Last night, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team traveled down to Atlanta to take on the #1 seed out of 6-AAAA, the Grady Grey Knights in the first round of the Boys 4A state tournament. This was the first appearance for the Dragons since 2012, and only the 2nd appearance since 2001, when they advanced to the elite 8.

 

In the opening quarter, Grady got out quickly with an 8-0 run. Pickens got things going themselves and had a 12-6 run to cut the Grey Knights lead to 14-12. Grady made a mini 5-0 run to end the quarter and take a 19-12 lead into the 2nd. In the 2nd, the Grey Knights had things working on both sides of the ball. Grady blew the lead open going into the break, 49-17.

 

In the 3rd, both teams were able to get their share of scoring. Both teams put in 19 points a piece as we went to the 4th, Grady leading, 68-36. In a shortened 4th quarter, both teams emptied out their bench, as the Dragons seniors walked off the court for the final time. The Grey Knights closed this one out to advance, 78-44.

 

Leading the way for the Dragons were:

Holden Roop: 13 points, 5 assists, 1 rebound, & 2 steals

Trent Rizoti: 13 points, & 4 rebounds

Tyler Garner: 6 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal & 1 block

Avery Luke: 6 points, 1 assist, & 1 rebound

Sam Davis: 2 points, 2 assists, 4 rebounds, & 1 block

Walker Lawrence: 2 points, 1 assist, 2 rebounds, & 1 steal

Chase Simmons: 2 points, & 1 steal

 

This team did a great job of competing and getting closer to where they want to be. Reaching the region semis after winning two game in one day, and reaching the state tournament despite the record. Losing six seniors like Holden, Trent, Tyler, Sam, Walker, & DJ will be tough. There is a good group of young talent in the system though. Things look to be turning around for this Pickens Dragons basketball program.