Dragons Fall In Region Opener To LaFayette, Face Gilmer In Ellijay Friday Night

On Tuesday evening, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team hosted the LaFayette Ramblers for their first home game of the season & the first region game of the season. Pickens, was coming off being named co-champions of the Thanksgiving Tip-Off Tournament, while LaFayette came in as a favorite in the region heading into the season after barely losing to Northwest Whitfield in the region title game last season. It would be a good test for a Dragons team that came in 2-2.

 

In the 1st quarter, LaFayette got off to the better start, pulling ahead early. However, the back end of the 1st saw things pick up for Pickens as they cut the Rambler lead to 22-14 going to the 2nd. In the 2nd quarter, both teams struggled to have some consistent offense. LaFayette outscored the Dragons 9-6 in the frame to give them a lead of 31-20 going into the break.

 

The 2nd half, would not be kind to the home standing Dragons unfortunately. The Ramblers had everything go their way while it seemed nothing would fall for Pickens. In the 3rd, LaFayette would use a 17-3 quarter advantage to take a 48-23 lead into the 4th. The Ramblers, would be able to close this game out and get the win, 65-30.

 

Leading the way for the Dragons were:

Seth Bishop: 9 points, & 3 rebounds

Keinyuan Hooks: 5 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds, & 4 steals

Zach Goss: 4 points, 3 rebounds, & 1 block

Joseph Gossett: 4 points, 2 rebounds, & 1 steal

Avonta Johnson: 4 points, 1 rebound, & 1 steal

Chase Simmons: 3 points, & 1 assist

 

The Dragons will now turn to Friday Night as they will make the short trip up 515 and head to Ellijay to take on the Gilmer Bobcats in a region match up. These two teams met in Fannin not too long ago and Pickens came away with a 10 point win. Both finished with 2-1 records & a share of the tournament trophy. Tip off scheduled for 8:30 pm.