Last night, the PHS Dragonettes varsity basketball team traveled to Gainesville to take on the Lady War Eagles of Chestatee High School in the opening game of the 2017-18 season. Not only was it the first game of a new season, it was the first game for new ‘Nettes head coach Brandon Thomas, who made his return to PHS after several years as the head coach of the Winder-Barrow Lady Bulldogs.

These two teams went back and forth all evening and it started in the first quarter. The ‘Nettes were able to get out to a 13-7 lead over the Lady War Eagles after picking it up late in the quarter. In the 2nd, Both teams used defense to lead to success offensively. Chestatee would outscore Pickens in the 2nd, 15-14, but the ‘Nettes still held the advantage at the half, 27-22.

The 3rd quarter saw the action continue on where it left off in the 2nd. The Lady War Eagles used a 16-12 3rd quarter run to cut the Pickens lead to 39-38 going to the 4th and final period. In the 4th, with the help of a 15-11 run, clutch free throws, & a late technical, the ‘Nettes were able to hold onto the lead, & the win taking this one, 54-49.

Leading the way in points for the ‘Nettes were:

Torie Williams: 16

Mykenzie Weaver: 14

Shelby Cook: 10

The ‘Nettes will be back in action on Saturday afternoon as they head to Ellijay for the annual Thanksgiving Tip-Off Tournament featuring Pickens, Gilmer, Fannin, & Hiwassee Dam. Pickens, will be taking on the host team, the Gilmer Lady Cats on Saturday at 3 pm.