Knights survive thriller against Falcons

FLOWERY BRANCH - The only two points of the game for Johnson sophomore Roddie Jackson turned out to the biggest of the game for the Knights Friday night.

Jackson hit two free throws with eight seconds left and then watched as Flowery Branch's Jaybo Shaw missed three free throws with 1.1 seconds left in a 71-69 win for the Knights in a key Region 7-AAA East battle.

With the win Johnson (15-5, 4-1 in subregion) stayed within a half-game of Gainesville with the two teams meetings Tuesday night at Johnson. The knights have hit a hot streak winning four of their last five games.

Flowery Branch (9-12, 1-4) has lost five straight and nine of its last 11 games.

Both teams traded the lead nearly a dozen times with Johnson taking a 54-53 lead into the fourth quarter. Jackson got the opportunity to win the game on a drive to the basket.

After he hit his two free throws, Shaw was fouled on a 3-point attempt and had a chance to tie or win the game but could not convert.

Jonas Randolph had a huge game for Johnson pouring in 36 points. A.J. Gustavel added 14 for the Knights.

Colby Newton, who was back in the starting lineup, led the Falcons with 19 points. Keenan Harris added 16 and Adarius Rogers and Josh Beale each had 10 points for Flowery Branch.

REGION 7-AAA BOYS STANDINGS (Through 1-20 games)

WEST.......................................................Subegion..............All

Chestatee---------------------------------------5-0...............12-8

Pickens------------------------------------------3-2..............12-8

White County------------------------------------3-2..............5-14

Fannin-------------------------------------------1-3..............4-13

Gilmer-------------------------------------------0-5...............5-13

EAST.....................................................Subregion..............All

Gainesville--------------------------------------4-0...............16-3

Johnson----------------------------------------4-1...............14-5

West Hall---------------------------------------3-2................9-8

Flowery Branch---------------------------------1-4.................9-12

North Hall---------------------------------------0-5...............8-11

FRIDAY'S SCORES

Chestatee 76, Pickens 69

Johnson 71, Flowery Branch 69

Gainesville 75, Fannin County 53

West Hall 73, North Hall 64

Gilmer at White County, no report