Last night, PHS Dragonettes’ varsity basketball team traveled to Southeast Whitfield to take part in the opening round of the 7-AAAA Region Tournament. Pickens, came into the ball game as the #5 seed and needed two wins if they wanted to make it to state. First, they had to get past LaFayette.

In the 1st quarter, the Nettes’ got off to a quick start. The Lady Ramblers got back into things by the end of the frame as Pickens held a 13-6 advantage going into the 2nd. In the 2nd quarter, both teams were pretty much evenly matched. The Nettes’, outscored LaFayette 9-8, to take a 22-14 lead into the break.

Starting with the 3rd, the 2nd half belonged to Pickens. The Nettes’ used a 20-5 quarter run to break their lead wide open, 42-19 going to the 4th. Pickens used a 17-11 run in the 4th to close things out and advance, 59-30.

Leading the way for the Nettes’ were:

Shelby Cook: 15 points, 1 assist, 7 rebounds, & 1 block

Mackenzie Hampton: 8 points, 1 assist, 4 rebounds, & 2 steals

Tessa Duncan: 8 points, 2 assists, & 1 rebound

Autumn Young: 6 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, & 1 block

Allie Stephens: 5 points, 1 rebound, & 3 steals

Shae Chadwick: 5 points, & 1 rebound

Torie Williams: 4 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, & 1 steal

Madison McClure: 3 points, 5 assists, 1 rebounds, 2 steals, & 1 block

Ashley Nelson: 3 points, 1 assist, 2 rebounds, & 2 steals

Kaitlin Redman: 2 points, 1 assist, 3 rebounds, & 1 steal

The Nettes’ will now prepare for their third match up of the season with the Region Tournament host team, the Southeast Whitfield Lady Raiders. The two teams split their regular season meetings but this match up, is the most important one as the winner advances to the state tournament. Tip off is scheduled for 4 p.m. tomorrow.