OAKWOOD — Chezley Watson got his first win as coach and the Flowery Branch boys ralled from a double-digit halftime deficit to beat rival West Hall 59-57 Tuesday night in both teams' Region 7-4A openers.
West Hall (2-5, 0-1 Region 7-4A) led throughtout the first half taking a 34-22 lead into the intermission. But the Falcons (1-4, 1-0) stormed out of the halftime using a 23-13 third quarter run to pull within 47-45 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Falcons grabbed the lead in the fourth quarter and were able to hold off several Spartans runs, despite missing several free throws down the stretch.
"We kept them in the game by missing some shots, especially at the (free throw) line. But it feels good," Watson said of notching his first-ever win as a head coach. "To me it's really more a sense of relief for the guys. They've worked really hard. Hopfully this will get them going a little bit."
Mario Brown poured in 23 points to pace the Falcons. John Gunter added 14 points, Chandler Watson had 12 points, and Harrison Cooper 10 for Flowery Branch.
Noah Edmondson had another huge game for West Hall with 34 points.
DAWSON COUNTY 70
FANNIN COUNTY 21
Dawson County opened Region 7-3A in impressive style routing Fannin County on the road.
The Tigers (5-1, 1-0 Region 7-3A) opened with a flurry leading 19-4 after the first quarter and 47-10 at halftime.
Ten different players scored for Dawson County. Senior Luke Chism led Dawson County with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists and junior Jasper Gibson added 13 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds.
Tate Adkins chipped in 11 points and Campbell Reed had 10 points and 4 assists and Eli Burruss had 7 points and 4 rebounds for the Tigers.
Dawson County faces a huge game on Friday when it plays host to defending Class 3A state champion Greater Atlanta Christian.
JOHNSON 69
OGLETHORPE COUNTY 49
The Knights (3-2) got a big game from senior big man Jonathan Williams, who poured in 21 points. Jesse Harbin added 13 for the Knights.
RIVERSIDE MILITARY 65
RABUN COUNTY 40
The Eagles won their seventh straight game Tuesday at home.
Riverside (7-1) put the Wildcats (0-3) away quickly with a 26-3 first quarter explosion. The Eagles led 38-17 by halftime.
Isaac Teasley paced Riverside with 25 points and 12 rebounds. Areeb Ahmad added 11 points, Khalid Duke had 8 points and 7 rebounds, and Michael Poteat chaipped in with 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists for the Eagles.
Riverside next travels to Wesleyan on Saturday.
Rabun County next will travel to rival Towns County on Friday.
DENMARK 76
CHESTATEE 57
Chestatee saw its four-game win streak snapped Tuesday in the Region 7-4A opener for both teams.
Brenton Nichols led the War Eagles (6-2, 0-1 Region 7-4A) with 13 points. Jonah Bull added 11 points.
The War Eagles will travel to Flowery Branch on Friday for another key region battle.
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