Yesterday, the Dragons varsity basketball team traveled north on 515 for day two of the Thanksgiving tournament hosted at Gilmer High School. Pickens once again would be playing in the 2nd game of the day and were the designated away team as Copper Basin (TN) served as the home team. The Dragons looked to continue momentum built after the opening game win against Fannin Saturday afternoon.

The Dragons, much like their Nettes teammates, jumped out to a quick start on the Cougars in the opening quarter before Copper Basin would get things going. Pickens would lead the ball game after a quarter of play 16-8. A back and forth 2nd quarter ended with the Dragons holding a ten point lead 35-25 after outscoring the Cougars 19-17. In the 3rd quarter, Senior Shannon Brooks nearly brought “The Cage” down with a one handed throw down after a gorgeous lob from Holden Roop. Pickens maintained its lead after 3 quarters of play 50-39.

The Dragons would use a run and good defense to secure the win as they outscored Copper Basin 22-10 for a final of 72-49 setting up a showdown with their rivals and host of the tournament, the Bobcats of Gilmer High School.

Leading the way for the Dragons were:

Holden Roop: 21 points, 10 assists, and 2 rebounds

Shannon Brooks: 18 points, 1 assist, and 4 rebounds

Trent Rizoti: 13 points and 9 rebounds

Travis Huffman: 9 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds

With a win on Tuesday evening, the Dragons would claim the title outright being the only undefeated in the tournament. A Gilmer win would force a 3-way tie for first place between Pickens, Gilmer, and Fannin. Pickens and Gilmer are scheduled to tip off at 7:30.