HIAWASSEE - The Class A No. 4-ranked Jefferson boys basketball team easily advanced to the Class A state tournament with an 87-52 win over prince Avenue Christian Wednesday night.<br>
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Jarvis Hunter and Duran Rakestraw poured 22 points apiece to lead the Dragons (22-4). <br>
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Jefferson will face Commerce Friday in the 8-A region semifinals Friday night at 8:30 p.m. The semifinals and finals will also be held at Towns County High School.<br>
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Meanwhile, Commerce got a late shot to beat host Towns County 57-56.<br>
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The Indians looked to have gotten the game-winner with under 20 seconds but the Tigers' David Evans hit a jumper with 5 seconds left to lift them into the state tournament.<br>
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Tyson Randolph led Commerce with 26 points.<br>
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In the other quarterfinal game, Athens Academy beat Rabun Gap 73-46 to advance to the region semifinals and the state tournament.<br>
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Athens Academy will face Lakeview Academy in the semifinals at 5:30 p.m.
