COMMERCE — The Jackson County boys pulled the first upset of the Region 8-3A tournament knocking off East Jackson 71-55 in the first round Monday at East Jackson High School.
Sophomore Kalib Clinton dropped in 31 points to pace the Panthers (12-14) who had just one region victory all season until Monday. Cameron Shaw added 13 points and Kedric Zimmer had 12 for Jackson County, which came in as the lowest seed (7th) in the seven-team field
The Panthers next will play No. 3 seed Jefferson at Hart County on Tuesday with the winner qualifying for the state tournament. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m.
BANKS COUNTY 48,
MONTICELLO 40
Banks County also advanced to the state tournament with a tough victory over the Purple Hurricanes Monday in the Region 8-2A tournament.
The Leopards (18-8) opened the game with a 16-8 spurt and took a 24-19 lead into the intermission. Banks County extended its lead 37-23 heading into the fourth quarter. Monticello used a 17-11 final period but could not complete the comeback.
Carl Cleveland had a double-double to lead the Leopards with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Pierce Martin had 13 points, Clay Gosnell 10 points,6 rebounds, and 5 assists, and Dakota Orr pulled down 10 boards to go with, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 7 blocks.
UNION COUNTY 57,
PUTNAM COUNTY 43
Union County advanced to the state playoffs for the first time since 2017 with a win over Putnam County Monday night in the opening round of the Region 8-2A tournament at Rabun County High School.
The Panthers (17-9) used an 18-6 fourth quarter run to blo open a close game.
Pierson Allison scored 21 points, 13 in the first half, to pace Union County. Sawyer Drake added 12 points and Kanon Hemphill had 10 for Union County.
Union County will be back in action on Thursday in the semifinals taking on the Elbert County-Oglethorpe County winner at 7 p.m. at Elbert County.
TOWNS COUNTY 46,
ATHNS CHRISTIAN 44
http://accesswdun.com/article/2019/2/760240/boys-basketball-playoffs-jackson-county-upsets-east-jackson-in-8-3a