WATKINSVILLE - The Jefferson and Towns County boys basketball teams advanced to the state tournament after taking wins in the opening round of the Region 8-A Tournament at the Athens Academy gym.<br>
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The top-seeded and fifth-ranked Dragons routed No. 9 seed Hebron Christian 87-49. Meanwhile, Towns County beat Social Circle 50-39 to advance. The two teams will meet at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Athens Academy in the region semifinals.<br>
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The third-seeded Lakeview Academy boys will play Athens Christian at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday for a spot in the state tournament. The teams split a pair of games during the regular season.<br>
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No. 2 seed and host Athens Academy will play Prince Avenue at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the other quarterfinal for a spot in the state tournament.
