Smithsonian Photography Exhibit Set

The varsity Hurricane basketball teams completed their first games of the 8AA Region Tournament with losses on Monday during the first round held in Banks County.

As both squads played for a chance to secure one of the top four region slots needed to advance to the Georgia High School Association’s state tournament, set to begin next Friday, Feb. 14, the first round was not kind to either team.

The Lady Canes, sixth in the region following weekend action that produced a 32-28 win over Oglethorpe and a 66-26 loss to Elbert, fell to Social Circle (with whom they were tied) on Monday by one point with 32-31 final score. The region loss closes out the varsity ladies’ season under first year Head Coach Kurt Greene.

The Canes had a disappointing 71-64 loss to Elbert County Monday in the region tournament after falling to the same squad in their last regular season contest Saturday in double overtime. Head Coach Chris Pennamon was looking to avenge Friday’s 89-84 loss with a win Monday. The Canes started out and finished strong Monday with big first and fourth quarters but had a real lackluster second quarter with only six points to Elbert’s 20.

The tournament continued with action Tuesday and will conclude today and Friday, Feb. 6-7 to determine the seeding for the top four teams for the girls and boys.

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The season continues for the Middle School Canes squad as they were to play Wednesday in the Piedmont Athletic Conference boys semifinals against Carver at Youth Middle School. A win Wednesday takes the squad back to the PAC championship game Saturday, Feb. 8 against the winner of Loganville/Putnam also to be held at Youth Middle School.