This past Saturday afternoon, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team went up to Blue Ridge to take part in the first day of the annual Thanksgiving Tournament. Pickens matched up with their arch rival, the Gilmer Bobcats.

In the first quarter, it went back and forth between the two teams as the opening stanza ended with the score tied at 13. The 2nd quarter nearly mirrored the 1st as both teams found offense. The Bobcats used a slight 22-19 quarter advantage over the Dragons to take a 35-32 lead into the half.

In the 3rd quarter, Pickens used a combination of offense (16-9 run) and press defense to take the from Gilmer, 48-44 going to the 4th. With just over 3 minutes left in the game, both teams were tied at 58. The Dragons from that point used timely offense and clutch free throws to seal the win, 69-63.

Leading the way for the Dragons were:

Joseph Gossett: 21 points, 4 rebounds, & a steal

Trent Rizoti: 16 points, & 11 rebounds

Holden Roop: 10 points (all 2nd half), 4 assists, & 1 rebound

The Dragons will head back to Blue Ridge tonight for Day 2 of the Tournament for a match up with the host team, the Fannin County Rebels. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.