The PHS Dragons varsity basketball team played a big game last night in Dalton as they took on the Raiders of Southeast Whitfield. With a win, and a little help, Pickens would end the night in a three-way tie for 5th in the region.

In the 1st, the Raiders got off to a quick 4-0 start, but the remainder of the frame was tightly contested. Heading to the 2nd, Southeast Whitfield held a 16-10 lead over the Dragons. The 2nd quarter, would be a tough one for Pickens as nothing would seem to fall. The Raiders, outscored the Dragons 18-9 in the 2nd to take 34-19 lead into the half.

In the 3rd, Pickens started the comeback ever so slightly. The Dragons, outscored Southeast Whitfield 18-17, to cut the Raider lead to 51-37, going to the 4th. Pickens, started the 4th out hot. Cutting the Southeast Whitfield lead down in half and even further. Despite outscoring the Raiders 23-18 in the 4th, & 41-35 in the 2nd half, Southeast Whitfield was able to hold on and get the win, 69-60.

Leading the way for the Dragons were:

Seth Bishop: 25 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, & 1 block

Chase Simmons: 13 points, 1 assist, 1 rebound, & 1 block

Hunter Fowler: 6 points, 1 rebound, & 1 steal

Tucker Lowe: 6 points, 1 assist, & 1 rebound

Zach Goss: 4 points, 6 assists, 9 rebounds, 1 steal, & 3 blocks

Joseph Gossett: 4 points, 1 assist, & 7 rebounds

Keinyuan Hooks: 2 points, 9 assists, 2 rebounds, & 3 steals

Pickens, will have one final game before the 6-AAAA Region Tournament next week as they will welcome the River Ridge Knights out of the 6-A classification to the Dragons Den on Friday. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 pm.