, who each scored 18 points.
Banks County will take on Monticello on Thursday in the semifinals at Putnam County. Putnam County will take on No. 1 Elbert County in the other semifinal.
