Dragons Fall In Final Seconds To 6-A River Ridge, Play Northwest Whitfield Tuesday in Region Tournament

It was the 2017-18 regular season finale last night as the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team welcomed the River Ridge Knights of the 6-A classification to the Dragons Den for the final tune up prior to the 6-AAAA Region Tournament. Both teams came in looking for momentum heading into their respective tournaments next week.

 

In the 1st quarter, the Dragons got off to a hot start right out of the gate. River Ridge, closed the gap as the frame came to a close, but Pickens held the lead going to the 2nd, 14-13. In the 2nd, both teams provided high paced, back & forth action for the crowd. The Knights, used a 13-11 quarter run, to take a 26-25 lead into the locker room.

 

In the third, it was more of the same action we saw in the first half as both teams proved to be fairly even. River Ridge used a 14-9 quarter advantage to stretch their lead to 40-34, going to the 4th. The 4th quarter saw a crazy ending to this one. Pickens, came back after trailing to begin the frame to take the lead at one point. The Knights however, had different thoughts. Even though the Dragons outscored River Ridge 15-11, the Knights were able to make a layup in the final seconds to take the win, 51-49.

 

Leading the way for the Dragons were:

Seth Bishop: 27 points, 8 rebounds, & 3 steals

Keinyuan Hooks: 8 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, & 1 block

Joseph Gossett: 7 points, 3 assists, 9 rebounds, & 1 block

Chase Simmons: 7 points, 2 assists, 5 rebounds, & 2 steals

 

Pickens, will now use the next couple of days to prepare for the upcoming 6-AAAA Region Tournament being held at Southeast Whitfield. The Dragons, will be the #7 seed and face the #2 seeded Northwest Whitfield Bruins on Tuesday in the opening round. The winner, will advance to the 4-A State Tournament. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 pm.