Girls basketball playoff: Buford wins 8-7A crown; Jefferson, Lakeview roll into region finals

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Buford won their second straight Region 8-7A region title after holding off rival Mill Creek 57-40 on Wednesday at Central Gwinnett High School.

Ava Grace Watson posted a double-double, pouring in 30 points and pulling down 11 rebounds to lead the Lady Wolves (23-3). Lydia Ledford added 11 points for Buford.

The Lady Wolves jumped out to a 15-7 lead after the first quarter, but Mill Creek (18-6) trimmed the lead to 26-23 by halftime. Buford extended its lead to 42-34 heading into the fourth quarter and closed out the game on a 15-6 run to claim the title.

Bella Ragone paced Mill Creek with 15 points.

JEFFERSON 63,
FLOWERY BRANCH 34

The Lady Dragons moved into the finals of the Region 8-5A tournament after rolling past the Lady Falcons at The Arena.

Jefferson (23-3) exploded out of the gate, running out to a 22-4 lead, and took a 35-17 lead at halftime. The Lady Dragons used a 15-5 third quarter to take a 50-22 lead into the fourth.

Michel Robbins paced Jefferson with 22 points. Emeri Billings added 8 points, and Delaney Dewitt had 7 for the Lady Dragons.

Amyia Scott had 14 points to lead Flowery Branch (10-14).

Jefferson will take on Eastside, a 52-47 winner over Loganville in the other semifinal, in the finals on Friday at The Arena.

Flowery Branch will play Loganville in the third-place game.

LAKEVIEW ACADEMY 70,
BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN 28

Lakeview Academy advanced to the GIAA District 4A/3A championship game with an impressive win on Wednesday night at George Walton Academy.

Taylor Clark led the way with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 7 steals. Tailiah Gaither had 12 points and 9 rebounds, and Dynesty Putman had 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals for the Lady Lions.

Lakeview (23-1) will await the George Walton Academy-Loganville Christian Academy winner in Friday’s finals.

(Below is the full schedule of playoff games on Wednesday for teams in the AccessWDUN coverage area:)