Tunnel Hill Ga — After the JV Nettes defeated the JV Lady Bruins 36-32, it was the varsity’s turn to take the floor. Coming into the ball game, Pickens (16-4, 8-2), had never beaten Northwest Whitfield (8-8, 8-1). This was the Lady Bruins second game back from having to pause activities due to Covid issues. These two teams were the two top teams in region 7-AAAA coming into the game. After being in control for the majority of the game, the Nettes survived a fourth quarter rally from the Lady Bruins to pick up a 50-48 win.

 

In the first quarter, the Nettes established a tough, energetic defensive effort that caused multiple turnovers from the Lady Bruins. That effort on defense, led to Pickens taking a 14-9 lead over Northwest Whitfield going to the second  quarter.

In the second quarter, the Nettes opened up a double digit lead over the Lady Bruins as they doubled them up in the quarter, 14-7. Going into the half, Pickens led Northwest Whitfield, 28-16.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The third quarter, was closely contested between the two teams as the Lady Bruins attempted to claw their way back into it, and the Nettes trying to maintain their lead. Northwest Whitfield, outscored Pickens 15-12 in the quarter, but the Nettes held a 40-31 advantage going to the fourth.

In the fourth, the Lady Bruins made their run. In the later stages of the game, Northwest Whitfield came back from down 9 to up 46-42 with time running out for Pickens. Right after the Lady Bruins took their 4 point lead, Cassidy Richards stepped up, hit a three, and got fouled on the shot attempt. Richards calmly hit the free throw to complete the rare four point play and tie things up at 46. After getting a stop on the defensive end, the Nettes came down the floor and drained a clutch three pointer to take a 49-46 lead. The Lady Bruins, made it a 49-48 game after a layup. With one more foul to give and just over 6 seconds left, Pickens played keep away until Amanda Nelson was fouled with 0.6 seconds left. Nelson made the first, and hit the back of the rim on the second and time ran off the clock. The Nettes held on to pull off a big 50-48 win.

 

7-AAAA Girls Region Standings:

Northwest Whitfield: 8-8 (8-1)

Pickens: 16-4 (8-2)

Heritage: 14-5 (7-2)

Cedartown: 12-6 (7-4)

Central-Carroll: 8-13 (2-7)

Southeast Whitfield: 1-17 (1-8)

Ridgeland: 3-17 (0-9)

 

Pickens, will now be preparing for the rematch with Northwest Whitfield when the Lady Bruins come to Jasper on Tuesday, February 9th. Tip off is set for 6 pm, with the Dragons and Bruins taking the floor afterwards.