The Buford girls kept their perfect record intact on Friday, winning 61-58 at Columbia High in Decatur.
The Lady Wolves (5-0) trailed by a point with 30 seconds left in the game, but finished strong to pull out the close victory.
They were led by strong performances from Kaela Davis (28 points) and Kristina Nelson (21 points).
Next, Buford will travel to Phoenix to play in the Nike Tournament of Champions. It will face Mater Dei, the two-time defending USA Today national champions, at 3 p.m. on Monday.
DAWSON COUNTY GIRLS 54, LUMPKIN COUNTY 37: After leading by only two points at the half, the Dawson County girls put forth a strong effort after the break to top Lumpkin County on Friday at home.
The Lady Tigers, facing the Lady Indians again after a hiatus in the rivalry, outscored their opponents by 15 points in the second half en route to the win.
They were led by freshman Sheyenne Seabolt, who scored 14 points in the game. Kim Wallace added nine points and three steals.
Dawson County will play next in the Pacelli Christmas Tournament on Monday and Tuesday at Pacelli High in Columbus.
OCONEE COUNTY GIRLS 55, WEST HALL 33: Playing in its subregion opener, West Hall was unable to keep pace with the Lady Warriors on Friday in Watkinsville.
The Lady Spartans (2-9, 0-1 Region 8-AAA South) were paced by Maia Booker’s 10 points and eight rebounds.
They were unable to contend with Oconee County’s tough duo of Gabby Bevillard and Alley Howell, who scored 17 and 15 points, respectively.
West Hall will face North Hall in the Lanierland tournament at noon on Monday at Johnson High.
UNION COUNTY GIRLS 61, TOWNS COUNTY 48: Union County used a strong effort from Rebecka Merritt on Friday in Blairsville to notch its eighth win of the season.
Merritt led the Panthers (8-1) with a season-high 29 points.
Angie Hughes helped out with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
The Lady Indians (7-3) fought back with solid performances from Gabby Arencibia and Stephanie Patton, who scored 16 and 13 points, respectively.
Towns County will be hosting the Battle of the States beginning on Dec. 27. It will take on Hokes Bluff, (Ala.) at 4 p.m., while Union County will face Pope County, (Tenn.) at 7 p.m.
DAWSON COUNTY BOYS 57, LUMPKIN COUNTY 43: Behind a strong fourth quarter, Dawson County was able to run away from the Indians on Friday in Dawsonville.
Tyler Dominy scored 14 of his 18 points in the final period to secure the lead for the Tigers (8-1).
Bruce Clark and Lucas Pain also had solid performances for the Tigers, recording 13 and 10 points, respectively.
Devonte Anderson and Cain Almeida did not make it easy for the Tigers. Anderson recorded 14 points and Almeida had 12 for the Indians.
Dawson County will take on Schley County at 4:30 p.m. on Monday in the Pacelli Christmas Tournament in Columbus.
UNION COUNTY BOYS 64, TOWNS COUNTY 46: Union County took off and never looked back on Friday night against Towns County in Blairsville.
The Panthers (6-3) were led by James Rowe, who recorded a season-high 25 points. He also notched 12 rebounds in the game. Zach Odom added 15 points for the Panthers.
Dallas Manus (13 points) and Ryan Tallent (12 points) led Towns County (2-9) in the loss.
Both teams will compete in the Battle of the States on Dec. 27. Towns County will be playing at 8:30 p.m. against Pope County (Tenn.), and Union County will take on Southside (Ala.) at 5:30 p.m.
WEST HALL BOYS 53, OCONEE COUNTY 44: West Hall (5-4) couldn’t pull away, but was able to hang on for a nine-point victory over Oconee County on Friday in Watkinsville.
Tyswon Cantrell led the Spartans with 22 points. A.J. Stephens added 12 points in the win.
West Hall will face Flowery Branch in the opening round of the Lanierland tournament at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at East Hall High.