Dragons sweep region series with White County

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Cleveland, Ga — On Thursday, March 14th, the Pickens Dragons baseball team celebrated pi day by heading up to Cleveland, Ga to take on the White County Warriors in the third game of their 3-game set. Coming into the third game, the Dragons, had won the previous two games, 4-0. In those two games, they combined to give up just 3 hits, 1 walk, and 1 hit batsman while striking out 27 batters. The Pitching for the Dragons, continued its stellar series as A.J. Rice, Cason Cannon, and J.P. Nunn combined for a shutout in the 7-0 win.

 

The Dragons, got things started early in the top of the first as Connor Shouse drew a lead off walk on a full count to reach base. Shouse, would advance to 2nd on a wild pitch, and steal 3rd. Trey Payne, would drive in Shouse with an RBI ground out to make it 1-0. Pickens threatened to score more in the top half of the frame as Kam Jenkins and Dawson Holland hit back to back singles, but the Warriors would get out of it to send it to the bottom of the first.

In the bottom half of the first, Rice, the starter for the Dragons, picked up his first strikeout on three pitches. After the Warriors would reach on a 1-out double, Rice would get out of the potential jam with a ground out and a pop fly to send it to the second with Pickens leading, 1-0.

 

In the top of the second, Trace Ledbetter, led off by drawing a walk on four pitches. Christian Starks, would follow that up with a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Rice, would then move them over on a sacrifice bunt. Shouse, would bring in Ledbetter on an RBI ground out to make it 2-0. A 2-out RBI double by Trey Payne would drive in Starks to make it 3-0 Dragons going to the bottom of the second.

In the bottom of the second, Rice, would have a clean 1-2-3 inning as he forced a ground out and picked up his 2nd and 3rd strikeout. Going to the third, Pickens led White County, 3-0.

 

In the top of the third, Holland, kept the inning alive with a 2-out walk, but the Warriors got out of it with a ground out. In the bottom of the frame, the Warriors would reach base with a lead off single. That would be all for the Warriors in the third as Rice struck out the side to bring his total to 6. Going to the fourth, Pickens led White County, 3-0.

 

In the top of the fourth, Starks, picked up his 2nd hit of the night with a 1-out single. The Warriors, were able to turn an inning ending double play to send it to the bottom of the fourth. In the bottom of the inning, Rice, picked up two ground outs and his 7th strikeout in a scoreless fourth. Going to the fifth, Pickens still led White County, 3-0.

 

Shouse, would lead off the top of the fifth by drawing his 2nd walk of the game. He would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Shouse, would then swipe his second bag of the inning as he would steal 3rd, then score on an error to make it 4-0. Jenkins, would keep the inning going by drawing a 2-out walk. His courtesy runner, Nunn, would advance to 2nd on an error. The Warriors, would get out of the inning with a strikeout.

In his final inning of work, Rice, struck out the side for the second time to bring his strikeout total to 10 on the night. Going to the sixth, Pickens led White County, 4-0.

 

In the top of the sixth, the Dragons worked a little 2-out magic as Starks reached base after his third hit of the game. Rice, would follow that up with an RBI double to stretch the lead out to 5-0. Shouse, would then draw his third walk of the night to put two runners on. The Warriors, would get out of the sixth after forcing a pop up. Cannon, would come on in relief of Rice in the bottom of the sixth.

Cannon, would work around a 2-out single as he struck out 2 in his lone inning of work. Going to the seventh, Pickens led White County, 5-0.

 

Cade Sutton, would lead off the top of the seventh by drawing a walk. Jenkins, would bring him in with an RBI double to make it 6-0. Jenkins, would be thrown out at 3rd trying to stretch it to a triple. Holland, would then pick up his 2nd hit of the night as he smacked a double into center. After Holland advanced to 3rd on a wild pitch, Sam Hammontree would drive Holland in with an RBI ground out to make it 7-0 Dragons going to the bottom of the inning.

Nunn, would come on in relief of Cannon in the bottom of the seventh to finish the game off. Nunn, would toss a scoreless inning with a strikeout, a pop out, and a ground out to seal the 7-0 win and a sweep for the Dragons.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 3 walks, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Trey Payne: 1-4 with a double and 2 RBI

Cade Sutton: 1 walk and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 2-3 with a single, a double, a walk, and 1 RBI

Dawson Holland: 2-3 with a single, a double, a walk, and 1 run scored

Sam Hammontree: 1 RBI

Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a walk, a single, and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 3-4 with 3 singles, and 2 runs scored

A.J. Rice: 1-2 with a sac bunt, a double, and 1 RBI & 5 IP, 2 H, 0 BB, 0 R, 0 ER, 10 K on 71 pitches

Cason Cannon: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 K on 14 pitches

JP Nunn: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 K on 17 pitches

 

7-AAA Baseball Standings:

Pickens: 12-3 (5-1)

Lumpkin: 8-6 (4-2)

Dawson: 10-4 (4-2)

White County: 8-7 (2-4)

West Hall: 4-11 (2-4)

Wesleyan: 4-7 (1-2)

Gilmer: 6-7 (0-3)

 

In the series sweep against White County, Dragons pitchers combined to go 21 IP, 6 H, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 0 R, 0 ER, 40 K on 276 pitches. The Dragons will now turn to the busy week they have next week as they will play four games. The first game being a non-region game against the Fannin Rebels on Monday, March 18th at Dunn Field. First pitch set for 5:30.

Dragons pitching wows in doubleheader against Warriors

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It was a gorgeous day to play two on Tuesday, March 12th as the Pickens Dragons hosted the White County Warriors for a doubleheader in 7-AAA action. Coming into the game, the Dragons were 9-3 overall, and 2-1 in region play. The Warriors, were 8-4 overall, and also 2-1 in region play. Dragons starters Connor Shouse and James Tilley, were masterful in both games as they both threw complete game shutouts in a pair of 4-0 wins.

 

Game 1:

Shouse, started game 1 of the doubleheader and he pitched beautifully. In the top of the first, Shouse fired a 1-2-3 inning on 9 pitches to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, Trace Ledbetter reached base with a 1-out single. He would be left stranded and they would head to the second, tied at 0.

 

In the top of the second, Shouse picked up his 2nd and 3rd strikeout, as well as a ground out in a scoreless frame. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom half of the inning. Going to the top of the third, Pickens and White County were still tied at 0.

 

Shouse, threw another 1-2-3 inning in the top of the third as he tossed two more Ks and forced a grounder. In the bottom of the third, the Dragons, got back to back hits from Christian Starks and AJ Rice to start the frame. Rice, would then steal 2nd to put a pair of runners in scoring position. The Warriors, were able to get out of it with a ground out, a pop out, and a strikeout. Going to the fourth, Pickens and White County were still tied at 0.

 

In the top of the fourth, Shouse, tossed a scoreless inning on 8 pitches recording two strikeouts and a ground out. In the bottom of the fourth, Tyler Payne led off with a single. That would be all for the Dragons in the fourth however as they’d head to the fifth, tied at 0.

 

In the top of the fifth, Shouse, had a 9-pitch frame with a fly out and two more strikeouts to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom half of the fifth, Trey Payne would lead off with a single. Payne, would then advance to 3rd on a 2-base error by the catcher. Starks, would drive in Payne with an RBI single. Rice, would follow with a double. Shouse, would the hit a double down the left field line to score Starks and Rice.

After a sacrifice bunt from Ledbetter moved Shouse to 3rd, Cade Sutton would drive Shouse in with an RBI single to make it 4-0 Dragons going to the top of the sixth.

 

In the top of the sixth, on a 3-2 count, Shouse, threw what looked like strike 3, but it was called a ball for a lead off walk. Up until then Shouse had been perfect. The next batter would be hit by the first pitch. Shouse, would settle down and come back by striking out the side. In the bottom of the sixth, Starks, reached on a 2-out error. He would be left stranded at 2nd. Going to the seventh, Pickens led White County, 4-0.

 

In the top of the seventh, Shouse, finished off a complete game no hit shutout with two ground outs to Sutton and a fly out to Holland on three consecutive pitches as the Dragons took game 1 of the doubleheader, 4-0.

