Canes pull away from Colonels in second half

The Cartersville boys basketball team took control in the second half as the Canes defeated rival Cass 71-52 in the first round of the Chattooga Christmas Classic Wednesday evening in Summerville.

Cass led 14-9 after one quarter, but Cartersville responded to take a 28-27 lead going into halftime. The Canes pushed their lead to 48-38 after three quarters and pulled away in the fourth in their 19-point victory.

T.J. Horton led all scorers with 20 points for Cartersville. Teammates Jaylon Pugh, Avery Showell, and Isaac Gridley also reached double figures with 15, 14, and 11 points, respectively.

Ian Whittington led Cass with 16 points. Steven Spell added 12 and Ashton Burley 11 for the Colonels.

Cartersville (7-1) advances to the tournament semifinals on Thursday. Cass (7-4) will play in a consolation game on Thursday.