Gwinnett Daily Post

Photo: David McGregor Buford's Maya Dillard tries to dribble past Elbert's Tonisha Fortson during the Wolves second round victory on Friday night in Buford.

BUFORD -- With the Buford boys basketball team enjoying success in the postseason with a stingy defense, Buford's girls team may have outdone its counterpart in a 59-25 win over Elbert County in the second round of the Class AAA state tournament Friday night.

Not only did Buford post a runaway 34-point win, but the Wolves held Elbert County to single digits in all four quarters and just six total field goals for the game.

Buford (25-4), a Class AA state finalist last year and three-time AA state champion in 2009-11, moves into the quarterfinals of the Class AAA tournament to face the St. Pius/Oconee County winner next week.

"I thought we started fast tonight and that was a positive sign," Buford head coach Gene Durden said. "We've been really concerned because we look like we've been physically down a little bit. So I was real pleased with the way we started."

Buford left little doubt that it was in control from the start, posting a 22-8 lead at the end of the first quarter and increasing the advantage to 37-14 at the half.

Elbert County did lead once early in the game at 8-7, but Buford outscored the Blue Devils 15-0 to close out the opening period with the 14-point margin.

Buford continued to gain momentum in the third quarter, outscoring Elbert County 13-5 to take a 50-19 lead heading to the fourth.

From there, both teams coasted home as Buford won for the 10th straight time.

"We did a great job of executing and getting the ball to our bigs in the right situation," said Durden. "And then we did a good job of keeping (Elbert County) out of the paint. Our size can really a big advantage for us -- not only defensively, but leading to our offense, too."

Mackenzie Darrah led the way for Buford with 13 points, including a three-pointer, to go along with four rebounds and an assist.

KoKo Nelson added 10 points, five rebounds and four assists for Buford.

Maya Dillard and Bree Horrocks each had nine points for the Wolves while Dillard dished out six assists and pulled down four rebounds.

Buford out-rebounded Elbert County 25-14 and also held a huge 20-4 advantage in the assist column.

"Our three post players really share the ball well," said Durden. "Our inside game opens up our outside game. It's been a good combination, so we have to keep that going with good defense. Right now, it's about winning one game at a time."

Jimera Hill led Elbert County (22-8) with nine points, including two three-pointers, while Cyairra Hill added six points for the Blue Devils.