Boys basketball: East Hall wins OT thriller over Banks Co.

HOMER -- East Hall hit nine 3-pointers and rallied from a third quarter deficit to knock off Banks County 80-74 in overtime Friday on the road.<br /> <br /> It was a key early-season battle in Region 7-AAA for both teams. East Hall (5-1, 2-0 Region 7-AAA) jumped to the top of the standings while Banks County (6-1, 1-1) suffered its first loss of the season.<br /> <br /> East Hall coach Joe Dix said he knew the Leopards would be tough.<br /> <br /> "It's probably the best Banks County team ever," Dix said. "We expected a battle. But, we could have won it in regulation if we had hit some free throws."<br /> <br /> The Vikings were just 16-of-41 from the line. Banks County hit just 7-of-14 free throws.<br /> <br /> Banks County had the early lead 17-14 but East Hall had a big second quarter to take a 37-33 lead into halftime. The Leopards outscored East Hall 21-15 in the third quarter to take a 54-52 lead into the fourth quarter.<br /> <br /> Both teams had chances in the fourth quarter to put the game away but missed key free throws and finished regulation tied at 68. East Hall outscored the Leopards 12-6 in overtime.<br /> <br /> Jacquen Hopkins paced East Hall with 19 points. Kyvon Davenport added 18 points, Tylor Brown 13, and Devin Watson 10 for the Vikings.<br /> <br /> Austin Venable led Banks County with 27 points. Zez Steeple had 20 points, Zac Orr 12, and Kahmal Wiley 10 points for the Leopards.<br /> <br /> Banks County next will travel to Dawson County on Tuesday in another key region contest.<br /> <br /> East Hall will play host to North Hall on Saturday in a non-region battle.