Dragons move into second place in 7-AAA

Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, began 2024 on a winning note as they defeated White County 73-55 on Tuesday, January 9th. On Friday, January 12th, the Dragons were back at home as they welcomed the Wesleyan Wolves to the Dragons Den for a 7-AAA contest. Coming into the game, the Dragons were 12-5, 3-1 in 7-AAA, and winners of 4 straight. The Wolves, came into the game 8-9, 3-1 in 7-AAA play, and looking to end a 2 game skid. The Dragons, picked up their 5th straight win taking this one, 50-42.

 

Hayden Jones, got the scoring started to begin the first quarter as he nailed a corner three to make it 3-0. A 4-0 run by Wesleyan’s Josh Kavel and Brayden Tidwell, gave the Wolves a 4-3 lead. A layup by Parker Davis, gave the Dragons a 5-4 lead. The Wolves, would then go on an 8-0 run as Kavel and Grant Schelhammer combined for the run. The Dragons, closed out the first quarter on a 7-0 run as McCord Purdy scored 5 straught points, then Parker Davis made a layup to tie it at 12 going to the second quarter.

 

Dodge Davis, began the second quarter with a three to put the Dragons ahead, 15-12. A three by Kavel, would tie things right back up. Both teams would then go back and forth until the Dragons went on an 11-0 run that included 8 straight points from Dodge Davis to make it 29-19 Pickens at the half.

 

The Wolves, got the scoring started in the second half as Nate Nketia-gyasi hit a three to cut the lead to 29-22. Jones and Schelhammer, would then trade baskets as the Dragons led it, 33-26. A three by Caleb Lanford would stretch the lead back to 10. James McGriff, would end the third quarter on a 3-0 run as the Dragons took a 36-29 lead into the fourth.

 

Dodge Davis, would make another three to begin the fourth quarter as that brought the lead back to 10, 39-29. After a pair of fouls on the Dragons, Kavel hit a three to cut it to 39-32. Dodge Davis would then go on a 4-0 run as Pickens led it, 43-32. After a back and forth with Kavel and Parker Davis, Dodge Davis again went on a 4-0 run to make it 49-37 Dragons.

A three by Schelhammer and a bucket by Tidwell, cut the lead to 49-42. With the Wolves forced to foul, Parker Davis would step to the line and hit a free throw as the Dragons came away with the 50-42 victory.

 

Scorers for the Dragons:

Dodge Davis: 23 points

Hayden Jones: 9 points

McCord Purdy: 8 points

Parker Davis: 7 points

Caleb Lanford: 3 points

 

7-AAA Boys Basketball Standings:

Gilmer: 11-4 (6-0)

Pickens: 13-5 (4-1)

Wesleyan: 8-10 (3-2)

Dawson: 9-8 (2-3)

West Hall: 4-11 (2-3)

Lumpkin: 5-11 (1-4)

White County: 4-14 (0-5)

 

The Dragons, will take to the road on Tuesday, January 16th as they head to West Hall to take on the Spartans in another 7-AAA contest. Tip off scheduled for 7:30 pm.