Indians Finish as Runner-Up in Region-Will Host State

Highly ranked St. Pius used balanced scoring and 11 3-pointers to roll to a 77-51 win over Stephens County in the Region-8 AAAA boys basketball championship game Friday night at Currahee Arena.

The Indians trailed by just 8 points at halftime, but the Golden Lions outscored the Indians 28-10 in the 3rd quarter to break the game open.

Ty Nails scored 16 points and Kenny Colwell had 15 to lead Stephens County. Twelve different players scored in the game for St. Pius.

St. Pius improves to 24-3 on the season and completed the Region-8 regular season and tournament unbeaten.

Stephens County falls to 16-10 on the season, but as the region runner-up will host the first round of the AAAA State playoffs next weekend.

In the boys consolation game, Madison County defeated North Oconee 66-56 and will be the Region’s #3 seed, while the Titans will be the Region’s #4.

In the Region-8 girls final, Madison County defeated St. Pius 55-32. In the consolation game, Oconee County downed North Oconee 52-45. The Region will be represented in the state playoffs with #1 Madison County, #2 St. Pius, #3 Oconee County, and #4 North Oconee.

Stephens County Lady Indians Ranajah Verdell was named to the girls All-Region 2nd team.

On the boys side, Ty Nails was named All-Region 1st team, and Nigel Green was named All-Region 2nd team.

The Region-8 players of the year was senior Matthew Gonzalo of St. Pius, and sophomore Kayla McPherson of Madison County.