MONTICELLO — The top four boys seeds in Region 8-AA all have advanced to the state tournament after three quarterfinal games Monday night.
The Banks County boys, by virtue of winning the regular season title, already had qualified for the state tournament and received a first-round bye. Elbert County, Putnam County, and Monticello joined the Leopards after wins in first round action.
Elbert County knocked off Rabun County, a state qualifier last season, 50-32, while Putnam County hammered Oglethorpe County, 79-56. Host Monticello whipped Social Circle 63-48.
The semifinals now move to Banks County on Thursday. The finals are scheduled for Friday at Banks County.
The host Leopards will take on Elbert County, a team they beat twice during the regular season (48-43 and 65-47) at 8:30 p.m. Putnam County will play Monticello at 5:30 p.m. The two teams split their two games with each winning at home.
The girls quarterfinals are set for Tuesday at Banks County. Rabun County received the first-round bye and automatic state berth by winning the regular season title. Monticello will take on Elbert County at 4 p.m.; Putnam County plays Social Circle at 5:30 p.m.; and host Banks County, the No. 2 seed, will take on Oglethorpe County at 7 p.m.
