Earlier this afternoon, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team traveled to Blue Ridge to take on the Cougars of Copper Basin in the third and final day of the Thanksgiving Tournament. A win meant a runner up spot and a .500 record going into region play next week for Pickens.

The Dragons offense got off to a quick start in the 1st quarter. Pickens held a 14-8 advantage going into the 2nd quarter. Copper Basin took control early in the 2nd quarter with an 8-0 run to take the lead over the Dragons 16-14. The two teams went back and forth for the rest of the half with the Cougars taking a 26-25 lead into the break.

A big highlight for Pickens came in the 3rd quarter when senior Tyler Garner picked up a loose ball, drove through the middle of the lane, and through down a thunderous dunk over two Copper Basin defenders. The Dragons used the dunk to propel themselves to take a 38-36 lead into the 4th quarter. The Cougars took a 48-41 lead with under 4 minutes left in the game and seemed to have the momentum. However, Pickens battled back and had a 53-51 lead. Copper Basin was unable to get off a final shot and the Dragons came away with a hard fought 53-51 win.

With the win, the Dragons finish the tournament at 2-1, and even up their season record at 2-2.

Holden Roop, Trent Rizoti, & Tyler Garner were named to the All-Tournament Team.

Leading the way for the Dragons were:

Tyler Garner: 16 points, 1 assist, 8 rebounds, & 5 steals

Trent Rizoti: 10 points, & 3 rebounds

Blake Gorth: 9 points, 2 assists, 3 rebounds, & 3 steals

Holden Roop: 7 points, 4 assists, 1 rebound, & 2 steals

The Dragons will now get ready for 7-AAAA region play as they will host the Ramblers of LaFayette in the Dragons Den for this season’s first true home game on Tuesday, Dec. 1st. Tip off scheduled for 7:30 p.m.