‘Nettes ring in new year with fourth-straight win

On Friday, Jan. 3, the Pickens Dragonettes (11-6, 4-1 Region 6-AAAA) welcomed the Southeast Whitfield Lady Raiders (4-13, 1-5) to the Dragons Den to open up the 2020 portion of the schedule. Pickens came in winners of three straight to close out 2019 and looked to carry that momentum into the new decade.

The first quarter saw a really close contest as both teams seemed to trade made shots for the better portion of the frame. With the score tied early at six, the ‘Nettes went on a quick 6-0 run with 3-pointers from Kealy Hillhouse and Chole Walker to take a 12-6 lead. The Lady Raiders outscored Pickens 7-5 the rest of the quarter, but the ‘Nettes took a 17-13 lead going to the second.

The ‘Nettes started the second quarter with a 6-0 run thanks to a made shot by Cassidy Richards, a 3-pointer by Sarah Morris, and a free throw by Hillhouse. Southeast Whitfield went on an 8-0 run to cut the lead down to 23-21. Pickens followed that with a big 15-0 run to open the game up a little bit. Going into halftime, the ‘Nettes led the Lady Raiders, 38-23.

The third quarter mirrored the first quarter as the two teams went back-and-forth. Pickens outscored Southeast Whitfield 21-15 in the frame to maintain their lead at 59-38.

In the fourth quarter the ‘Nettes brought in a few reserve players to get more varsity experience, and they played well. Both teams scored 13 points in the fourth quarter as the ‘Nettes picked up their first win of the new decade and their fourth-straight overall by a score of 72-51.

Leading the way for the Nettes were Sarah Morris (17 points), Mykenzie Weaver (11 points), Kealy Hillhouse (nine points), Reagan Harwood (seven points), and Cassidy Richards (six points).

6-AAAA Girls Region Standings:

Gilmer: 11-4 (6-0)

Pickens: 11-6 (4-1)

Northwest Whitfield: 8-4 (4-1)

Lafayette: 10-6 (3-3)

Southeast Whitfield: 4-13 (1-5)

Heritage: 4-12 (1-5)

Ridgeland: 2-12 (1-5)

On Saturday, Jan. 3, the ‘Nettes will be right back at it as they host the Northwest Whitfield Lady Bruins in another big 6-AAAA game. Tip-off is set for 3 pm. During halftime, the 1999-’00 Dragons basketball team will be recognized.