GAINESVILLE — The Cherokee Bluff basketball teams, in their first-ever Lanierland Tournament games, advanced out of the play-in games Thursday night at the Chestatee gym.
The Bluff boys used a huge second half to shake off Chestatee 84-61 while the Lady Bears routed Johnson 78-32 in the early game.
The tournament, which has expanded to nine teams, created the pllay-in game for the 2018 tournament with the winners advancing to next week's main brackes.
The Lady Bears will take on three--time defending champion Flowery Banch on Dec. 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the first round at the Chestatee gym. The Bluff boys will take on two-time defending champion Gainesville at 8 p.m., also at Chestatee.
In the boys game, the two teams battled back-and-forth with Cherokee Bluff leading 2012 after the first quarter and 40-33 at halftime. The Bears exploded for 44 second half points, including a 28-18 fourth quarter run.
Griffin Neville lead Cherokee Bluff with 22 points. Bosko Norman added 12 for the Bears.
Chestatee was paced by 16 points from Cameron Gwynn and 15 points from Brenton Nicholson.
In the girl contest, Cherokee Bluff (6-5) started strong and never looked back in earning the win.
The Lady Bears led 25-7 after the opening period and took a 46-23 lead into the intermission. Cherokee Bluff outscored Johnson (2-9) 25-5 in the third uarter to put the game out of reach.
Timber Gaither had a huge game with 21 points and 8 steals to lead Cherokee Bluff. Maddie Thomas and Madi Phillips contributed with 15 points apiece and Gabby Stanley had 9 points for the Lady Bears.
