Despite an 8-18 overall record entering the game, the sixth-seeded Flowery Branch High girls basketball team upset No. 2 Madison County 51-41 in the Region 8-AAAA tournament quarterfinals on Wednesday at Winder-Barrow High. With the win, the Lady Falcons (9-18) punched their ticket for the Class AAAA state playoffs and advanced to the region tournament semifinals.

“This was the best game we’ve played all year,” Flowery Branch coach Hazel Hall said. “To be honest, it’s unbelievable that an 8-18 team could come out and win and be headed to the playoffs.”

Jacy Ramey led Flowery Branch with 15 points and nine rebounds, and Tavia Sykes added 13 points. The Falcons took the lead early in the game and never trailed, according to Hall. Leading 17-14 after the first quarter, the Lady Falcons extended their lead to 26-20 by halftime.

“We played Madison County close both times this season, so we felt like we had a chance,” Hall added.

Last year, Flowery Branch was a No. 4 seed in the Region 7-AAA tournament and upset North subregion champion Chestatee in the quarterfinals.

The Lady Falcons advanced to the second round of the playoffs in 2010.

NORTH HALL GIRLS 65, OCONEE COUNTY 58: The Lady Trojans (14-12) secured their first playoff berth since 2008 with a win on Wednesday in the Region 8-AAA tournament at Walnut Grove High. With the win, North Hall advances to the tournament semifinals on Friday at 4 p.m. against Walnut Grove.

Mary Kate Rushton led North Hall with 18 points and eight rebounds, while McKenna Rushton added 17 points and 12 boards. Sarah Paschall chipped in 10 for the Lady Trojans.

EAST HALL GIRLS 50, NORTH OCONEE 36: Jasmine Jenkins and Morgan Jackson each scored 15 for the Lady Vikings (17-9) in the Region 8-AA quarterfinals on Wednesday in Elberton, securing a spot in the Class AA state playoffs.

With the win, East Hall moves on to play Fannin County in the tournament semifinals at 7 p.m. Friday at Rabun County High in Tiger.

HEBRON CHRISTIAN GIRLS 56, LAKEVIEW 29: The Lady Lions’ season came to a close in the Region 8-A tournament in Commerce.

Jalisa Tucker and Whitney Edwards had 15 points each for Hebron, which clinched a playoff berth.

Taylor Handte posted 11 points for Lakeview (3-21), while senior Amber Whitlock scored eight in her final game.

Hebron Christian will face Towns County in the tournament semifinals at 4 p.m. Friday at Athens Christian.

ATHENS ACADEMY BOYS 50, LAKEVIEW 43: Austin Montgomery led the Lions with 14 points in the Region 8-AA quarterfinals on Wednesday in Commerce.

With the loss, Lakeview’s season is now complete.

Soccer

NORTH HALL BOYS 2, SEQUOYAH 1: Jake Carter and Adrian Guadarama each scored for the Trojans (1-0-1) on Wednesday in Canton. North Hall visits Forsyth Central at 7:30 tonight in Cumming.

Tennis

BANKS COUNTY GIRLS 3, JEFFERSON 2: Despite wins from Bell Blakenship at No. 1 singles (6-4, 6-4) and Taylor Bost at No. 2 (6-2, 6-2), the Lady Dragons lost Tuesday in Homer.