By Kevin Eckleberry

kevin.eckleberry@lagrangenews.com

CARTERSVILLE – Despite a huge night from Bo Russell, the LaGrange Grangers lost a close one to region-leading Cartersville on Tuesday.

Russell, a senior who is having a terrific season, scored 38 points, but it was Cartersville holding on for a 70-66 victory.

While Cartersville remains in first place in Region 5-AAAA with a 7-1 record, LaGrange fell to 5-3 in the region.

Sandy Creek is in second place at 6-2, and LaGrange and Troup are tied for fourth place.

The Grangers were down by 11 points after three quarters, but they rallied and got as close as four in the final period.

With Russell leading the way, LaGrange scored 29 points in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t quite enough.

Russell scored 29 of his points in the second half, and 16 of those points came in the fourth quarter as LaGrange made its move.

“He attacked well, and he hit some threes and got to the free-throw line,” LaGrange head coach Mark Veal said of Russell. “He played well.”

Daz Williams made four 3-pointers and scored 16 points for LaGrange, and Jordan Ogletree made a 3-pointer and scored six points.

In Tuesday’s girls’ game, LaGrange improved to 8-0 in the region with a one-sided 45-24 win.

Aryan Dozier led LaGrange with 16 points, while fellow senior guard Chnaireia Strozier added 14 points.

With Strozier and Dozier combining for 11 points, LaGrange led 17-11 after the first quarter, and it was ahead 33-14 at the half.

LaGrange put it away in the third period, outscoring Cartersville 9-2 to take a 42-16 lead.

LaGrange’s teams will visit Troup on Friday for a region doubleheader.

LaGrange won both games against Troup earlier this season.