Friday, the Dragons varsity basketball team traveled to Gilmer High School to take on their rivals, the Bobcats. Pickens, who came in with a tough 7 game losing streak, looked to end it and get a season sweep of Gilmer all in the same night.The first quarter started as tight as it could be. After one, the two teams found themselves tied at 12. The Dragons pulled away a little bit during the second quarter as they outscored the Bobcats 12-7, to take a 24-19 lead into the break.

Pickens came out for the third and set the tone at both ends outscoring Gilmer 18-10, to take a 42-29 lead going to the fourth. The Dragons closed out the ball game by outscoring the Bobcats 14-12 in the final quarter of play to get the win, 56-41. Pickens’ first win since December 29th.

The Dragons are now 11-11 on the season and 3-8 in region play

Leading the way Friday for Pickens were:

Shannon Brooks: 20 points, 3 assists, and 15 rebounds

Trent Rizoti: 17 points, 3 rebounds, and a steal

Holden Roop: 7 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals

Travis Huffman: 5 points, and 2 rebounds

Walker Lawrence finished with 4 points, 1 assist, 2 rebounds, and 3 steals

The Dragons look to carry the momentum built on Friday to Tuesday as they travel to take on the Bruins of Northwest Whitfield. The first meeting between these two teams ended how many of the games for Pickens have ended this season when the Bruins escaped Jasper with an 82-80 win. The Dragons look to return the favor Tuesday and pull off a mild upset at the same time. Northwest is in third in the region while Pickens is sixth. Tip off scheduled for 7:30.