 

Stats for the Dragons in game 1:

Connor Shouse: 1-3 with a double, 2 RBI, 1 run scored & 7 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 12 K on 73 pitches

Trace Ledbetter: 1-2 with a single and a sacrifice bunt

Cade Sutton: 1-3 with a single and 1 RBI

Tyler Payne: 1-3 with a single

Trey Payne: 1-3 with a single and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

AJ Rice: 2-3 with a single, a double, and 1 run scored

 

Game 2:

James Tilley started game 2 of the doubleheader for the Dragons and he tossed a heck of a game. In the top of the first, Tilley worked around a 1-out error to strikeout the side. In the bottom of the inning, Connor Shouse led off by reaching on an error. Shouse, would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Trace Ledbetter, would advance Shouse to 3rd on a grounder. After Cade Sutton reached on a fielder’s choice, Tyler Payne would bring in Shouse on a grounder.

After advancing to 3rd on the Payne ground out, Sutton, would come into score on a wild pitch to make it 2-0 Dragons going to the top of the second.

 

In the top of the second, Tilley would work around a lead off single as he struck out 2 and forced a fly out in a scoreless frame. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom of the second as they would go to the third with Pickens leading White County, 2-0.

 

In the top of the third, Tilley, threw a 1-2-3 inning as he got two pop outs and his 6th strikeout of the game. In the bottom half of the frame, AJ Rice, would lead off with a single. Shouse, would follow that up with a single as Rice would advance to 3rd. Shouse, would then steal 2nd to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. The Warriors, would turn a double play as Ledbetter would be thrown out on a dropped 3rd strike, and Rice would be thrown out trying to score.

Shouse, who never stopped running on the play, took 3rd, then had the presence of mind to go home as nobody was covering the plate. Going to the top of the fourth, Pickens led White County, 3-0.

 

In the top of the fourth, Tilley, struck out the side in-between a catchers interference ruling to bring his total up to 9 on the night. In the bottom of the inning, Kam Jenkins reached after a 1-out double. Trey Payne, would bring in Jenkins’ courtesy runner JP Nunn, with an RBI single to make it 4-0 Dragons going to the fifth.

 

In the top of the fifth, Tilley, got around a 1-out double to pick up his 10th strikeouts, a ground out, and a pop out to send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the fifth, Shouse, would lead off with a single. After the Warriors got Ledbetter to fly out to center, they forced an inning ending double play to send it to the sixth with Pickens leading, 4-0.

 

In the top of the sixth, Tilley, tossed another scoreless inning as he picked up his 11th and 12th strike out, a long with a fly out to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, the Dragons would go down in order on a ground out, a fly out, and a line out. Going to the seventh, Pickens led White County, 4-0.

 

In the top of the seventh, Tilley finished off a masterful start by striking out the side to give him 15 on the night. The Dragons, take game 2, 4-0, to sweep the doubleheader.

 

Stats for the Dragons in game 2:

Connor Shouse: 2-3 with 2 singles and 2 runs scored

Cade Sutton: 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with a double

Trey Payne: 1-2 with a single and 1 RBI

AJ Rice: 1-2 with a single

JP Nunn: 1 run scored

James Tilley: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 15 K on 101 pitches

 

With the sweep of the doubleheader, the Dragons take the series from the White County Warriors. The third and final game of the series will be on Thursday, March 14th in Cleveland, Ga. First pitch set for 5:55 pm.

Dragons tied atop standings after first week of region play

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Peachtree Corners, Ga — It was a nice day for baseball as the Pickens Dragons traveled to Wesleyan to take on the Wolves for game three of their three game region series on Thursday, March 7th. The Dragons, had already clinched the series win as a result of sweeping the doubleheader on Wednesday, March 6th. In a back and forth game, it was the Wolves who came away with the win in game three, 7-4.

 

’24 Georgia Tech signee Connor Shouse, led off the game with a double to right. A fly ball to right field by Trace Ledbetter, moved Shouse up to 3rd. Cade Sutton, would bring in Shouse on an RBI ground out to make it 1-0 Dragons. In the bottom half of the first, Dragons starter AJ Rice, had a 1-2-3 inning with two ground outs and a strikeout. Going to the second, the Dragons led Wesleyan, 1-0.

 

In the top of the second, the Dragons would go down in order on a ground out, a fly out, and a strikeout. In the bottom of the inning, the Wolves would have their first base runner of the evening as he would reach on an error. That runner would be wiped out on the next pitch after an inning ending double play to send it to the third with Pickens still leading the Wolves, 1-0.

 

In the top of the third, Rice reached base with a 1-out single. After stealing 2nd, Rice would advance to 3rd on a fly out by Shouse. The Wolves, were able to escape the scoring threat as they got a pop up for the 3rd out. In the bottom of the third, the Wolves would take the lead as they scored 4 runs on a walk, a stolen base, and 3 hits. Going to the fourth, Wesleyan led the Dragons, 4-1.

 

Sutton, led off the top of the fourth by drawing a four pitch walk. Dawson Holland, followed that up with a single. Sutton, would advance to 3rd on the throw. Holland, would then steal 2nd. After Christian Starks drew a walk, Kam Jenkins drove in Sutton with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 4-2. A 2-out single by Trey Payne would load the bases. The Wolves, would get out of the top of the fourth with just the one run given up as the bases were left loaded.

In the bottom of the frame, Rice, fired a 1-2-3 inning picking up his 3rd and 4th K in the process. Going to the fifth, Wesleyan led Pickens, 4-2.

 

Shouse, led off the top of the fifth with his 2nd hit of the day as he reached with a single. Shouse, would then steal 2nd to put himself in scoring position. With 1-out, he then swiped 3rd. Sutton, would draw a walk to put runners at the corners. Sutton, would steal 2nd to put himself in scoring position. Starks, came up with a little 2-out magic as he drove in Shouse and Sutton with a 2-RBI single to tie it at 4 going to the bottom of the fifth.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Wolves, retook the lead as they scored 3 runs on a walk, 2 hits, and an error to take a 7-4 advantage into the sixth.

 

In the top of the sixth, Tyler Payne, who came on to pitch hit for James Tilley, worked a walk to lead off the inning. A grounder by Trey Payne, would advance Tilley to 2nd, who came in to run for Tyler Payne. With 2-outs, the Dragons got a walk by Shouse and a single by Ledbetter to load the bases. The Dragons, were unable to scratch a run across as the Wolves caught a liner in center for the 3rd out. Going to the bottom of the sixth, Wesleyan still led, 7-4.

In the bottom of the sixth, Cason Cannon, who came on to finish out the bottom of the fifth, pitched a 1-2-3 sixth inning as he picked up two strikeouts and a ground out to send it to the seventh with the Wolves leading, 7-4.

 

Holland, led off the top of the seventh by working a walk to start the inning. After a strikeout for the first out, Holland would advance to 2nd on a ground out. Holland would then move to 3rd after a balk was called on the pitcher. The Wolves, would get the third out to pick up the win in game three, 7-4.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 2-3 with a double, a single, 2 stolen bases, and 2 runs scored

Trace Ledbetter: 1-4 with a single

Cade Sutton: 1 RBI, 2 walks, a stolen base, and 2 runs scored

Dawson Holland: 1-3 with a single and a walk

Christian Starks: 1-3 with a walk, a single, and 2 RBI

Kam Jenkins: 1 RBI

Tyler Payne: 1 walk

Trey Payne: 1-3 with a single

AJ Rice: 1-3 with a single and a stolen base

 

7-AAA Baseball Standings:

Pickens: 9-3 (2-1)

White County: 8-4 (2-1)

West Hall: 4-8 (2-1)

Dawson: 7-4 (1-2)

Lumpkin: 5-6 (1-2)

Wesleyan: 4-7 (1-2)

Gilmer: 5-4 (no region games played)

 

The Dragons, will be back on the turf at Dunn Field on Tuesday, March 12th as they take on the White County Warriors in another 7-AAA series. First pitch set for 5:55 pm.

