Yesterday evening, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team traveled up to Ridgeland to take on the Panthers in a 6-AAAA region meeting. The Dragons, looked to end their string of bad luck, prior to taking a small break before a holiday tournament.

In the 1st, The Panthers raced out to a quick lead to begin things. The Dragons, found some offensive flow towards the end of the 1st, cutting the Ridgeland lead to 19-17, going to the 2nd. The Panthers, extended their lead on Pickens using a 17-9 quarter run. The Dragons trailed Ridgeland at the half, 36-26.

In the 3rd, things were much more balanced for both teams offensively. The Panthers barely outscored Pickens 15-14, to take a 51-40 lead into the 4th and final quarter. While the Dragons played Ridgeland tough throughout the game, the 2nd quarter seems to be the difference here. The Panthers used a 16-14 quarter advantage to hold off Pickens, 67-54.

Leading the way for Pickens would be:

Joseph Gossett: 17 points, 1 assist, 2 rebounds, & 1 steal

Avery Luke: 10 points, 4 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, & 1 block

Jacob Brumby: 10 points, 1 assist, 4 rebounds, & 1 steal

Zach Goss: 7 points, & 4 rebounds

Hunter Jordan: 5 points, 2 rebounds, & 2 blocks

Blake Gorth: 4 points, 5 assists, & 6 rebounds

Seth Bishop: 1 point, 1 steal, & 2 blocks

Pickens, will now be on a 12-day mini break from any games as they look to restart and get ready for the 2nd half of the season. The Dragons, like the ‘Nettes, will take part in the Mountainside Holiday Classic at Fannin High School from the 28th-30th. The Dragons, will take on the Colts of Coahulla Creek on the 28th. Tip off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.