Hurricanes and Tigers lose state tournament openers
February 19, 2025
The Cartersville Hurricanes only trailed seventh-ranked Kell 19-18 following the first eight minutes Wednesday night in Marietta, but the Longhorns built a 20-point lead by halftime and held off their challengers 84-70 in the opening round of the Class AAAA state tournament.
Kell led 66-40 after three quarters and improved their season mark to 21-7. The Longhorns will play at Pace Academy in the second round on Saturday. Pace defeated Central-Carroll 66-31 in the opening round.
Connor Staphylans scored 28 points for the Longhorns on Wednesday. King Jones finished with 12 points. Zach Graves and Ben Lee contributed nine points.
Kyron McClendon led Cartersville with 27 points. Nas Bennett followed with 21, and Wyatt Thomason added nine points for the Canes.
“We battled hard, and they proved why they have been a top-five team in the state most of the year,” said Cartersville coach Mike Tobin. “Our goal was to take care of the ball and not give up easy baskets against their pressure. Unfortunately, we had too many turnovers. I’m proud of our guys for finishing the season strong. We were 7-2 over the final nine games.”
The Purple Hurricanes’ season ends with a 17-12 record.
“We are thankful to our seniors Jake Johnson and Kaden Baldwin and look forward to the remaining players returning next year with abundant experience and confidence,” added Tobin.
GHSA Class AAA State Tournament First Round
LUELLA 69, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 62
The Luella Lions opened the Class AAA state tournament Wednesday night with a 69-62 win at Adairsville.
The Tigers trailed 14-10 after one quarter and 39-33 at halftime before knotting the score heading into the fourth quarter at 50-all.
Jordan Smith scored a game-high 33 points to lead the Lions. Kai Wood followed with 13 points.
Xavious Nalls led three Tigers in double figures with 16 points. Ben Abernathy scored 14 points, and Jamarian Pullum finished with 10 points. Tre Winters added eight.
Luella improved to 19-9 on the season and advanced to face No. 1-ranked Cedar Grove on Saturday in the Sweet Sixteen round. The Saints defeated Harlem on Wednesday in their first-round game, 61-48.
The season ends for the Tigers with a 17-11 record.