Dragons sweep doubleheader to open region play

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It’s time for region baseball in 7-AAA as the Pickens Dragons hosted the Wesleyan Wolves at Dunn Field on Wednesday, March 6th. The Dragons, were coming off a successful trip to Hoover, Alabama where they went 3-1 against some of the top teams in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. The 3-game series against the Wolves, was set to begin on Tuesday, March 5th, but the rain forced it to be moved to a doubleheader on Wednesday. The Dragons, used a good combination of hitting and pitching as the #2 team in AAA swept the doubleheader.

 

Game 1:

The Dragons, were classified as the “away” team for game one since these two teams didn’t get to play at Wesleyan on Tuesday. Cade Sutton, got on with a 2-out walk, but that would be it for Pickens in the top of the first. In the bottom of the inning, Dragons starter Connor Shouse, worked around a 2-out walk as he struck out two and forced a ground out to send it to the second with the score tied at 0.

 

In the top of the second, the Dragons would go down in order after a pair of ground outs and a pop out. In the bottom half of the frame, Shouse would pick up his 3rd strikeout. The inning ended when catcher Kam Jenkins threw out a runner attempting to steal 3rd. Going to the top of the third, the game was still scoreless.

 

To begin the third inning, Trey Payne was able to leg out an infield single for the Dragons first hit. AJ Rice, followed by drawing a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. On the very next pitch, Shouse, sent a screaming line drive home run over the left center field wall to put the Dragons up 3-0. Trace Ledbetter, followed that up with a double and Sutton reached with a single.

Dawson Holland, kept the train moving as he drove in pitch runner Sam Dart with an RBI single to make it 4-0. Christian Starks, would bring in Sutton with an RBI single to stretch the lead to 5-0. The Wolves, were able to get out of the top of the third with the Dragons leading, 5-0. After giving up a double and a single with 1-out, Shouse was able to get out of the inning with no damage done. Going to the fourth, Pickens led Wesleyan, 5-0.

 

The Dragons, worked a little 2-out magic in the top of the fourth as Ledbetter drew a walk, looking to start a rally. He would then advance all the way to 3rd as the catcher overthrew the first baseman trying to throw out Ledbetter. Sutton, added to his day as he drove in Ledbetter with an RBI single to make it 6-0. Shouse, threw a clean inning in the bottom of the fourth as he picked up a fly out, and his 7th and 8th K of the game. Going to the fifth, the Dragons led, 6-0.

 

Starks, started off the top of the fifth by drawing a walk. Jenkins, followed that up with a single. Tyler Payne, would then bring in Starks with an RBI single to make it 7-0. Later on, Ledbetter, would draw a bases loaded walk that brought in courtesy runner JP Nunn to make it 8-0 Dragons. The bottom of the fifth was another clean inning for Shouse as he picked up his 9th and 10th K’s of the game. Going to the sixth, Pickens led Wesleyan, 8-0.

 

Holland, began the sixth with a single to reach base. Jenkins, would then reach on an error as both he and Holland would advance on the play. James Tilley, would bring in Holland with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 9-0. Tate Hales, came on in relief of Shouse in the bottom of the sixth and worked a scoreless frame to send it to the seventh with the Dragons leading, 9-0.

 

The Dragons, would go down in order in the top of the seventh after two ground outs and a fly out. Starks, came on in relief of Hales in the bottom of the seventh and he was able to close things out to give the Dragons the win in game 1, 9-0.

 

Stats for the Dragons in game 1:

Connor Shouse: 1-5 with a home run, 3 RBI, & 1 run scored (5 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 10 K on 76 pitches)

Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a double, 2 walks, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI

Cade Sutton: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 walk, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI

Dawson Holland: 2-4 with 2 singles, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI

Christian Starks: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 walk, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, on 12 pitches)

Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with a single and a sacrifice bunt

Tyler Payne: 1-1 with 1 single, and 1 RBI

James Tilley: 1 RBI

Trey Payne: 1-3 with a single, a sacrifice bunt, and 1 run scored

AJ Rice: 2 walks, and 1 run scored

Sam Dart: 1 run scored

JP Nunn: 1 run scored

Tate Hales: 1 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 HBP, 1 K on 11 pitches

 

Game 2:

Game 2 began with James Tilley on the mound for the Dragons. After giving up back to back hits to start the first inning, he was able to pick up 2 k’s and a ground out to send it to the bottom of the first. In the bottom of the inning, Connor Shouse led off with a single. He then stole 2nd to get into scoring position. After a grounder by Trace Ledbetter, Shouse held up in a rundown long enough for Ledbetter to reach 2nd.

Dawson Holland, would drive in Ledbetter with an RBI double to make it 1-0. Christian Starks, followed that up with a single to put runners at the corners with 2 out. As Starks attempted to steal 2nd, the ball got through the infield which allowed Holland to score to make it 2-0. Kam Jenkins, would bring in Starks with an RBI single to make it 3-0 Dragons going to the second.

 

In the top of the second, Tilley, worked around a pair of hits to strikeout the side to send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the inning, the Dragons, would go down in order on 2 k’s and a fly out to send it to the third with the Dragons still leading the Wolves, 3-0.

 

In the top of the third, Tilley, had his first clean inning as he picked up his 6th K of the game and a pair of ground outs to keep Wesleyan scoreless. In the bottom of the third, the Dragons would go down 1-2-3 on two pop outs and a strikeout. Going to the fourth, the Dragons led the Wolves, 3-0.

 

In the top of the fourth, Tilley, worked around a hit and a stolen base to pick up a ground out, and his 7th and 8th K. The Dragons, would add to their lead in the bottom of the inning as Jenkins would reach on a single with 1-out. His courtesy runner, JP Nunn, would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Designated hitter Tyler Payne, would drive in Nunn with an RBI single to make it 4-0 Dragons going to the fifth.

 

In the top of the fifth, the Wolves would cut into the lead as they scored a run after three straight hits. Tilley, did a good job of limiting Wesleyan to only the one run as they headed to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fifth, Shouse, led off with a single. After Shouse stole 2nd and 3rd, Ledbetter drove him in with an RBI double. Cade Sutton, would bring pitch runner Sam Dart in with an RBI single to make it 6-1 Dragons going to the sixth.

 

In the top of the sixth, the Wolves would once again cut into the lead as they would score a pair of runs on a couple of hits. Going to the bottom of the inning, Pickens now led Wesleyan, 6-3. In the bottom of the sixth, the Dragons would get back to back hits by Trey Payne and AJ Rice to pur runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. The Wolves, were able to get out of the jam with a double play to send it to the seventh with the Dragons leading, 6-3.

 

JP Nunn, came on to close it out in the top of the seventh and he would do just that. Nunn, sat the Wolves down in order on just 6 pitches to get the save and preserve the 6-3 win for the Dragons.

 

Stats for the Dragons in game 2:

Connor Shouse: 2-4 with 2 singles, 3 stolen bases, and 1 run scored

Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Cade Sutton: 1-3 with a single and 1 RBI

Dawson Holland: 1-2 with a double, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 1-3 with a single, and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 2-3 with 2 singles, and 1 RBI

Tyler Payne: 1-2 with a single, and 1 RBI

Trey Payne: 1-3 with a single

AJ Rice: 1-3 with a single

Sam Dart: 1 run scored

James Tilley: 5 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 8 H, 9 K on 66 pitches

Brodie Keener: 1 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 2 K on 25 pitches

JP Nunn: 1 run scored and 1 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB on 6 pitches

 

With the sweep of the doubleheader the Dragons take their first 7-AAA series of the season. The 3-game set against Wesleyan will conclude with game 3 on Thursday, March 7th at Wesleyan. First pitch set for 5:55 pm.

Dragons defeat Rome to move to 3-1

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — Baseball season is in full swing as the Pickens Dragons hosted the Rome Wolves at Dunn Field in a non-region contest on Friday, February 23rd. The Wolves, are out of the 6A classification and came into the game 1-3. The Dragons, came into the game 2-1, and ranked 4th in AAA. The Dragons, took advantage of 5 walks, 5 hit by pitch, 6 hits, and a great pitching outing to come away with a 9-1 win.

