HIRAM ADVANCES

The Hiram Hornets advanced in the state basketball tournament on Saturday night with a hard-fought win over a tough Cedar Shoals squad from Athens by a score of 39-35.
Cedar Shoals held the lead at halftime in a low scoring affair. The visiting Jags used a tough zone defense in the first half to limit the Hornets shot attempts and did a good job rebounding and limiting the second chance opportunities.
The 3rd quarter saw the Hornets gain the advantage outscoring the Jags 13 to 6. The Hornets half-court trap paid dividends as they forced turnovers and were able to make baskets in the transitions. Hiram hung on to preserve the victory in the 4th, The Hornets now host Southwest Dekalb in round 2.

Paulding County Falls 79-67 to Clarke Central.

South Paulding girls fell to Harrison 79-49 in the first round.

FANS ON THEIR FEET as Hiram's Nathan Presnell throws the first of 2 consecutive dunks down in the 3rd quarter against Cedar Shoals that changed the momentum in the contest giving Hiram a 6 point lead. Presnell scored 22 points in the contest.Hiram's Darious Johnson ran the offense for the Hornets against a tough zone defense employed by Cedar Shoals most of the contest.