This past Friday night, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team hosted the Panthers of Ridgeland in a 6-AAAA battle. Both teams came into the game, needing a win as both were near the middle of the pack in the region standings.

In the first, it was Ridgeland getting off to a quick start, but Pickens got things going and kept up with the Panthers. After one, Ridgeland lead a closely contested frame, 14-10. The 2nd quarter, saw both teams go back and forth in fast paced action. The Panthers, outscored the Dragons 17-13, to take a 31-23 lead into the break.

The 3rd quarter, saw the Dragons ramp things up trying to get back into the game. Pickens, would outscore Ridgeland 20-17 in the 3rd, to cut the Panther lead to 48-43, going to the 4th. The 4th quarter, again saw the Dragons outscore Ridgeland 14-13. Despite that, the Panthers were able to hang on and win 61-57 after several late free throws.

Leading the way for the Dragons were:

Seth Bishop: 17 points, 2 assists, 7 rebounds, & 2 steals

Joseph Gossett: 12 points, 2 assists, 4 rebounds, & 1 steal

Keinyuan Hooks: 8 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, & 3 steals

Chase Simmons: 8 points, 2 assists, & 8 rebounds

Zach Goss: 7 points, 2 assists, 3 rebounds, & 1 steal

Tucker Lowe: 3 points, 2 assists, & 1 rebound

Owen Moss: 2 points, 1 assist, 2 rebounds, & 1 steal

Pickens, will now turn their attention to the Northwest Whitfield Bruins. The Dragons, will welcome the Bruins to the Dragons Den tomorrow night as part of a make up game after the original game was postponed due to snow. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 pm.