Area high school girls teams are playing tonight in the second round of their respective state basketball tournaments.
Sandy Creek 53, Gainesville 49
The Lady Red Elepants were defeated in overtime to sixth-ranked Sandy Creek Wednesday night in Gainesville.
With the win, the Lady Patriots advance to sectional finals. Gainesville's season is now complete.
Franklin County 55, East Hall 43
Sada Wheeler led the Lady Vikings with 14 points in their loss to fourth-ranked Franklin County.
With the win, the Lady Lions advance to sectional finals. East Hall's season is now complete.
Buford 42, Rutland 35
Blanche Alverson scored 20 points for Buford in their 42-35 win over Rutland in the second round of the class AA state basketball tournament in Macon.
With the win, Buford advances to the state semifinals to play top-ranked region rival Wesleyan at the Forum in Rome at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Alverson, the team’s only scorer in double figures, also tallied 13 rebounds.
The Hurricanes were led by Brianna Bailey’s 13 points. She was one of only four Rutland players to score.
Check back throughout the evening for score updates. See Thursday's print edition of The Times and gainesvilletimes.com for complete state playoff coverage.