Moss’ late free throws help seal rivalry road win for the Dragons

The Pickens Dragons (10-1, 3-1) took the short drive up 515 last night to take on the Gilmer Bobcats in Ellijay for a big rivalry game. Both teams came into the game tied for fourth in 6-AAAA at 2-1.

In the opening quarter both teams traded buckets to begin the game with Cade Carter opening the scoring for Gilmer, and Tucker Lowe getting the first points for the Dragons. The Bobcats held a small, three-point lead for a time, but Pickens went on a 9-0 run to take the lead for the first time. Gilmer went on a 5-1 run to close the quarter, but the Dragons held the lead, 20-16.

In the second quarter, it was again back-and-forth throughout the frame. Aidan Sanchez brought the Pickens lead up to six with a pair of free throws early on. Brady Sanford went on a personal 5-0 run himself to cut the lead down to 22-21. From then on it was matching bucket for bucket. Gilmer did take a two-point lead two different times after buckets by Luke Wimpey, but a 6-0 run by the Dragons gave Pickens a 34-30 lead at the break.

In the third quarter, Gilmer got the upper hand. After tying things up at 35 after making a 5-1 run, the Bobcats used a 12-0 run to retake the lead. Gilmer outscored Pickens in the frame, 17-6, to take a 47-40 lead into the fourth.

The fourth quarter was exciting. Carter stepped up and knocked down two free throws to make it 58-55 Gilmer. With a little over three seconds left, the Bobcats fouled Lowe to send him to the line to shoot the one and one. Lowe made both to give the Bobcats a it 58-57 lead. On the ensuing inbounds play, the Bobcats tried to throw it deep. Owen Moss picked off the attempted pass, threw up a prayer, and was fouled with .5 seconds left. Moss hit the first one, missed the second one, but calmly knocked down the third free throw to give the Dragons the win, 59-58.

Leading the way for the Dragons were:

Tucker Lowe: 20 points

Owen Moss: 10 points

Noah Sutton: 10 points

Luke Rogers: 9 points

Ean Goodwin: 7 points

6-AAAA Region Standings

Lafayette: 4-0

Pickens: 3-1

NW Whitfield: 3-1

Gilmer: 2-2

Heritage: 2-3

Ridgeland: 1-4

SE Whitfield: 0-4

The Dragons are off until Dec. 27th when they host a Christmas Tournament featuring a wide variety of teams. Pickens will play the Excel Christian Academy Eagles on Friday, Dec. 27th, to start the three-day affair. Tip off scheduled for 5:30 p.m.