FLOWERY BRANCH – Cherokee Bluff is having a happy new year.
The Lady Bears captured their second-straight win of 2019 over Region 7-3A foe Dawson County, 63-56 Friday night.
Timber Gaither tossed in a game-high 27 points to lead the Lady Bears.
Cherokee Bluff’s Madi Phillips was a wrecking ball in the paint, ripping down 23 boards. She also chipped in 11 points.
Maddie Thomas poured in 18 points.
Ella Siuta led the Lady Tigers with 17 points.
“Really proud of how the girls locked in on defense and bought into the game plan,” Cherokee Bluff coach Lindsay Justice said. “They have grown up a lot from the beginning of the season to now.”
The Lady Bears jumped on the Region 7-3A co-leader 16-7 in the first quarter. The opening quarter performance turned out to be the biggest difference in the game.
The two battled each other in the final three quarters - 17-17 in the second quarter, 18-16 - Dawson in the third quarter, and 17-14 – Bluff in the final frame.
“We know how tough our region is, though,” Justice said. “We know that every game will be a battle from here on out. Our work is not done. Now we have to focus on the next one.
Cherokee Bluff (10-8, 1-4) will travel to North Hall on Tuesday. Game time is 6 p.m.
Dawson County (11-6, 3-2) will travel to East Hall on Tuesday. Tip is 6 p.m.
GAINESVILLE 67
HABERSHAM CENTRAL 40
Sadie Roach scored 23 points and Tija Blackwell had 20 to lead the Lady Red Elephants past Habersham Central Friday night on the road.
Gainesville never trailed, holding the Lady Raiders to single digits in three quarters.
The Lady Red Elephants led 39-23 at the half and outscored Habersham 16-8 in the third and 12-9 in the final eight minutes.
Tia Shelton chipped in 14 points in the win.
Gainesville (9-5, 1-0 will host Dacula Saturday. Game time is 7 p.m.
RABUN COUNTY 70
UNION COUNTY 54
Brooke Henricks continued her consistency, scoring 20 points to lead the Lady Wildcats past Region 8-2A mate Union County Friday night.
Lake Stiles scored 15 points and Destiny Deetz tossed in 12.
Rabun (12-1, 4-0) will travel to Monticello Saturday. Game time is 6 p.m.
Union (8-5, 2-2) will host Putnam County Saturday. Tip is 3 p.m.
LCA 41
GCC 36
Lanier Christian Academy edged Greater Gwinnett Christian Friday night at home.
Madison Hughes and Hollie Beussee scored 16 of the Lightning's 18 fourth-quarter points to push them to the win.
Hughes finished with a team-high 10 points, while Beussee hit for 9 points.
GGC led 27-23 going into the fourth quarter. LCA outpaced GGC 18-9 in the final period.
Reece Montgomery scored 7 points, Ashley Avery and Faith Wasden, scored 6 points each, and Logan Wilson and Lexie Robertson had 3.
GAC 69
EAST HALL 48
Greater Atlanta Christian School was too much for the East Hall Lady Vikings Friday night on the road.
Maggie Griffin led the Lady Vikings with 16 points and Ivey Shadburn had 10.
East Hall (7-11, 1-4) will host Dawson County on Tuesday. Game time is 6 p.m.
MARIST 53
WEST HALL 41
The Lady Spartans lost a tough one to Marist Friday at home.
Kylie Stasierowski scored a career-high 17 points in the loss. Kinsey Wilson added 16 points.
West Hall (4-12, 2-3) will travel to Blessed Trinity on Tuesday. Game time is 6 p.m.