 

Ga Tech signee Connor Shouse, got the start for the Dragons and pitched beautifully. After giving up a lead off single, Shouse, picked up his first strikeout of the game, and the defense behind him forced a 5-4-3 double play to send it to the bottom of the first. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom of the frame. Going to the second inning, the game was still tied at 0.

 

Shouse, would pick up his 2nd and 3rd K of the game in the top of the second. In the bottom of the second, Tyler Payne and Christian Starks were hit by pitches. Kam Jenkins, would then draw a walk to load the bases with nobody out. A grounder to the shortstop by Trey Payne, drove in pitch runner Coleman Keener to make it 1-0. A grounder to 3rd base by Dawson Holland would bring in Starks to make it 2-0 Dragons going to the third.

 

After giving him a 2-run lead to work with, Shouse, went out and had a 1-2-3 top of the third with two more K’s to bring his total to 5 for the night. In the bottom of the third, Shouse led off with a single, and advanced to 2nd on an error. He would then move up to 3rd on a wild pitch. Trace Ledbetter, would bring him in with a sac fly RBI to make it 3-0. Cade Sutton, would then be hit by a pitch, and Tyler Payne and Starks would draw back to back walks to load the bases.

Jenkins, would extend the lead with an RBI single that drove in Sutton. Trey Payne, would bring in Sam Dart after drawing a walk to make it 5-0. Starks, would come in to score after a wild pitch to give the Dragons a 6-0 lead going to the fourth.

 

In the top of the fourth, Shouse worked around a 1-out single as he picked up his 6th strikeout. The top of the fourth ended with a great play by James Tilley as he was able to flip the ball to Ledbetter for the third out. In the bottom of the fourth, Shouse and Ledbetter were both hit by pitches to start the frame. They would then pull off a double steal to get into scoring position.

Sutton, would then draw a walk to load the bases. Dart, would draw a walk to bring in Shouse to make it 7-0. Starks, would bring in Ledbetter with a sac fly RBI to make it 8-0 Dragons going to the top of the fifth.

 

Brodie Keener, came on in relief of Shouse in the top of the fifth. Keener, threw a clean inning with a ground out and 2 K’s to send it to the bottom of the fifth. In the bottom of the fifth, Holland would lead off with a double. AJ Rice, would bring him in with an RBI single to make it 9-0. Shouse, followed that up with a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. The Wolves, would get out of that jam to send it to the sixth with the Dragons up, 9-0.

 

Tate Hales, would come on in relief of Keener in the top of the 6th. Hales, would work a scoreless inning by getting a pop out, a fly out, and a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the sixth. In the bottom of the frame, Dawson Lowit, would get on with a 1-out double. The Wolves, would get out of the bottom of the sixth with Lowit stranded at 3rd. Going to the seventh, Pickens led Rome, 9-0.

 

In the top of the seventh, the Wolves would plate a run after several walks. It would not be enough as the Dragons came away with the 9-1 win.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 2-3 with a single, a double, a HBP, and 2 runs scored (4 IP, 2 H, 6 K, 0 BB on 49 pitches)

Trace Ledbetter: 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Cade Sutton: 1 walk, and 1 run scored

Tyler Payne: 1 HBP, 1 walk

Christian Starks: 1 HBP, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Kam Jenkins: 1 single, 1 walk, and 1 RBI

Trey Payne: 1 walk, and 2 RBI

Dawson Holland: 1-4 with a double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

AJ Rice: 1-3 with a single and 1 RBI

Coleman Keener: 1 run scored

Sam Dart: 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Dawson Lowit: 1 double

 

The Dragons, will be right back on the diamond on Saturday, February 24th as they take on the Hampton Hornets. First pitch is set for 5:30 pm.

 

Dragons win first State Tournament game since 2000

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It’s tournament time and the Pickens Dragons began their State Tournament journey on Wednesday, February 21st as they hosted the Coahulla Creek Colts for a first round match up in the AAA State Tournament. Coming into the game, the Dragons were the #2 seed out of region 7 and 20-8 overall. The Colts, came in as the #3 seed from region 6, and 19-8 overall. The Dragons, were able to pull away late in the game to pick up a 67-53 win.

 

Much like the girls game beforehand, the Colts won the opening tip and struck early as they found Andrew Russell cutting to the basket for the layup to make it 2-0. The Dragons, would tie things up with a basket by Parker Davis. A turnover by the Dragons led to Teagan Houser making a fast break layup to put the Colts back up, 4-2. After another near turnover, Dodge Davis was able to collect the ball and score to tie it up at 4.

The Colts, would then go on a 4-0 run as Russell and Cullen Marti would make back to back layups to give the Colts an 8-4 lead. After Parker Davis split a pair of free throws, Carter Quarles would make a tough turnaround fade away jumper to extend the lead to 10-5. The Dragons, would then go on an 8-0 run as Caleb Lanford hit a three, McCord Purdy would make a layup, and Dodge Davis would make a free throw and a layup to make it 13-10.

A pair of free throws from Greg Voyles would end the run and cut the Dragons lead to 1. Dodge Davis, would end the first quarter with a pair of free throws of his own to give the Dragons a 15-12 lead going to the second quarter.

 

The second quarter began with Waelyn Baliles getting inside for the bucket to make it 15-14. The Davis brothers would then go on a 4-0 run to stretch the Dragon lead out to 19-14. A 5-0 run by David Noll III would tie the game at 19. The Dragons, would respond with a 5-0 run of their own as Parker Davis would make a pair of free throws, and Lanford would hit a three to make it 24-19.

A three pointer by Quarles would cut the lead to 2. After both teams traded baskets, Parker Davis and Purdy would end the first half on a 4-0 run to give the Dragons a 30-24 lead going into the break.

 

The third quarter started with Lanford hitting a three to make it 33-24. After both teams went back and forth trading buckets, the Dragons would go on a 5-0 run as Purdy hit a three, and Lanford got a layup to go to make it 41-30. A three by Quarles would end the run and cut the lead to 8. After a basket by Dodge Davis, Quarles would hit another three to make it a 7-point game. Lanford would answer with a three to extend the lead to 46-36.

The Colts, would go on a 5-0 run to cut the lead in half. A big three from Freshman Jamin Martin, increased the lead back to 8. A 4-0 run by the Colts to end the third quarter cut the Dragons lead down to 49-47 going to the fourth.

 

The Dragons, began the fourth quarter by going on a 7-0 run to extend their lead to 56-47. Marti, would end the run with a turnaround hook shot to make it 56-49. A layup by Hayden Jones and a free throw and a big two-handed dunk from Dodge Davis made it 61-49 Dragons. Houser, would hit a three to cut the lead down to 9. He would then split a pair of free throws to make it 61-53.

After a steal on the in-bounds pass, Jones was left all alone for the jam to make it 63-53. With under a minute to go and the Colts now having to foul, Parker Davis would step to the line and sink two free throws to make it 65-53. The exclamation point came late in the game when Lanford stole the ball, passed it up to Purdy, who then bounced it off the back board for Parker Davis to finish the alley-oop slam. The Dragons would take this one, 67-53.

 

Scorers for the Dragons:

Dodge Davis: 19 points

Parker Davis: 17 points

Caleb Lanford: 17 points

Mccord Purdy: 7 points

Hayden Jones: 4 points

Jamin Martin: 3 points

 

The Dragons, will now take to the road on Saturday, February 24th as they head up to Hart County to take on the Bulldogs in the AAA Sweet 16. The Bulldogs, are the #1 seed out of region 8 and are 15-13 overall. Tip off is set for 6 pm.

Nettes advance to AAA Sweet 16

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It’s state tournament time in Georgia for basketball as the Pickens Dragonettes hosted the Coahulla Creek Lady Colts in the first round of the AAA State Tournament on Wednesday, February 21st. Coming into the game, the Nettes were the #2 seed out of region 7, and ranked 4th in AAA. The Lady Colts, were the #3 seed out of region 6, and came in with a record of 18-8. The Nettes, got 26 from Sophomore Ellison Steinhauer as they picked up a 71-46 win.

