Canes Head To State Playoffs

The varsity Hurricane boys will travel three hours plus to Summerville on Saturday, Feb. 17 to face Chattooga High School in the first round of the Georgia High School Association’s state playoffs.

“Chattooga is a very aggressive uptempo team similar to us, so if we come ready to play it should be a very good contest,” said Head Coach Chris Pennamon of the weekend match-up which tips off at 6 p.m.

The Canes concluded the region tournament last Friday with a 53-45 loss to Putnam, their only loss to the War Eagles this season. That result landed the Canes in fourth place in the region behind Elbert, Banks, and Putnam. By virtue of finishing in fourth, the Canes will have to compete against the top ranked Indians of Region 7AA who are 23-3 overall and 15-1 in their region.

The state playoffs begin a new competition for the Canes as they will have to put the region tournament losses from last week in their rear view and rebound with their brand of basketball.

Against Putnam County De’Ivion Lawrence led the way with 17 points followed by Jay Fleetwood with 11 points. Against Banks County Ashton Bonner had 26 points and Lawrence had 18 points.

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Five Hurricane players received special honors during last week’s tournament. From the boy’s squad, Ashton Bonner was recognized as the Region 8AA Player of the Year and Malik Crawford was named to the All Region First Team.

Lady Hurricanes Madison Abbott was named to the All Region First Team while Mackenzie Abbott and Mackenzie Tripp were named for Honorable Mention.