GAINESVILLE — Cherokee Bluff held East Forsyth to just four second-quarter points while rallying for a 60-52 win on the road Tuesday night in Region 8-4A action.
The Bears (3-2, 1-1 Region 8-4A) trailed 18-15 to the Broncos (3-5, 0-2 Region 8-4A) but turned up the defense in a 16-4 run to run out to a 31-22 halftime lead.
East Forsyth cut the lead to 44-37 heading into the fourth quarter, but Bluff was able to hold on down the stretch.
Boston Kersh led the Bears with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Carlos Marlow added 17 points, and Jhace Justice 9 for Cherokee Bluff.
DJ Hyams paced the Broncos with 15 points, including 4 3-pointers. Bryce Bracco had 14 points, and Matthew Rouse had 13 points for East Forsyth.
Both teams will be back in action Friday in key region contests. Cherokee Bluff will next travel to Johnson while East Forsyth heads to East Hall.
WEST HALL 56,
DAWSON COUNTY 42
Andrew Malin scored 24 points to lead the Spartans to the win over Dawson County in the Region 7-3A opener on Tuesday in Dawsonville.
West Hall has won 4 of its last 5 games, including three straight.
Isaiah Holder had 15, and Owen Jenkins chipped in 10.
Caden Reed led the Tigers with 17 points.
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY 68,
FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN 33
The Lions used a 19-6 second quarter to extend an early lead en route to a blowout win at home.
Lakeview (2-5) led the Paladins just 13-7 after the opening frame but exploded for a 32-13 halftime lead.
They kept the pressure on in the third quarter getting a 24-11 run to blow it open.
Justyce Sadler had 15 points to lead nine Lakeview scorers. Jack Collins added 13 points and Tayden Ware and Liam Weidner each had 11 points for the Lions.
Lakeview will next take on Union County at home on Saturday afternoon at 5 p.m.
RABUN COUNTY 68,
WALHALLA (SC) 65
Cooper Welch hit four clutch free throws in the waning moments to help the Wildcats take a big road win on Tuesday.
Welch finished with 15 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks for Rabun County (2-2). Willie Goodwyn just missed on a double-double pouring in 21 points and pulling down 9 rebounds for the Wildcats.
Rabun County built a big first half lead using a 17-9 second quarter for a 35-22 advantage. But Walhalla chiped away in the second half cutting the lead to 51-44 heading into the fourth quarter and caught the Wildcats late until Welch helped preserve the win.
Jayton Henry and Jarret Giles each had 8 points and combined for 7 assists. Nathan Thompson finished with 4 points and 6 rebounds for Rabun County.
It was the second straight win for the Wildcats, who will play host to former region foe Banks County on Friday.