 

The Lady Colts, got the opening tip, and got fouled on their opening possession. Shea Poe, would split a pair of free throws to give the Lady Colts a 1-0 lead. Caroline Reed, would add to the lead after a nice cut to the basket for the layup to make it 3-0. With the shot clock winding down, Steinhauer, was fouled on a three point attempt. She would go 2-3 from the line to cut the Lady Colts lead down to 1.

After a steal on the defensive end by Caroline Mullins, she took the length of the floor for the layup to give the Nettes a 4-3 lead. Mullins, would get the defensive rebound after the Lady Colts possession and again sprint down the court for another layup to make it 6-3. A baseline drive by Reed for the lay in ended the 6-0 run for the Nettes and cut the lead down to 6-5.

Bella Hopkins, would get in on the action with her first points of the night as she nailed a three to make it 9-5. Steinhauer, would hit her first three of the night soon after, to push the lead to 12-5. Aubree Langley, would end the run with a pair of free throws to cut the lead to 12-7. A second three pointer by Hopkins would make it 15-7 Nettes going to the second quarter.

 

After a pair of fouls on the Lady Colts to begin the second quarter, Mullins, got the scoring started as she collected an offensive rebound and hit a jumper to make it 17-7. The Lady Colts, would then go on a 7-0 run with Poe, Lilah Brooker, and Karis Hurt all contributing to cut the lead down to 17-14. The Nettes, would respond with a 7-0 run of their own as Steinhauer and Mullins would make two free throws and Hopkins would hit her third three to make it 24-14. A three by Poe would cut the lead to 24-17.

Steinhauer, would head back to the line after she was hip checked while shooting a three. She would make all three free throws to increase the lead back to 10. A three by Brooker would make it 27-20. Mullins, would score the last points of the first half with a floater just inside the free throw line to give the Nettes a 29-20 lead at the half.

 

The third quarter started with Hopkins hitting her fourth three of the game to make it 32-20. After a three by Presley Denton cut the lead back to 9, Mullins would make a pair of free throws to extend the lead to 11. Poe and Steinhauer, would then exchange three point makes as the Nettes led, 37-26. A layup by Hurt would cut the lead back to single digits. A pair of free throws by Steinhauer would push the lead right back to 11.

After a little back and forth from both teams, the Nettes would go on an 8-0 run to close out the third quarter with Bella Martin, Mullins, and Steinhauer all contributing. Going to the fourth quarter, the Nettes led it, 55-34.

 

The fourth quarter began with a 5-0 run from Poe and Hurt to cut the lead to 55-39. After a three by Reagan Ludington, Poe would make another three to cut the lead to 58-42. The Nettes, would then go on a 7-0 run as Mullins would make back to back layups and Steinhauer would make three straight free throws to extend the lead to 65-42. A basket by Langley would end the run and make it 65-44.

The Bella’s, would then hit back to back threes as Bella Martin made her second three of the game and Bella Hopkins would make her fifth three of the game to increase the lead to 71-44. A late bucket by Kayden Stuckey would make it 71-46. The Nettes would run out the rest of the clock and they would advance to the AAA Sweet 16 with a 71-46 victory.

 

Scorers for the Nettes:

Ellison Steinhauer: 26 points (4 threes, 12-13 from the free throw line)

Caroline Mullins: 21 points (5-6 from the free throw line)

Bella Hopkins: 15 points (5 threes)

Bella Martin: 6 points (2 threes)

Reagan Ludington: 3 points (1 three)

 

The Nettes, will now look ahead to their match up in the Sweet 16 as they will take on the Hebron Christian Lady Lions. The Lady Lions, are 26-2 on the season, ranked as the #1 team in AAA, and the #11 team in the nation. Tip off is set for Friday, February 23rd at 6 pm.

 

Dragons fall in close game with 6A Woodstock

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Baseball Mountain Classic started up on Thursday, February 15th and it features teams from around the state and in different classifications. The first game of the night saw East Forsyth defeat Calhoun 8-2. The second game, was the hosting Pickens Dragons, and the Woodstock Wolverines. Pickens, came into the game 1-0, and ranked 4th in AAA. Woodstock, came in 0-1, and ranked 6th in AAAAAA. With a number of MLB scouts in attendance, the Wolverines were able to come away with a 4-2 win.

 

Georgia Tech signee Connor Shouse, got the start for the Dragons in this one. With teams like the Brewers, Red Sox, Tigers, and Yankees watching, Shouse struck out 2 and forced a ground out on 15 pitches in the top of the first. In the bottom of the frame, Shouse led off with a solo shot to left field to give the Dragons a 1-0 lead. Trace Ledbetter followed that up with a single. Cade Sutton, would then hit a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with nobody out.

The Wolverines, were able to get out of that jam as they struck out the side to keep the score at 1-0 going to the second.

 

In the top of the second, Shouse, would get into a bit of trouble by hitting the lead off batter, then giving up a hit. A passed ball would move the runners up to 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. The Senior, would work his way out of the jam with back to back strikeouts, and James Tilley would be at the right place at the right time to catch a line drive for the third out.

Trey Payne, would lead off the bottom of the second by reaching on an error. A single by Tyler Payne, would put runners at 1st and 2nd with nobody out. A,J, Rice, would then lay down a perfect sacrifice bunt as Payne and pitch runner Davin Abernathy advanced on the play. Again, the Wolverines would get out of the jam with back to back strikeouts to send it to the third with the Dragons still ahead, 1-0.

 

The Wolverines, would lead off the top of the third with a single. After Shouse struck out his 5th batter, the runner from 1st stole 2nd to advance into scoring position. Shouse, and catcher Kam Jenkins, combined for a strike them out throw them out to send it to the bottom of the third with Pickens still leading, 1-0. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom of the third as they headed to the fourth with the Dragons still clinging to a 1-0 lead.

 

Woodstock, would tie the game in the top of the fourth on 1 hit, 2 walks, and 2 passed balls. Tilley, who came on in relief of Shouse, was able to get out of the jam and keep the game tied going to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the fourth, the Dragons again would go down in order. Going to the fifth, the Dragons and Wolverines were tied at 1.

 

In the top of the fifth, Tilley, would be able to work around a 1-out walk as he struck out the side to send it to the bottom half of the inning. In the bottom of the fifth, the Dragons went down 1-2-3 to send it to the top of the sixth with the game tied up at 1.

 

In the top of the sixth, the Wolverines, were able to plate 2 runs to take the lead for the first time on the night. Going to the bottom of the sixth, Woodstock now led it, 3-1. Dawson Holland, got on with a 1-out single to try and start a rally for the Dragons. Christian Starks, would then hit a sharp ground ball to the short stop, who threw the ball away trying to get the out at second. Both runners would advance on the throw.

Jenkins, would drive in Holland with a sacrifice fly RBI to cut the Wolverine lead down to 3-2. Woodstock, would be able to preserve the lead after forcing a fly out. Going to the seventh, the Wolverines led the Dragons, 3-2.

 

The Wolverines, were looking to add to their lead as they loaded up the bases with no one out. JP Nunn, who came on in relief of Tilley to begin the seventh, looked to get out of the jam as he got back to back strikeouts. With the potential third out down 0-2 in the count, the pitch would hit the batter, allowing a run to score. Nunn, would strike the next batter out to send it to the bottom of the inning with Woodstock now leading, 4-2.

Rice, would work a 4-pitch walk to get on base to try to start a final inning rally. The Wolverines, were able to get a pop out and a fly out to secure the 4-2 victory.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 1-4 with a home run, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Trace Ledbetter: 1-4 with a single

Cade Sutton: 1-3 with a double

Dawson Holland: 1-3 with a single and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 1-3 with a single

Kam Jenkins: 1 RBI

Tyler Payne: 1-3 with a single

A.J. Rice: 1 sacrifice bunt and 1 walk

 

The Dragons, will be back at Dunn Field on Saturday, February 17th as they take on the Fort Payne Wildcats (AL). First pitch is set for 5:30 pm.

Dragons set to battle Bobcats for 7-AAA Championship

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Dahlonega, Ga — A trip to the 7-AAA Region Championship was up for grabs as the Pickens Dragons took on the Lumpkin Indians on Thursday, February 15th. The Dragons, defeated Lumpkin in both match ups in the regular season. Defeating a team three times in one season is a tough feat, but the Dragons were able to get by the Indians, 51-35.

