Jeff Hart

Good things do come to those who wait. Just ask Johnson boys soccer coach Brian Shirley.

Jair Jurrjens threw seven sharp innings, combining with George Sherrill and Scott Linebrink on a two-hitter, and the Braves shut out the struggling Mets 4-0 Saturday night to complete a doubleheader sweep. In the opener, Alex Gonzalez hit two of Atlanta's four solo homers and the Braves finally provided some offense for Derek Lowe in a 4-2 victory.

Joe Johnson scored 25 points, Jamal Crawford finished with 23 and the Atlanta Hawks shocked Orlando 103-93 in Game 1 of their playoff series on Saturday, overcoming a monster night by Dwight Howard.

Johnson dealt Oconee County a serious blow to its region 8-AAA playoff chances with a 7-3 win at Johnson Field Friday.

Class AAA No. 6 Gainesville moved into a three-way tie for first place with idle White County and North Hall in Region 8-AAA after knocking off Lumpkin County 5-1 Friday on the road.

Chestatee played its best spolier role Friday dealing Walnut Grove a devastating 6-1 loss in Region 8-AAA action.

North Hall kept pace in Region 8-AAA with a 15-0, four inning rout of Stephens County Friday.

Chestatee got two first half goals in a 33-second span and was able to hold off a furious second half charge from West Hall to beat the Lady Spartans 2-1 in a crucial Area 8-AAA game Friday night.

Jefferson tuned up for the upcoming Region 8-AA tournament with a 19-1 thumping of Jackson County in five innings Friday.

Gainesville senior tennis player Ryan Joiner had long finished his match against Oconee County in the finals of the Region 8-AAA Championships Thursday. Yet, instead of celebrating, he sat down on a bench inside the fence away from fans to cheer on his teammates.