Murray County's girls had to hold off a late rally by Franklin County Tuesday night in Chatsworth to secure the program's first playoff win since 1978, winning 46-43, in what was the team's first postseason appearance in 22 years.
The Lady Indians (21-6), behind a combined 10 points from Mattie Nuckolls and Kiersten Hixson, shot out to a 16-8 lead after one quarter, but the visitors rallied to twice get within a point in the final period.
Nuckolls, who had a team-high 16 points, hit four free throws late to help thwart the Franklin rally and secure the historic win.
"It's been a long time," said Murray first-year coach Chris Tipton. "Some of my kids' parents probably weren't alive the last time. It's such a big deal for our school and community to see how hard these kids are willing to work.
"We let off the gas a bit and they hit a couple of clutch 3-pointers coming out for the third quarter to get them right back in it. This is just a really special night."
Hixson added 12 points for Murray, which gets rewarded with a trip to defending state champion Cross Creek either Friday or Saturday.
In other GHSA first-round games Tuesday:
Class AAAA
> Heritage girls 44, Fayette County 39 (OT): The Lady Generals (19-8) pulled off the road upset as Lauren Mock had 14 points, Brooke Matherly 12 - all coming on 3-pointers - and Macie Collins eight.
"Tonight was the most controlled we've been all year," Heritage coach Greg Elkins said. "We had a good game plan and the girls carried it out very well. They made plays when we needed them and showed a lot of maturity when we got down in the second half. It's a testament to the girls and all the hard work they've put in the past two years."
> Fayette County 77, Southeast Whitfield 62: Kaleb Banks had 30 points, 11 rebounds and seven blocked shots for Fayette (21-8) as the Raiders' season ended at 12-17.
Class A public
> Trion girls 55, Towns County 42: I'ziah McCutchins led a trio of double-figure scorers with 19 points as the Lady Bulldogs (18-8) won at home. Jenna Mosley and Ransley Lawrence added 13 and 11 points, respectively.
> Lake Oconee Academy 66, Gordon Lee 37: Jada Williams led five LOA (22-1) players in double figures with 15 points, ending Gordon Lee's season at 16-13.
Class AA
> Chattooga 74, Bremen 72: The Region 7 champion Indians (21-6) avoided the home upset as Jaylon Johnson scored 19 points, Xavier Gray 12 and Brody Mobbs 11.
> Chattooga girls 60, Haralson County 37: Makiya Parrish scored 32 points to lead the Lady Indians (16-12) to the first round win in Summerville. Parrish scored 26 of her points in the second and third period when Chattooga rallied from a one-point deficit to take control.
> Heard County 64, Dade County 60: The Wolverines' season ended at 15-13 with the road loss despite 18 points from David Cole, 15 from Brodie Swader and 14 from Max Howard.
Class AAA
> Oconee County girls 44, Sonoraville 28: The Lady Phoenix lost on the road to end their season at 14-14.
Class AAAAA
> Calhoun girls 56, Decatur 37: The Lady Yellowjackets (19-9) advance to the second round with a road win.
Class AAAAAA
> River Ridge 60, Dalton 31: Dalton's season ends at 21-8 after losing to 27-1 River Ridge.
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com; follow him on Twitter @youngsports22