 

The Indians, started off hot offensively to begin the ball game as Cal Faulkner would hit back to back threes to put them up 6-0 early on. The Dragons, would answer with an 8-0 run as both Dodge and Parker Davis, as well as Caleb Lanford helped give Pickens its first lead of the night. Stephen Sherrill, ended the Dragons run with a three to put the Indians ahead, 9-8.

Lanford and McCord Purdy would hit back to back threes to put the Dragons on top, 14-9. A layup by Faulkner would end the first quarter as the Dragons would take a 14-11 lead into the second quarter.

 

The Dragons, began the second quarter by going on a 9-0 run as Dodge Davis, Lanford, and Purdy all contributed to the run to put Pickens up, 23-11. The Indians, responded with a 7-0 run as Landon Pierce hit a three, and Faulkner and Preston Cox made back to back baskets to cut the lead to 23-18. Parker Davis, would then go on a 4-0 run to stretch the lead back out to 27-18.

Faulkner and Purdy would trade buckets to end the first half as the Dragons would go into the locker room with a 29-20 lead.

 

The second half scoring started with a 5-0 run by Dodge Davis to make it 34-20 Dragons. A three by T.J. Gaddis would end the run and cut the lead to 34-23. Both teams would then trade baskets to end the third quarter as Hayden Jones would get into the score book with a layup, Faulkner would add to his total, and Nathan Wallace would score on a layup to make it 38-26 Dragons going to the fourth.

 

Parker Davis and Purdy would split free throws to make it 40-26 to begin the fourth quarter. A bucket by Sherrill would cut the lead back to 12. A three by Lanford and a pair of split free throws by the Davis Brothers would make it 45-28. A three by Faulkner would cut the lead down to 15. After Purdy split a pair of free throws, Cox was able to make the layup and the free throw to cut the lead to 46-33.

A 5-0 run by Purdy and Lanford would extend the lead to 51-33. A late basket by Gaddis, would make it 51-35 as the Pickens Dragons would advance to the 7-AAA Region Championship game.

 

Scorers for the Dragons:

Dodge Davis: 14 points

Caleb Lanford: 14 points (4 threes)

McCord Purdy: 11 points

Parker Davis: 8 points

Hayden Jones: 2 points

Nathan Wallace: 2 points

 

The Dragons, will now turn their attention to the 7-AAA Region Championship game on Saturday, February 17th as they take on their 515 rivals, the Gilmer Bobcats. The Bobcats, defeated the Dawson Tigers 74-60 in the other region semifinal game to advance to Saturday. The Dragons and Bobcats split their regular season meetings with each team winning on their home floor. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.

 

Nettes to face Lady Wolves in 7-AAA Region Championship

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Dahlonega, Ga — It was semifinal Thursday on February 15th as the Pickens Dragonettes took on the Dawson Lady Tigers for a spot in the 7-AAA Region Championship game. These two teams split their two regular season meetings with the home team getting the win on those occasions. Behind big games from Bella Hopkins and Caroline Mullins, the Nettes picked up a 67-45 win over the Lady Tigers.

 

The Lady Tigers, got things going to start the ball game with a three from Kindra Coker to give them an early lead. After a tough layup by Hopkins to cut the lead to 1, Morgan Chester and Abby Samples-Slaton would make back to back layups to stretch the lead to 7-2. A three by Hopkins would cut the lead to 7-5. After a bucket by Eva Bishop, the Nettes would go on an 8-0 run with Hopkins and Mullins to take the lead, 13-9.

A three by Samples-Slaton would cut the lead down to 1. The Nettes, would end the first quarter with a 5-0 run as Mullins made a layup, and Hopkins hit her second three to make it 18-12 going to the second quarter.

 

Hopkins, continued her offensive onslaught to begin the second quarter as she hit a three, and completed an and-1 play to make it 24-12. Bishop, broke what ended up being an 11-0 run by the Nettes with a basket to cut the lead to 10. The Nettes, would answer with an 8-0 run as Bella Martin would hit a three, then Ellison Steinhauer would make back to back layups and a free throw to make it 32-14.

A 4-0 run by Bishop and Chester would cut the lead down to 32-18. After a basket by Steinhauer, Chester would go on a 4-0 run to make it 34-22. Back to back threes from Hopkins closed out the first half as the Nettes took a 40-22 lead into the break.

 

Bishop, started the second half with a bucket to make it 40-24. Mullins would answer back with a layup of her own. After Steinhauer split a pair of free throws, Ava Roberson would get her name into the score book with a layup to make it 43-26. Hopkins, would then score her first points of the second half to make it a 19-point game. The two teams would then trade baskets as Martin would hit her second three to make it 52-32.

The Lady Tigers, would end the third quarter on a 6-0 run as Chester, Anna Ayers, and Heather Burt would help cut the lead down to 52-38 going to the fourth.

 

After a couple of fouls and turnovers by both teams, Steinhauer began the fourth quarter scoring with a three to make it 55-38. Hopkins, would then complete an and-1 to make it 58-38. Samples-Slaton, would end the 5-0 run with a bucket to make it 58-40. A 5-0 run from Martin would give the Nettes a 63-40 lead. A three by Coker would cut the lead to 63-43.

Mullins, would make back to back layups to make it 67-43. Chester, would score the final points of the game with a layup as the Nettes come away with the 67-45 victory.

 

Scorers for the Nettes:

Bella Hopkins: 27 points (5 threes)

Caroline Mullins: 16 points

Ellison Steinhauer: 13 points

Bella Martin: 11 points

 

The Nettes, will now turn their focus to Saturday, February 17th as they face off against the Wesleyan Lady Wolves for the 7-AAA Region Championship. Wesleyan defeated the White County Lady Warriors 87-55 to advance to the region title game. Tip off is set for 6 pm and will be played at Lumpkin.

Nettes advance to AAA State Tournament

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It was the ladies turn on Tuesday, February 13th for the first round of the 7-AAA Region Tournament. Just like the Dragons, by virtue of being the #2 seed, the Nettes were the host school for the first round. Earlier games saw White County defeat Lumpkin at the buzzer 45-43, and Dawson hold off a very game Gilmer team, 36-30. The Nettes, were able to join those two as they defeated the West Hall Lady Spartans, 74-12.

 

The first quarter started with the Nettes going on a 10-0 run. Caroline Mullins, would score 8 of the 10 points with Brylee Deering scoring the other 2 points with a layup. Yatsar Matos, ended the run with a bucket to make it 10-2. The Nettes, would then go on a 9-0 run with Ellison Steinhauer hitting back to back threes, then Bella Martin connected on a three to make it 19-2. The Lady Spartans, ended that run with a three of their own to make it 19-5.

The Nettes, would close out the first quarter with another 9-0 run as Emery Steinhauer hit a three, Caleigh Hoffard made a layup, and Mullins made back to back layups. Going to the second quarter, the Nettes led the Lady Spartans, 28-5.

 

That run, continued to begin the second quarter as Mullins made another layup, and Deering completed the and-1 to make it 33-5. After a bucket by Matos to make it 33-7, the Nettes would go on an 11-0 run as Martin hit back to back threes, Ellie Hollis would make a layup, and Bella Hopkins would hit a three to stretch the lead to 44-7. The two teams would trade baskets for the rest of the first half as they went into halftime with the Nettes leading, 49-12.

 

The third quarter saw the Nettes go on a 13-0 run throughout the entire quarter as Reagan Ludington started it off with back to back threes. Brylee Deering, would add 5 more points to her total in the quarter as she made two layups and a free throw. Mullins, would make a layup during the run to push the Nettes lead out to 62-12 going to the fourth.

 

It was more of the same in the fourth quarter as the Nettes would go on a 12-0 run throughout the frame. Bree Jewell, would make three threes in the fourth while Martin would make her fourth of the game during the shortened fourth quarter. The Nettes, would come away with a 74-12 win.

