WINDER — The Rockdale boys basketball team opened up Region 8-AAAA play with a 69-53 victory over Apalachee on Tuesday night.

Senior point guard Cordarryle Bethley tossed in 17 points to lead the Bulldogs, who improved to 4-0 overall. Junior guard Bernard Thompson added 13 points, and sophomore forward Darion Clark chipped in 10.

Rockdale’s basketball game with Clarke Central that was scheduled for Friday has been postponed due to the schools’ state semifinal football playoff game the same night in Athens. The basketball game has been rescheduled for Jan. 9 at Rockdale.

The Bulldogs will return to action at home against Winder-Barrow at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

BOYS BASKETBALL

North Clayton 61, Alcovy 53

COLLEGE PARK — The Tigers led through three quarters in the season and Region 4-AAAA opener but were outscored 27-14 in the final quarter by the Warriors.

Alcovy was led offensively by Devon Edwards with 18 points.

The Tigers owned a 26-15 lead at halftime before North Clayton’s second-half rally.

“(We) went back and forth from the five-minute mark down to the two-minute mark,” Alcovy boys coach Eugene Brown said. “(It was a) complete breakdown in the last five minutes of the game including turnovers, missed free throws, missed layups and bad decisions. We allowed 46 second-half points and did not maintain our composure or intensity during the latter parts of the game.”

Alcovy entertains county rival Eastside at 8:30 p.m. Friday.

Madison County 69, Salem 50

DANIELSVILLE — Senior Scott Jackson and freshman Dedrick Turner each scored a team-high 12 points in the Seminoles’ loss to the Red Raiders.

Salem (3-2 overall, 1-1 in Region 8-AAAA), returns to action Friday at home against Cedar Shoals.

Clarke Central 68, Heritage 55

ATHENS — Junior Jelani Archer tossed in a game-high 26 points for the Patriots (0-4), but it wasn’t enough as the Gladiators (4-0) claimed the Region 8-AAAA opener for both squads.

Charles Moore added 11 points for the Patriots, who host Habersham Central on Friday night.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Alcovy 66, North Clayton 57

COLLEGE PARK — The Lady Tigers claimed a victory in their season opener with a great defensive effort, which included 21 steals.

“We did a pretty good job defensively with our press and getting into passing lanes finishing the game with 21 steals,” Alcovy coach Kidada Holtzclaw said. “It was a great defensive effort by our entire team which contributed greatly to our win.”

Megan Tucker and Lisa Kossally had a big impact in the win. Tucker finished with nine points, seven rebounds, six steals and four assists, while Kossally finished with eight points, six rebounds, four steals and two assists.

Kate Palo led all scores with 14 points, followed by Gabby Sherwood with 12.

Rockdale 72, Apalachee 71

WINDER — Junior Portia McCray fired in a game-high 30 points as the Lady Bulldogs rallied from a 15-point halftime deficit to edge the Lady Wildcats (1-1).

Rockdale (3-2) scored 29 points in the third quarter en route to winning its Region 8-AAAA opener.

Madison County 56, Salem 39

DANIELSVILLE — The Lady Seminoles (4-1) suffered their first loss of the season in a setback to the Lady Red Raiders (3-1).

“We just went out flat and got ourselves in a hole early,” Salem coach Bill Roberts said.

Senior Jaleen Thomas had 15 points and nine rebounds for the Lady Seminoles, who are now 1-1 in 8-AAAA. Freshman Jordon Dillard added 10 points.

Clarke Central 73, Heritage 28

ATHENS — Aja Sorrells tossed in 16 points as the Lady Gladiators (2-2) ruined the Lady Patriots’ season opener.

WRESTLING

Newton splits tri-match

FAYETTEVILLE — The Rams split their tri-match, beating Miller Grove 60-16 but losing to host Fayette County 42-26.

“Overall, it was a very good night of wrestling for us. I am excited about the improvements that our young guys who are in the varsity lineup are showing,” Newton coach Wes Cooper said. “These kids are gaining confidence and keep improving with every match.”

Some of their young wrestlers include freshman Brandon Hodges (112 pounds), Austin McCullough (119), Lee HuntNurse (160) and sophomore Kendall Lawrence (189).

“We also welcomed back Derick Clark at (heavyweight),” Cooper said. “Derick went 1-1 after only having a day of practice.”