HOMER – Banks County put a lock on the No. 2 seed with a 71-63 win over Union County Wednesday night.
Banks County (16-8, 11-2) weathered Union’s 24-15 third-quarter spurt.
The Panthers’ strong third-quarter rally gave them the lead at the end of 24 minutes, 48-47, but Banks answered back in the final quarter, outpacing the Panthers 24-11.
Carl Cleveland scored 29 points, pulled 16 rebounds and dished out 7 assists to lead the Leopards. He also blocked two shots in the win.
Pierce Martin chipped in 12 points.
Pierce Allison led the Panthers with 28 points.
Banks County will host Social Circle Friday night. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
The Panthers (14-8, 7-5) is set to host Oglethorpe Friday at 7:30 p.m.
GAINESVILLE 84
WINDER-BARROW 64
The Gainesville Red Elephants blew past Winder-Barrow Wednesday night at home.
The win sets up a showdown for the top seed in Region 8-6A Friday night against Lanier at the Gainesville gym.
Rafael Rubel tossed in 20 points, 12 from the 3-point arc, to lead the Red Elephants.
Gainesville led 19-10 after the first quarter and 37-28 at the half. The second half was all red, with Gainesville outpacing the Bulldoggs 23-19 in the third and 24-17 in the final period.
Brent Kelly scored 11 points and Robert Reisman had 10 in the win.
Gainesville (16-8, 8-1) will host Lanier Friday at 8:30 p.m.
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY 59
ATHENS ACADEMY 56
The win over Athens Academy gave the Lions sole possession of second place in Region 8-A Wednesday night.
Blake McIntyre scored 21 points and Adam Cottrell had 18 to pace Lakeview.
KJ Millwood chipped in 11 points and 8 boards.7 rebounds
Lakeview (17-7, 7-2) will travel to Hebron Christian Friday at 7:30 p.m.
GREATER ATLANTA 76
EAST HALL 64
The Vikings (11-12, 6-5) will travel to Dawson County Friday at 8:30 p.m.
CEDAR SHOALS 60
JOHNSON 27
Johnson (8-16, 0-9) will travel to Loganville Friday. Game time is 8:30 p.m.
NORTH HALL 58
LUMPKIN COUNTY 50
The win moves North Hall (11-13, 6-5) into a tie with East Hall for the No. 3 seed in Region 7-3A. The Trojans travel to Cherokee Bluff Friday at 8:30 p.m.
BUFORD 70
LOGANVILLE 54
Buford (21-2, 8-1) will host Clarke Central Friday. Game time is 8:30 p.m.
MARIST 64
WEST HALL 48
Braden Martin led West Hall with 18 points in the loss to Marist on the road.
West Hall (7-16, 5-7) will host Blessed Trinity on Friday. Tip is 8:30 p.m.
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