The Fannin County Rebels wrapped up their appearance in the Kelly King Holiday Classic with a come from behind win over the Duluth High School Wildcats.
The Thursday morning, December 30, contest was the final of three tournament games for the Rebels at Lumpkin County High School in Dahlonega.
Both teams relied heavily on the charity stripe in the first quarter as the Rebels hit nine of nine free throws including five by Chasen Ethington. Wildcat shooters were successful five times from the free throw line.
But the Wildcats had the advantage from the floor, outscoring the Rebels 11-2 for a 16-11 lead at the buzzer.
The Rebels fought back with 19 points in the second period as Landon Norton tossed in eight points and Ben Bloch hit a pair of threes. Ellington added five points.
Duluth’s 18-point performance left the Wildcats on top 34-30 at the half.
Fannin closed the gap in the third with a 16-13 advantage. Norton led the way with eight, followed by Kaleb Green and Ethington with four points each.
Ethington and Norton broke loose in the final stanza and Fannin County dominated Duluth 18-11. Ethington paced the effort with eight points and Norton was on his heels with seven. Bloch added a three as the Rebels held their opponents to 11 fourth-quarter points for a 64-58 win.
FCHS 11 19 16 18 - 64
DHS 16 18 13 11 - 56
Rebel summary:
Points: Ethington 24, Norton 23, Bloch 11, Green 6.
Free throws: Green 2-2, Ethington 9-9, Norton 1-1, Block 2-2.