ELBERTON — Banks County advanced to the Region 8-2A finals holding off an upset-minded Rabun County squad 65-61 Thursday in the semifinals at the Elbert County gym.
The Leopards (19-8) opened the game with a 12-6 run but could never shake the Wildcats. They did take a 29-18 halftime lead and a 51-40 lead into the final period.
Rabun County mounted a fourth-quarter rally outscoring the Leopards 21-14 over the final 8 minutes but could not complete the comeback.
Carl Cleveland remains a force in the tournament with his second straight double-double. Cleveland poured in 19 points to with 19 boards, and he added 5 assists and 4 steals as well. Pierce Martin had 18 points, Clay Gosnell 10 points, Wes Ledford 8 points and 5, and Dakota Orr added 6 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
Banks County will play the Elbert County-Union County winner on Friday at 8:30 p.m. in the finals at Elbert.
JEFFERSON 36
HART COUNTY 34
Jefferson's trip to the Region 8-3A title game wasn't easy.
The Dragons (17-9) pulled out a slim two-point win in a defensive battle with No. 2 seed Hart County Thursday night in the semifinals of the Region 8-3A tournament in Hartwell.
Kam Robinson scored 12 points and Owen Parker had 10 to lead the Dragons.
Jefferson will play the Monroe Area-Morgan County winner on Friday at 8:30 p.m. for the region title at Hart County.
BUFORD 71
UNION COUNTY 41
