Earlier tonight, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team hosted the Panthers of Ridgeland in the most important region game of the season. Coming into the ball game, Pickens held the 5th spot in the standings at 4-8 while the Panthers came in a game behind at 3-9. Prior to the game, seniors Mgr. Tucker Green, D.J. Walden, Sam Davis, Tyler Garner, Holden Roop, Trent Rizoti, & Walker Lawrence were honored.

In the opening quarter, things did not get off on the right foot for Pickens as Ridgeland shot out to and 8-0 lead. The Dragons however got back into it as the quarter progressed and found themselves down 5 going to the 2nd, 22-17. In the 2nd, both teams traded buckets back and forth. Both teams tied in the quarter with 13 a piece and Ridgeland led it going to the half, 35-30.

In the 3rd, both teams again remained tight. Both teams scored 12 points and we headed to the 4th with the Panthers still in front, 47-42. The 4th and final quarter saw crazy action. Ridgeland held an 11 point lead late in the game, but Pickens did not give up. with less than ten seconds left, and down 2, the Dragons thought they caused a turnover but would be called for a foul instead and the Panthers knocked down two free throws to seal a win, 67-63.

Leading the way for the Dragons were:

Holden Roop: 31 points, 4 assists, & 2 rebounds

Trent Rizoti: 11 points, 1 assist, 4 rebounds, & 1 steal

Avery Luke: 10 points, 3 assists, 5 rebounds, & 1 steal

Tyler Garner: 6 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, & 1 steal

Joseph Gossett: 3 points, 1 assist, & 1 rebound

Walker Lawrence had 2 points, & 1 rebound, & Blake Gorth had 1 assist & 4 rebounds.

With the loss, the Dragons and Panthers are now tied for the 5th spot in the region standings at 4-9. Both teams have a game on Thursday where Ridgeland will take on the Heritage Generals on the road while the Dragons will host 515 rival Gilmer Bobcats in a make up game. Tip off scheduled for 7:30 p.m.