After a thrilling opening day of games in the 26th annual Battle of the States Tournament in Hiawassee, day two saw many local squads playing for a chance to reach the Finals of the tourney.

GIRLS

Lumpkin County

After falling to Murphy (NC) in OT on day one, the girls bounced back with a convincing 59-30 win over Walhalla (SC). Isabel Davenport had a team-best 22, while Lexi Pierce put in 16. They’ll play in the 3rd place game tomorrow.

Union County

The Lady Panthers beat Walhalla (SC) in Thursday’s opening action, but fell in the Semis, 63-39 to Murphy (NC). Andelin Hill led the Lady Panthers with 10 points. Union’s girls play Polk (NC) for the 3rd-place honors tomorrow.

Towns County

It was a second straight loss in the BOTS for the host team, as the Lady Indians fell 49-42 to Hayesville (NC). Kennedi Henson led with 19 points. They will play in a consolation game tomorrow.

---

BOYS

Lumpkin & Union County

The Indians and Panthers squared off in the Semis, and it was a classic. Union held on 64-61 in a game that came down to the wire. Pierson Allison scored 21, while Jacob Cumbie led Lumpkin with 19. Union moves on to the Championship game with Towns, while Lumpkin faces Hayesville for 3rd place.

Towns County

Kolby Moss stayed red hot for the host team, as he scored 23 on the way to a 67-64 nail-biting win over Hayesville (NC) to reach the BOTS Championship. It sets up a Towns vs Union battle in the Finals for the boys.

---