HOMER — Banks County held Elbert County to just 1 point in the second quarter while rolling to a lopsided 71-31 win Friday night in Region 8-2A action at home.
The Leopards (13-2, 4-0 Region 8-2A) led 16-5 after the opening period but outscored the Blue Devils (4-9, 2-2 Region 8-2A) 14-1 in the second quarter to open up a 30-6 lead. Banks County led 41-17 heading into the fourth quarter before exploding for 30 points.
Carl Cleveland had another triple-double with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists to lead Banks County. Pierce Martin added 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, and Sawyer Pace had 11 points for the Leopards.
LANIER CHRISTIAN 78,
FIDELES CHRISTIAN 56
Trevin Last poured in 19 points and pulled down 18 rebounds to lead the Lightning to the big win.
Bo Souther chipped in 17 points and Thomas Avery had 12 for LCA.
LCA plays again on Tuesday at home against Young Americans Christian School.
NORTH HALL 60,
LUMPKIN COUNTY 40
After a team-wide battle with the flu for over a week, the Trojans have won two straight. North Hall drained 9 3-pointers, including four from Clark Howell, in taking a Region 7-3A win at home.
Howell finished with a game-high 26 points to pace the Trojans (11-5, 3-2 Region 7-3A). Luke Volle added 15 points for North Hall.
The Trojans started strong running out to a 21-9 lead after the first quarter. They extended the lead to 33-15 by halftime and led 48-28 heading into the fourth quarter.
Pat Jackson and Peyton Polk each had 10 points to lead Lumpkin County (6-11, 2-4 Region 7-3A). The Indians have lost three straight after winning two in a row.
GAINESVILE 62,
HABERSHAM CENTRAL 54
WALNUT GROVE 51,
BUFORD 40
Walnut Grove held Buford to just 4 second quarter points as the Wolves fell in both teams' Region 8-5A opener.
Buford (11-4, 0-1 Region 8-5A) trailed just 13-12 after the opening period. but the Warriors (13-1, 1-0 Region 8-5A) extended their lead to 23 -16 by halftime.
The Wolves rallied to within 30-25 heading into the fourth quarter but could get complete the comeback.
COMMERCE 67,
GEORGE WALTON 56
They opened their region slate with a big win at home.
Creed Dunbar and Ian McConnell both poured in 20 points to lead Commerce (10-4, 1-0 Region 8-A). Matthew Simpson added 9 points for the Tigers, who already have surpassed all expectations after just a 3-win season in 2018-19.
BLESSED TRINITY 59,
CHESTATEE 45
Jonah Bull paced the War Eagles (8-8, 3-3 Region 7-4A) with 21 points and Brenton Nicholson chipped in 13 points for Chestatee.
The War Eagles will play host to Cherokee Bluff on Saturday in a non-region battle. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. with the girls beginning at 4 p.m.
