Last Tuesday, The Dragons traveled up to Dalton to take on the Raiders of Southeast Whitfield in a very important region game. After going 2-1 in the Pickens Holiday Classic, the Dragons looked to even up their region record and start the new year off with a win. The Raiders had something to say about that.A back and forth opening quarter ended with the Dragons in the lead, 15-11. The Raiders offense came alive in the second quarter as they scored 25 points. Pickens ended the quarter with 15 points and Southeast Whitfield held the lead at the half 36-30.

The third quarter turned out to be one to forget if you live in Dragon Nation as Pickens found themselves down 20 at one point. The Raiders outscored the Dragons 23-14 to take a 59-44 lead going to the fourth and final quarter. Pickens showed heart and got back into the ball game cutting it to three at one point, but the comeback ran out of steam. The Dragons outscored Southeast Whitfield 24-20, but the Raiders held on and got the win, 79-68.

Pickens is now 10-6 on the season and 2-4 in 7AAAA play

Leading the way for the Dragons on Tuesday were:

Shannon Brooks: 31 points, 6 rebounds, and a steal

Trent Rizoti: 13 points and 10 rebounds

Holden Roop: 12 points, 7 assists, and 2 rebounds

Walker Lawrence: 6 points, 1 assist, and 2 rebounds

Clay Wigington scored 3 points and grabbed 10 rebounds

Pickens will be back in action tonight for their first home game of the new year as they host the Panthers of Ridgeland in another region game. Tip off is set for 7:30