With virtually every region in the northeast Georgia area now into their region schedules, some early contenders are emerging.
Key series across eight area regions will resume on Wednesday.
In Region 8-6A, Buford, ranked No. 1 in Class 6A and fourth nationally, sits atop the standings at 4-0 while Habersham Central is tied for second and both will be in action on Wednesday and Thursday in key series.
Region 7-3A is underway in what should be a dogfight the entire way with two teams -- North Hall and Cherokee Bluff -- ranked in the top four in Class 3A. The Trojans opened with a win over Gilmer on Monday while the Bears are the odd team out this week and will not start in region until next week. Meanwhile, two other big series resume on Wednesday with White County heading to Lumpkin County and Dawson County traveling to West Hall. The Indians and Tigers are looking to get even in their series.
In Region 8-4A, No. 2 Flowery Branch and No. 6 Jefferson opened with huge wins on Monday while Chestatee fell to No. 1 North Oconee. All three are back in action on Wednesday with the War Eagles looking to even their series with the Titans.
In Region 6-7A, Gainesville will try to rebound from a loss to No. 6 Lambert on the road on Wednesday.
(Rankings taken from Georgia Dugout polls)
(Check below for the schedule for Wednesday and Thursday for northeast Georgia area teams.)
AREA BASEBALL SCHEDULE FOR Wednesday, March 10
(Games listed by visiting team in alphabetical order)
(Area teams highlighted in bold)
(Games begin at 5:55 p.m., unless otherwise noted)
Dawson County at West Hall*
East Hall at Cherokee Bluff
Flowery Branch at Cedar Shoals*
Gainesville at Lambert, 6:15 p.m.*
Habersham Central at Central Gwinnett*
Lanier at Buford*
Madison County at Jefferson*
North Hall at Gilmer*
North Oconee at Chestatee*
Tallulah Falls at East Jackson, 5:30 p.m.
White County at Lumpkin County, 5:30 p.m.*
AREA BASEBALL SCHEDULE FOR Thursday, March 11
Buford at Lanier, 6 p.m.*
Central Gwinnett at Habersham Central*
(* -- denotes region contest)
AREA BASEBALL SCOREBOARD FOR Monday, March 8
Buford 7, Lanier 0*
Commerce 10, East Jackson 0
Flowery Branch 15, Cedar Shoals 0*
Habersham Central 16, Central Gwinnett 3*
Hart County 4, Cherokee Bluff 3
Jackson County 11, Oconee County 4
Jefferson 15, Madison County 0*
Lambert 7, Gainesville 0*
North Hall 11, Gilmer 0*
North Oconee 9, Chestatee 1*
West Hall 11, Dawson County 0*
White County 5, Lumpkin County 0*