 

Scorers for the Nettes:

Caroline Mullins: 16 points

Bella Martin: 12 points (4 threes)

Brylee Deering: 10 points

Bree Jewell: 9 points (3 threes)

Bella Hopkins: 6 points (2 threes)

Reagan Ludington: 6 points (2 threes)

Ellison Stienhauer: 6 points (2 threes)

Ellie Hollis: 4 points

Emery Steinhauer: 3 points (1 three)

Caleigh Hoffard: 2 points

 

With the win, the Nettes have earned a spot in the AAA State Tournament. They have also advanced to the 7-AAA Region Tournament Semifinals where they will take on the Dawson Lady Tigers at Lumpkin on Thursday, February 15th. Tip off is scheduled for 4 pm.

Dragons punch ticket to AAA State Tournament

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It’s region tournament time as the 7-AAA region tournament started on Monday, February 12th. By virtue of being the #2 seed, Pickens hosted the first round of the tournament. Earlier games saw Dawson defeat Wesleyan, and Lumpkin defeat White County. The Dragons, with the home crowd watching, picked up a 66-36 win over the Spartans to advance to the State Tournament and the semifinals of the region tournament.

 

The first quarter began with the Dragons going on an 11-0 run. Nathan Wallace, Dodge Davis, Caleb Lanford, and McCord Purdy all contributed to the run. A basket just outside the free throw line by the Spartans ended the run and made it 11-2. The Dragons, would answer with a 5-0 run to make it 16-2. a bucket by the Spartans just as the shot clock was about to go off would make it 16-4 going to the second quarter.

 

The second quarter began with a three by Lanford. His third of the first half. After a basket by the Spartans to make it 19-6, West Hall followed it up with a three pointer to cut the lead to 19-9. The Spartans would add to their run with a free throw line jumper to make it 19-11. The Dragons, would put an end to the 7-0 run with a three by Purdy to stretch the lead to 22-11.

Jamin Martin, would then hit his first three of the ball game to make it 25-11. The run would continue for the Dragons as Parker Davis got the layup to go to make it 27-11. The 8-0 run would come to an end as the Spartans hit a jumper to make it 27-13. After a cold streak by both teams, Lanford would find Parker Davis underneath for the layup to make it 29-13. Hayden Jones, would somehow split a double team for the layup to make it 31-13.

A long three by the Spartans would make it 31-16. Parker Davis, would collect an offensive rebound and get the put back amidst the contact. He would make the free throw to give the Dragons a 34-16 lead. Just before the end of the first half, a foul on a three point attempt was called. The Spartans, would make two of the three free throws and going into the half, the Dragons led, 34-18.

 

The third quarter started with Lanford hitting his fourth three pointer of the game to stretch the lead to 37-18. After a defensive rebound by the Dragons, Purdy found Jones with an outlet pass who then found a cutting Dodge Davis, who threw down the two-handed dunk to make it 39-18. The Spartans, would end the 5-0 run with a tough layup to cut the lead to 39-20. The fifth three of the evening by Lanford gave the Dragons a 42-20 lead.

Parker Davis, would then use a nice head fake to drive in for the layup to make it 44-20. Dodge Davis, would then split a pair of free throws to make it 45-20. The Spartans, would get the hook shot to fall and make the free throw to cut the lead to 45-23. Dodge Davis, would get by his man for the layup to make it 47-23. After a turnover by the Spartans, Martin, would hit his second three of the night to make it 50-23.

Marin, would continue his hot shooting as he hit another three to make it 53-23. The Spartans, would end the run with a turnaround jumper to cut the lead to 53-25. A lay in by the Spartans would make it 53-27. Purdy, would then split a pair of free throws to make it 54-27. A steal by Montego Morgan would lead to Martin’s third three of the quarter and his fourth of the game. A running hook shot by the Spartans would make it 57-29.

A nice find from Parker Davis to Hayden Jones for the layup made it 59-29. After a defensive rebound by the Dragons, Martin hit Jones with a great lead pass from the other end of the court for the layup to make it 61-29. The Spartans, used a nice jump stop move for the layup to make it 61-31 going to the fourth.

 

The shortened fourth quarter would begin with the Spartans making a layup after a nice pass to cut the lead to 61-33. The Spartans, would then collect a defensive rebound and turn it into a three pointer to make it 61-36. The Dragons, would end the 5-0 run by the Spartans as Jones got into the lane for the layup and the foul. Jones, would make the free throw to put the Dragons up, 64-36. Camden Jones, would make the layup after a nice pass to make it 66-36.

That would be the final as the Dragons defeated the West Hall Spartans for the third time this season to advance to the AAA State Basketball Tournament and to the semifinals of the 7-AAA region tournament.

 

Scorers for the Dragons:

Caleb Lanford: 17 points (5 threes)

Jamin Martin: 12 points (4 threes)

Dodge Davis: 9 points

Parker Davis: 9 points

Hayden Jones: 9 points

McCord Purdy: 6 points

Camden Jones: 2 points

Nathan Wallace: 2 points

 

The Dragons, will now get ready for Thursday, February 15th as they head to Lumpkin to take on the Indians in one of the semifinal games of the 7-AAA region tournament. Tip off is set for 5:30 pm.

Dragons lock up #2 seed for next week’s Region Tournament

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — On Friday, February 9th, the Pickens Dragons hosted the West Hall Spartans for the final regular season game of the 2023-24 season. The Dragons, were also celebrating their two Seniors, Caymen Morgan and Nathan Wallace. Coming into the game, the Dragons were 17-7, and 8-3 in region play. The Spartans, were 6-17, and 2-9 in region play. Four Dragons scored in double figures as Pickens defeated the Spartans, 80-24.

 

The Dragons, began the ball game on a 14-0 run as Dodge Davis, Caleb Ledford, Parker Davis, and Senior Nathan Wallace all contributed to the run. Troy Smith, would end the run and get the Spartans on the board with a jumper just inside the free throw line. After Ledford split a pair of free throws, Teryk Tilley hit a three to make it 15-5. Ethan Clippard then drove the baseline for a layup to make it 15-7.

The Dragons, would close the first quarter with an 8-0 run as Parker Davis made a layup, and Hayden Jones and Ledford hit back to back threes. Going to the second quarter, the Dragons led the Spartans, 23-7.

 

The run that ended the first quarter, would continue into the second quarter as Dodge Davis 7 straight points to put the Dragons up, 30-7. Smith, would go on a 4-0 run to make it 30-11. A three by Dodge Davis would make it 33-11. That would kick off a 15-0 run to end the first half as Dodge Davis would hit another three, then Jamin Martin would connect on a three, then Wallace would hit his second three, then Martin would hit another one. Going into halftime, the Dragons were leading the West Hall Spartans, 45-11.

 

The Dragons, kept the threes flying to start the second half as McCord Purdy got in the score book with his first three of the game to make it 48-11. The Dragons, would go on to score 21 points in the third while holding the Spartans to just 4 points to increase their lead to 66-15 going to the fourth.

 

The fourth quarter began with Parker Davis making a layup to stretch the lead to 68-15. A layup by Karter Shields would make it 68-17. After a pair of free throws by Dodge Davis, Glenn Matiba, would make a layup to make it 70-19. The teams then traded threes as Purdy hit his 2nd three, then Landon Bennett answered with a three to make it 73-22. A 5-0 run by Dodge Davis and Martin would make it 78-22.

Another layup by Matiba would end the run and make it 78-24. A layup from Aiden Mumaw would be the final bucket of the game as the Dragons defeated the Spartans, 80-24.

 

Scorers for the Dragons:

Dodge Davis: 22 points

Caleb Lanford: 14 points

Parker Davis: 13 points

Jamin Martin: 12 points

McCord Purdy: 6 points

Nathan Wallace: 6 points

Hayden Jones: 5 points

Aiden Mumaw: 2 points

 

Final 7-AAA Boys Basketball Standings:

Gilmer: 16-8 (10-2) #1 seed

Pickens: 18 -7 (9-3) #2 seed

Lumpkin: 13-12 (6-6) #3 seed

Wesleyan: 11-14 (6-6) #4 seed

Dawson: 14-11 (6-6) #5 seed

White County: 7-18 (3-9) #6 seed

West Hall: 6-18 (2-10) #7 seed

 

The Gilmer Bobcats, by virtue of being the #1 seed, will get a bye and automatically earn a spot in the AAA State Tournament. The first round of the 7-AAA Region Tournament will take place at Pickens High School on Monday, February 12th. Wesleyan will take on Dawson at 4:30, Lumpkin will take on White County at 6, and Pickens will take on West Hall at 7:30.

