Cleveland, Ga — The Pickens Dragonettes, rolled into 2025 with an 11-1 record with their only blemish coming from a  5A Rome squad. To kick off the new year, the Nettes, traveled up to Cleveland to take on the White County Lady Warriors in 6-AAA action. The Lady Warriors, came into the game 11-3 overall, and both teams were 3-0 in region play. The Nettes, used a big fourth quarter comeback to pick up a 50-46 win.

The first quarter started with Kylie Watkins connecting on a layup to give the Lady Warriors a 2-0 lead. A three pointer from Bella Martin, would give the Nettes their first lead of the ball game. After a bucket by the Lady Warriors, Martin and Reagan Ludington would hit back to back threes to make it 9-4 Nettes. Aslyn Burkett, would make a three to cut the lead down to 2.

After a basket by Ellison Steinhauer, Watkins would make a pair of free throws to cut the lead to 11-9. A jumper by Martin, would stretch the lead to 13-9. A three by Emma Lightsey, would cut the lead to 13-12 heading to the second quarter.

Watkins, would begin the second quarter with a three pointer to give the Lady Warriors, a 15-13 lead. A bucket by Martin, would tie the game at 15. After both teams traded baskets, the Lady Warriors, would build up a 27-22 lead after a 5-0 run by Watkins and Lightsey. Steinhauer, would rattle off four straight free throws to cut the lead the 27-26. A bucket by Watkins, would make it 29-26. A three pointer by Brylee Deering just before the buzzer, would tie the game at 29 heading into the break.

Ella Kate Shedd, would start the second half with a layup to make it 31-29 Lady Warriors. A basket by Steinhauer, would tie the game once again. After Bree Burkett split a pair of free throws, Tania Rivera would hit a three to make it 34-32. The Lady Warriors, would end the third quarter on a 6-0 run to make it 38-34 White County heading to the fourth.

The Nettes, would start the fourth quarter with a 5-0 run as Ludington would hit a three, and Ellie Hollis would make a layup to give the Nettes a 39-38 lead. After a bucket by Burkett gave the Lady Warriors a one point lead, Ludington, would hit another three to make it 42-40. A basket by Steinhauer, would stretch the lead to 44-40. Burkett, would then go on a 4-0 run to tie the game up at 44.

A three by Martin, would give the Nettes a 47-44 lead. A layup by Shedd, would cut the lead down to the 47-46. With 30 seconds left in the game, Deering, would come up with a big steal on defense. Steinhauer, would follow the layup attempt on the other end and draw the foul. Steinhauer, would hit both free throws to make it 49-46. After a missed three point attempt and a couple fouls, Ludington would split a pair of free throws as the Nettes win it, 50-46.

Leading scorers for the Nettes:

Ellison Steinhauer: 17 points

Bella Martin: 13 points

Reagan Ludington: 10 points

Ellie Hollis: 4 points

Brylee Deering: 3 points

Tania Rivera: 3 points

6-AAA Standings:

Pickens: 12-1 (4-0)

White County: 11-4 (3-1)

Chestatee: 10-5 (2-2)

Lumpkin: 7-8 (2-2)

GAC: 8-4 (2-2)

Dawson: 9-6 (2-2)

North Hall: 4-9 (1-3)

Johnson-Gainesville: 0-11 (0-4)

The Nettes, will be back at it on Saturday, January 4th as they will host the Coahulla Creek Lady Colts in the first home game of the new year. Tip off is set for 4 pm.