In what is typically one of the most highly-anticipated basketball tournaments in Northeast Georgia around Christmas time, the Battle of the States Tournament held annually (26th edition in 2019) in Hiawassee had some thrillers in day one.

Lumpkin, Union, and Towns are all involved in the tournament this year. On the girls side, Union advanced to the Semifinals, while Lumpkin, Union, and Towns all won on the boys side to advance to the Semis.

GIRLS

Lumpkin County

On the girls’ side, it was Lumpkin County, who came in ranked in the top 10, who dropped an overtime thriller, 70-65 to Murphy, NC. Isabel Davenport scored 28, while Lexi Pierce had 15 for the Lady Indians.

Union County

The Lady Panthers beat Walhalla (SC), 75-38 in a blowout win. Ava Hunter had 17, while Andelin Hill finished with 13 in the win.

Towns County

The host Lady Indians lost to Polk County, 53-47 in another tight contest. Vanessa Floyd led Towns with 21 points in the effort.

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BOYS

Lumpkin County

The Indians beat Murphy (NC), 71-54 in a runaway win. It was Pat Jackson (21 points, 8 rebounds) to lead Lumpkin County. Peyton Polk had 15 points and 11 boards for a double-double, while Jacob Cumbie had 13 points in the win.

Union County

Union won a nail-biter over Walhalla, 54-53, as Pierson Allison led the Panthers with 15 points. Kyle Morlock had 13 and Sawyer Drake 6 points in the win.

Towns County

Towns County beat Armuchee, 64-53. Kolby Moss dropped in a game-high 28 points for the Indians.

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