Boys playoffs: East Hall routs Ringgold to advance

RINGGOLD - East Hall used a 30-7 third quarter to blow open a close game and then cruised the rest of the way in taking a 62-37 win over Ringgold Friday in the first round of the Class AAA boys basketball tournament.

In the decisive quarter, the Vikings (20-10) forced 13 Ringgold turnovers while building on a 25-17 halftime lead. East Hall coach Joe Dix said they had talked about coming out of halftime strong.

"They did a great job of executing," Dix said. "That was probably the single best quarter we've played this year. Overall, this was probably one of our best games of the year."

East Hall next will travel to No. 2 Columbia on Tuesday in a second round showdown.

East Hall led Ringgold just 13-11 after the first quarter and then held the Tigers (18-8) to just six second quarter points. After the smoke cleared in the third quarter the Vikings led 55-24 and then cruised with a short clock in the fourth quarter.

The Vikings for the game forced 32 Ringgold turnovers, including 17 steals. They also held Ringgold leading scorer Nick Scott scoreless for the game.

J.C. Hampton paced the Vikings with 19 points, including five 3-pointers. Charles added 11 points and Ashton Cheeks, Chaz Cheeks, and Greg Edwards each seven points for East Hall. Chaz Cheeks also had nine rebounds.