Dragons Upset Raiders Make State Tournament For The 6th Time

After getting past their 515, rival, the Gilmer Bobcats earlier in the day, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team looked to earn a 4A State Tournament berth. It would not be easy as they had to battle the hosting school, the Southeast Whitfield Raiders for that bid.

 

Pickens got momentum early as Joseph Gossett, nailed 2 of his 3’s on the night back to back. After a back and forth opening frame, the Dragons led things, 24-20. In the 2nd, Pickens continued it’s scoring ways. Outscoring the Raiders 13-11, the Dragons took a 37-31 lead into the break.

 

In the 3rd, Pickens stretched out their lead even more. A 21-13 quarter, gave the Dragons a 58-44 advantage over Southeast heading to the 4th and final quarter. In the 4th, Pickens exploded for 29 points. The Raiders poured it in as well, scoring 34 in the quarter. The Dragons were able to hit timely buckets and win the free throw game to take this one, 87-78. The win gives Pickens it’s 6th State Tournament berth in 60 years.

 

Leading the way for the Dragons were:

Holden Roop: 36 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, & 3 steals

Joseph Gossett: 15 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds, & 3 steals

Tyler Garner: 12 points, 2 assists, & 7 rebounds

Trent Rizoti: 11 points, 3 assists, & 7 rebounds

Blake Gorth: 8 points, 1 rebound, & 1 steal

Avery Luke: 5 points, 3 rebounds, & 2 steals

 

The Dragons will have little time to rest, as they will be back at Southeast Whitfield later tonight for the semifinals of the 7-AAAA Region Tournament. Pickens will be facing the #1 seeded Purple Hurricanes of Cartersville. Winner will play for a region championship tomorrow, and earn a home game in the first round of the 4A State Tournament. Tip off set for 8:30 p.m.