FLOWERY BRANCH — East Hall snapped a six-game losing streak with a thrilling 54-51 come-from-behind win over Flowery Branch on Friday in Region 8-4A action.
The Vikings (6-13, 2-6 Region 8-4A) trailed 45-36 heading into the fourth quarter but held the Falcons (3-12, 0-7 Region 8-4A) to just 6 points over the final eight minutes to pull out the victory.
East Hall opened strong taking a 14-10 lead after the opening period. But Flowery Branch outscored the Vikings 35-22 in the second and third quarters.
East Hall was led by Christian Torres’s 19 points. Imre Earls added 14 for the Vikings.
Flowery Branch was led by Trevor Gurske, Jacob Dixon, and Tyreek Worth who each scored 12 points. It was the 12th straight loss for the Falcons after opening the season 3-0.
WHITE COUNTY 59,
NORTH HALL 45
The Warriors pushed their win streak to 6 with a Region 7-3A road win.
White County (11-5, 8-1 Region 7-3A) used a big second quarter to run out to a 27-18 lead by halftime. The Warriors extended their lead to 43-28 heading into the fourth quarter and then held on for the win.
Silas Mulligan scored 17 points to pace White County. Reece Dockery added 10 points for the Warriors.
The loss for North Hall (8-9, 3-6 Region 7-3A) coupled with Lumpkin County’s win over Gilmer on Friday dropped the Trojans into fifth place.
LUMPKIN COUNTY 60,
GILMER 48
The Indians climbed into fourth place with a big road win in Region 7-3A. The victory also avenged an earlier loss to the Bobcats (59-55) and snapped a three-game losing streak in region play.
Lumpkin County (8-9, 3-5 Region 7-3A) opened with a big 18-11 first quarter and led 27-22 at halftime. They used another 18-11 run in the third quarter to blow the game open.
Jones Harris had a huge game for the Indians with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Chandler Pulley added 14 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals and Hunter Cooper had 7 points and 3 steals for Lumpkin County.
Braden Jenkins had 15 points to lead Gilmer (3-10, 1-6 Region 7-3A).
JACKSON COUNTY 75,
WALNUT GROVE 62
The Panthers stunned the Warriors in a big Region 8-5A showdown in Jefferson.
Walnut Grove (8-8, 7-2 Region 8-3A) came into the contest sitting atop the region standings. But Jackson County (8-7, 3-7 Region 7-3A) jumped on the Warriors quickly running out to a 14-7 lead.
The Panthers eventually took a 32-27 lead into the intermission and then outscored Walnut Grove 43-35 in the second half to pull away for the victory
Kalib Clinton paced Jackson County with 24 points. Max Brown added 17 points, Trentyn Flowers had 15 points, and Bryce Blake 9 points for the Panthers.
FRANKLIN COUNTY 67,
EAST JACKSON 46
The Eagles are still looking for their first Region 8-3A win after a loss on the road.
Makayl Rakestraw led East Jackson (3-7, 0-4 Region 8-3A) with 20 points. R.J. White added 15 points for the Eagles.