 

 

Nettes secure #2 seed in next week’s region tournament

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — Friday, February 9th was the final day of the 2023-24 regular season as the Pickens Dragonettes hosted the West Hall Lady Spartans for Senior Night. Coming into the game, the Nettes were 21-3, 8-3 in region play, and ranked 4th in AAA. The Lady Spartans, were 1-20, and 0-11 in region play coming into the game. All 5 Nettes Seniors would start and score as the Nettes defeated the Lady Spartans, 81-11.

 

To begin the ball game, Yatsar Matos scored with a layup to put the Lady Spartans up 2-0. The Nettes, quickly tied things up as Senior Emery Bryant, who had been out with an injury, got to suit up and she score the first points of the night for the Nettes. That layup would lead to a 17-0 run by the Nettes as Senior Caroline Mullins, Ellison Steinhauer, Senior Emery Steinhauer, and Seniors Bella Hopkins and Ashaela Buchanan all contributed to the run.

After a bucket by Heidi Zuniga ended the run, the Nettes would close the first quarter making 5 straight threes. Ellison Steinhauer and Reagan Ludington would make the first two, then Hopkins would make three straight to make it 32-4 going to the second quarter.

 

Bree Jewell, would start the second quarter with a pair of free throws to make it 34-4. That would begin what would end up being another 17-0 run to begin the quarter. The run ended up being a 32-0 run across the end of the first quarter and through the second quarter. Matos, ended the long run with a three to make it 49-7. A layup by Hopkins closed out the second quarter scoring to give the Nettes a 51-7 lead at the half.

 

Hopkins, would begin the second half with her 5th three of the night to make it 54-7. After Cayla Radich hit a jumper to make it 54-9, Hopkins, would hit her 6th three of the night as she became the 22nd Nettes player in history to eclipse 1,000 career points. That three would lead to a 15-0 run by the Nettes as Brylee Deering would hit a three, Bella Martin would make 7 straight points and find a wide open Deering for a layup to make it 69-9 going to the fourth.

 

The fourth quarter began with Radich making a basket to make it 69-11. From there, the Nettes would close out the shortened quarter on a 12-0 run as Ludington, Caleigh Hoffard, Buchanan, and Jewell contributed to the run as the Nettes picked up their 22nd win of the season with an 81-11 victory over the West Hall Lady Spartans.

 

Scorers for the Nettes:

Bella Hopkins: 23 points (Senior)

Caroline Mullins: 10 points (Senior)

Reagan Ludington: 10 points

Bree Jewell: 8 points

Bella Martin: 7 points

Ashaela Buchanan: 5 points (Senior)

Brylee Deering: 5 points

Ellsion Steinhauer: 5 points

Caleigh Hoffard: 4 points

Emery Bryant: 2 points (Senior)

Emery Steinhauer: 2 points (Senior)

 

Final 7-AAA Girls Basketball Standings:

Wesleyan: 21-3 (12-0) #1 seed

Pickens: 22-3 (9-3) #2 seed

Dawson: 16-9 (8-4) #3 seed

White County: 18-7 (6-6) #4 seed

Lumpkin: 9-16 (4-8) #5 seed

Gilmer: 8-15 (3-9) #6 seed

West Hall: 1-21 (0-12) #7 seed

 

By being the #1 seed, Wesleyan has earned a first round bye and have already clinched a spot in the AAA State Basketball Tournament. The first round of the 7-AAA Region Tournament will take place on Tuesday, February 13th at Pickens High School. The White County Lady Warriors will take on the Lumpkin County Lady Indians at 4:30, the Dawson Lady Tigers will take on the Gilmer Lady Cats at 6, and the Nettes, will take on the West Hall Lady Spartans at 7:30.

 

Shouse, three other Dragons sign baseball scholarships

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — On Wednesday, February 7th, the Pickens Dragons baseball team saw four of its Seniors sign National Letters of Intent to further their academic and athletic careers as Connor Shouse, JP Nunn, James Tilley, and Brodie Keener all made it official and signed on the dotted line. The Dragons, are getting a lot of preseason love heading into the 2024 season and these four have played a role into why there are big expectations being set.

 

First up, RHP/INF Connor Shouse. Shouse, (pictured above), has been committed to Georgia Tech for a good while and finally made it official with the Yellow Jackets. Shouse, has been recognized as one of the top 10 players in the state of Georgia for the 2024 class. On the mound, Shouse uses a mix of pitches with his fastball hitting 95 mph, sometimes touching 98 mph. At the plate, Shouse, has the ability to hit the ball to all fields and to also drive it out of the park.

It would not be that surprising to hear Connor Shouse’s name called in mid July during the 2024 MLB Draft.

 

Next up, RHP JP Nunn. Nunn, committed to the Jacksonville State University Gamecocks back on November 10th of 2022 and officially signed with them on February 7th 2024. Nunn, who is a submarine pitcher, uses different angles with his pitches to get batters out. He holds the school record for career saves with 9 and will look to possibly add to that record during the 2024 season. As a Junior, he was named to the 7-AAA All-Region Honorable Mention team.

 

Next is RHP/INF James Tilley. Tilley, committed to Reinhardt University on November 29th, 2023 and officially signed with them on February 7th, 2024. Tilley, also uses a mix of pitches at deceiving speeds to get hitters out. At the plate, Tilley does a good job of working counts, drawing walks, and getting timely hits. In 2023, Tilley was named 7-AAA Co-Pitcher of the Year along with teammate AJ Rice, and a member of the All-State First Team. Tilley, is also on the 2024 Preseason All-State team.

 

Last, but certainly not least is LHP Brodie Keener. Keener, committed to the Middle Georgia State University Knights less than a month ago on January 13th. On February 7th, he signs with them. Being a lefty, Keener can use different angles on pitches that many hitters may not be used to seeing. He will have a big role out of the bullpen or being used for a spot start during the upcoming season.

 

Congratulations to all of these young men and their families on this incredible feat. You can catch these young men and the rest of the dragons as they host the Calhoun Yellow Jackets for a scrimmage on Thursday, February 8th. First pitch set for 5:30 pm. The 2024 season will officially open up on Monday, February 12th as the Dragons will host the LaFayette Ramblers. First pitch is also set for 5:30 pm.

Williams signs with Kennesaw State

PHS Football, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — Wednesday, February 7th was the second National Signing Day for Senior high school football players around the country and one of those Seniors was from Pickens High School. TE Isaiah Williams made it official on Wednesday putting pen to paper signing with Kennesaw State University to continue his academic and athletic careers.

 

Williams, played all four years for the Pickens Dragons football team playing both the tight end and defensive end positions. Williams, got offered the opportunity to play for the Owls during a visit on Sunday, January 28th. The next day, Williams was committed.

Williams, took a visit to Virginia Tech during his recruitment and had received offers from the United States Naval Academy, the University of Maine, Stetson University, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Reinhardt University, University of Virginia-Wise, Georgia Military College, North Greenville University, Erskine College, Carson-Newman University, and the University of Charleston.

 

Here is what KSU QB Coach Chandler Burks had to say about Williams after he signed with the Owls:

“Plays with Passion and edge that fits our mold! Great addition to the TE room. Welcome to the Family!”

 

Owls Defensive Coordinator Greg Harris, added this about the signing:

“This offense is a TE’s dream and we got a good one!!”

 

The Owls, have big things to look forward to as a program as they make the leap into the FBS and Conference USA which includes the likes of Florida International University, Jacksonville State, Liberty, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee State, New Mexico State, Sam Houston, UTEP, Western Kentucky University, and Delaware joining in 2025.

 

Congratulations to Isaiah and his family for this achievement and we look forward to seeing what you do in the future.

 

Back to Top