Hurricanes cruise into Sweet 16

T.J. Horton and Jaylon Pugh led Cartersville with 20 and 15 points, respectively, as the Canes cruised past Heritage-Catoosa 73-35 Saturday night at the Storm Center in the first round of the Class AAAA state basketball playoffs. Isaac Gridley also reached double figures for Cartersville with 10 points. Luke Schiltz added nine.

Cartersville was never really threatened.

The Canes took a 23-9 lead after one quarter, led 43-15 at halftime, and were up 62-29 after three quarters.

The fourth quarter was reduced to six minutes by GHSA mercy-rule.

Cole Wilcox led Heritage-Catoosa with nine points. The Generals finished the year 15-13.

Cartersville travels to Blessed Trinity Thursday at 7 p.m. for a Round of 16 matchup.