GAINESVILLE — After a sluggish first quarter, the Gainesville boys erupted in the second and third quarters en route to an 82-42 dismantling of Creekview Friday night in the first round of the Class AAAAAA state tournament.
Gainesville, the Region 8-AAAAAA champions, led just 20-15 after the opening eight minutes. But the Red Elephants (27-1) outscored the Grizzlies (10-19) 52-18 to race out to a 72-33 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.
The Red Elephants next will await the Tucker-Effingham County winner next Thursday in the second round. Gainesville would host the game no matter the opponent.
Jarrel Rosser paced Gainesville with 15 points. K.J. Buffen added 12 points, Kujaun Hale 11, and Bailey Minor 10 for the Red Elephants. Xavier Bledson and Ross Tipton chipped in with eight points apiece.
Weber Sandlin led Creekview with 13 points.
RIVER RIDGE GIRLS 54,
GAINESVILLE 53
Taylor Hawks poured in 30 points but it wasn't enough as the Lady Red Elephants dropped a heartbreaker in the opening round of the Class AAAAAA playoffs.
It was a tight game throughout with the two teams tied at 13 after the first quarter. Gainesville took a 28-23 lead into halftime but the Lady Knights rallied to tie the game at 38 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Lady Red Elephants held a late lead but could not hold it.
Tija Blackwell added 12 points for Gainesville.
Faith Arthur countered for River Ridge with 23 points.
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