Dragons Lose Another Close Game This Time To Ridgeland

Friday, the Dragons varsity basketball team hosted the Ridgeland Panthers in 7AAAA play. This was the first home game of 2015 for Pickens. As most of the Dragons games have been this season, this one was a nail bitter. The action in the opening quarter was fast paced and both teams seemed evenly matched as we ended the first as we began, tied at 14 a piece. The Dragons outscored the Panthers in the second, 15-12, to take a 29-26 lead into the break.

Pickens added three more to their lead in the third as they outscored Ridgeland 17-14 to take a 46-40 lead going to the fourth and final quarter of play. The final minute of the fourth is where everyone in the Dragons Den found themselves chewing off their finger nails. With the game tied at 50, the Dragons missed a potential go ahead layup and the Panthers had a chance to take their first lead of the ball game. Ridgeland would run the clock and not take a timeout as they scored the go ahead bucket with 5 seconds left on the clock.

Pickens called timeout with 3.9 left to set up a play to send the game into overtime. Despite being at the other end of the court, the Dragons got a good look at the basket, but the shot fell short and the Panthers escaped with a 52-50 victory.

Pickens is now 10-7 on the season and 2-5 in region play

Leading the way for the Dragons Friday were:

Shannon Brooks: 28 points, 1 assist, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals

Travis Huffman: 8 points and 2 steals

Clay Wigington: 6 points, 1 assist, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals

Holden Roop: 4 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, and a steal

Pickens will be back at it on Saturday as they travel to Blue Ridge to take on the Fannin Rebels. Tip off scheduled for 5:30 pm.