FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Class 3A second-ranked (PSR) Cherokee Bluff continued its strong play on Saturday, capturing the Bluff Holiday Classic at home.
The trio of Bristol Kersh, Claire Carlson, and Brooklyn Phillips were just too much for Class 5A eighth-ranked Arabia Mountain in a 66-53 win in the finals.
The win was the seventh in the last nine games for the Lady Bears (11-4) and comes off a runner-up finish at Lanierland last week.
Kersh poured 21 points and had 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals to lead a balanced attack. Carlson added 19 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals while Phillips scored 14 points to go with 4 rebounds for Cherokee Bluff.
Bluff next will travel toMonroe Area on Friday to open Region 8-3A play.
UNION COUNTY 60,
RABUN COUNTY 55
Hope Taylor and Ariel Mc Carter led the Lady Panthers to a win over their arch-rivals in the Battle of the States semifinals on Saturday at Towns County High School.
Taylor poured in 20 points and McCarter had 17 to pace Union County (8-4).
Addy Beth Owens led Rabun County (7-5) with 21 points.
NORTH FORSYTH 64,
MORRISTOWN EAST (Tenn.) 37
The Class 6A fourth-ranked Lady Raiders never trailed in taking a dominating win in a battle of ranked teams in the semifinals of the Insfree Christmas at the Beach tournament in Pensacola Beach (Fla.) on Saturday.
North Forsyth (14-0) jumped out to a big 22-8 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Lady Raiders blew it open with a 21-8 second quarter for a 43-16 halftime lead.
Despite just a 7-point third quarter, North Forsyth took a 50-30 lead into the final period.
Gabby Gliatta lead the way for the Lady Raiders with 21 points. London Weaver added 17 for North Forsyth.
They will take on Arlington (Tenn.) in the finals on Monday.
