Jeff Hart

While defending state champions Buford (Class AAA) and Gainesville (Class AAAAA) continue their methodical march toward another state finals appearance, North Gwinnett is just one win from its first state title shot since 2007.

Last season, the Gainesville offense was one of the most feared units in all of Georgia high school football. The Elephants, behind Class AAAAA Player of the Year Deshaun Watson, averaged 45.3 ppg while scoring a school-record 680 points on the way to the Class AAAAA state title. The current unit already has scored 641 points in 13 games (49.3 ppg) and shows no signs of slowing down.

What qualities go into the making of a great defense? Is it purely stats? Is it clutch performances? Is it by reputation with a large dose of intimidation added in?

Is it all of the above?

North Forsyth outscored Chattahoochee 36-15 in the second and third quarters to erase an early deficit en route to a 56-45 win Tuesday night in Region 6-AAAAAA action.

Georgia Tech closed the game with a 19-4 run to rally from a 12-point deficit and beat Illinois 67-64 on Tuesday night in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, giving the Illini their first loss.

James Hodges poured in 28 points to go with 10 rebounds to lead the Johnson boys to 85-70 road win over Athens Christian Tuesday night.

The Flowery Branch girls basketball team got its first win of the season Tuesday night pulling away for a 63-48 victory over Winder-Barrow.

Dawson County held Fannin County to just five fourth quarter points to pull away for a 46-32 victory Tuesday night in Region 7-AAA boys action.

Jordan Pulliam had 12 points, four assists, and five rebounds to lead Chestatee to a 73-49 win over Stephens County Tuesday in Region 8-AAAA action.

The Chestatee girls opened their Region 8-AAAA schedule Tuesday night with a 52-40 over Stephens County.