SUWANEE — Ariah Jeffers drained a 3-pointer with 30 seconds left and then the Gainesville defense converted two big defensive stops in taking a 39-38 win over North Gwinnett Saturday afternoon.
The final moments pushed the Lady Red Elephants to 3-2 on the season as they continued their strong start against a tough schedule.
Gainesville led 11-10 after the first period and the two teams played to a standstill with the Lady Red Elephants taking a 30-29 lead into the fourth quarter.
Sadie Roach and KeKe Jones each had 8 points to lead the Lady Red Elephants.
Gainesville returns to action on Tuesday when it plays host Forsyth Central in Region 6-7A play.
JOHNSON 39,
WEST HALL 36
The Lady Knights got a 3-pointer from Ashley Mintz in the final moments to help pull out the win over their arch-rivals on Saturday.
Mintz’s shot was the final of more than a half-a-dozen lead changes throughout.
Sarah Johnson paced Johnson (3-4) with 15 points and Mintz finished with 8 points.
West Hall (1-3) was led by a game-high 18 points from Riley Harkin.
Johnson will open Region 8-5A play on Tuesday at home against Clarke Central.
The Lady Spartans will open Region 7-3A pay at home against Gilmer on Tuesday.