Region 7-AAA: 4th quarter rally propels Lumpkin into state playoffs

HOMER -- Lumpkin County rallied from 11-points down in the third quarter to take a thrilling 49-48 win over Fannin County Wednesday night in the quarterfinals of the Region 7-AAA Tournament at Banks County High.<br /> <br /> The Indians (8-17) advanced to the Class AAA state playoffs with the win.<br /> <br /> Lumpkin County trailed 37-26 heading into the fourth quarter but Jack Howard caught fire pouring in 16 of his game-high 22 points to spark the comeback.<br /> <br /> Fannin County (14-12) trailed 11-8 after the first quarter and 19-17 at halftime. But the Rebels exploded for 20 points in the third quarter to take the lead.<br /> <br /> Jacob Zarate and Zach Pulley each finished with seven points for Lumpkin County.<br /> <br /> Brandon Jordan led Fannin County with 18 points. Will Holloway added 16 for the Rebels.<br /> <br /> Lumpkin County next will take on Banks County at 5:30 p.m. Friday in the semifinals at Franklin County High School in Carnesville.<br /> <br /> <br /> <b>BANKS COUNTY BOYS 55,<br /> WEST HALL</b><br /> <br /> The second-seeded Leopards locked up a state tournament bid and moved into the Region 7-AAA semifinals courtesy the win over the Spartans in Homer.<br /> <br /> Banks County moves on to face three seed Lumpkin County at 5:30 p.m. in Carnesville.<br /> <br /> West Hall's season is now complete.<br /> <br /> Austin Venable scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds to lead the Leopards, while Zez Steeple added 12 points and five assists. Kahmal Wiley also scored eight points for Banks County.<br /> <br /> <br /> <b>FRANKLIN COUNTY BOYS 63, <br /> DAWSON COUNTY 57</b><br /> <br /> The Lions knocked off the Tigers in Homer to notch a state tournament berth and earn a Region 7-AAA semifinal berth.<br /> <br /> Their reward? A date with East Hall, which went undefeated in 7-AAA during the regular season, at 8:30 p.m. Friday. The Lions do get to host the contest in Carnesville.<br /> <br /> Dawson County's season is now complete.<br /> <br /> No other information was made available.