BLAIRSVILLE — In a wild finish, Banks County's Jenna Reeves hit the game-winning layup with less than a second on the clock to lift the Lady Leopards over Elbert County, 61-59, in the second round of the Region 8-2A tournament at Union County on Tuesday.
The Lady Leopards had to drive the length of the floor with 3.5 seconds to go and somehow found Reeves, who scored 15 points, wide open for the winning layup. The win sends the Lady Leopards to the semifinals of the Region 8-2A tournament and a trip to the Class 2A state playoffs.
Banks County led the game for three quarters, taking a 47-29 advantage into the final period. But Elbert County found some fire-power in the final 8 minutes, outshooting Banks, 30-12 to tie the game with 3.5 seconds remaining.
Pollie Simpson hit a game-high 21 points to pace Banks County. Heather Vaughan added 11 points, and Kamryn Grier chipped in 10.
Banks County (13-14, Region 8-2A No. 5 seed) will play No. 1 seed Rabun County on Thursday at Rabun. Tip is set for 7 p.m.
CEDAR SHOALS 55,
JOHNSON 20
Cedar Shoals' Skylar Lattimore turned in a double-double performance to lead the Lady Jags past Johnson on Tuesday in the first round of the Region 8-5A tournament at Clarke Central.
Carleigh Odell led the Lady Knights with 6 points. Johnson ends the season 2-23.
UNION COUNTY 53,
SOCIAL CIRCLE 23
Ava Hunter scored 13 points and Corinne Hill and Ellie Cook had 10 points in the Lady Panthers win over Social Circle in the second round of the Region 8-2A tournament on Tuesday in Blairsville.
Union led 39-6 at the half and 49-19 heading into the final quarter.
The win also clinched a berth in the Class 2A tournament next week.
The Lady Panthers (18-6, Region 8-2A No. 3 seed) will play No. 2 seed Putnam County in the semifinals on Thursday at Rabun County. Game time is set for 4 p.m.
TALLULAH FALLS 44,
TOWNS COUNTY 21
Tallulah Falls raced to a 28-8 lead at the half to pace the win over Towns County in the second round of the Region 8-A tournament at Commerce on Tuesday.
Towns County ends the season 9-15.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2020/2/873789/girls-playoff-basketball-johnson-falls-in-first-round