Lovett, Holy Innocents’, Atlanta International and Pace were among the teams who advanced to the quarterfinals in early-round state tournament action.

Lovett (16-12) got its defense of the Class AA state title it won a year ago off to a strong start, defeating Model 47-37 in the first round last Tuesday and Rabun County 55-37 in second-round action last Saturday to advance to a quarterfinal matchup with Kendrick Tuesday.

Taylor Brown scored 19 points and Te’erica Eason added 11 in Lovett’s win over Model, while Eason scored 22 points and Brown 11 in the Lions’ defeat of Rabun County.

Holy Innocents’ (23-5) defeated Hebron Christian 64-40 in the first round of the Class A private school tournament.

Reshaundra Owens scored 23 points, while Erika Cassell added 13 points and 16 rebounds for the Lady Bears, who advanced to a quarterfinal game at home against Atlanta International Tuesday.

The Eagles (17-5) advanced to their quarterfinal showdown with Holy Innocents’ with a 50-48 overtime win over Mount Paran Christian last Friday.

Pace (15-13) clinched its berth in the elite eight with a 35-28 win over Paideia last Friday.

Hannah Ferry scored 13 points for the Knights, who played at Calvary Day in the quarterfinals Tuesday.

Westminster (7-21) saw its state tournament run come to an end in the first round as the Wildcats lost to Calhoun 65-31 last Tuesday.

Holy Spirit Prep (12-9) defeated Tiftarea 48-39 in the first round of the GISA Class AAA state tournament, but the Lady Cougars postseason run came to an end with a 49-23 loss to Tattnall Square in a second-round contest last Friday.

Also eliminated from the GISA AAA tournament is Atlanta Girls’ School, which fell to Tattnall Square 44-25 in the first round last Tuesday.

St. Pius X moved on to the AAA quarterfinals after defeating White County 55-30 in the first round last Tuesday and Oconee County 55-35 in second-round action last Friday.

With the wins, the Golden Lions advanced to a quarterfinal game at Buford Tuesday.

In AAAA, Marist defeated Northwest Whitfield 59-34 in the first round last Tuesday, before losing to Sandy Creek 47-39 in second-round action last Saturday.