Dragons use big second half to move on to 6-AAA Championship

Jasper, Ga — There were four teams remaining on the boys side of the 6-AAA Region Tournament heading into the semifinals on Friday, February 14th. The earlier game saw the GAC Spartans, get past the Lumpkin Indians to secure a spot in the Championship game. The Pickens Dragons, took on the Trojans of North Hall. The Dragons, who were trailing at the half, used a 49-20 second half to pick up a 79-55 win.

Micah Jimerson, would connect on a short jumper to get the scoring started and give the Trojans a 2-0 lead. A layup by Brock Barton, would jump start an 11-0 run by the Dragons as Parker Davis, Caleb Lanford, and McCord Purdy also contributed to the run. A bucket by Cole Hulsey, would cut the lead to 11-4. After a basket by Parker Davis, Hulsey, would then complete an and-1 play to trim the lead down to 13-7.

Hulsey, would then score on a layup to cut the lead to four. Jamin Martin, would hit a running jumper to make it 15-9. A three by Gunner Spain, would cut the lead down to 15-12. A late bucket by Parker Davis, would make it 17-12 Dragons heading to the second quarter.

Barton, would begin the second quarter with a three pointer to make it 20-12. Hulsey and Lanford, would then trade free throw makes as the Dragons led it, 21-13. After a basket by Jimerson, Lanford, would hit a three to make it 24-15. Hulsey and Cooper Payton, would combine for a 5-0 run to cut the lead to 24-20. After a layup by Barton, the Trojans, would go on a 7-0 run to take a 27-26 lead.

Parker Davis, would put an end to the run with a pair of free throws to give the Dragons a 28-27 lead. The Trojans, would retake the lead after an 8-0 run to make it 35-28. A late basket by Barton would cut the lead down to 36-30 heading into the break.

Dodge Davis and Hulsey, would trade three point buckets to open the second half as the Trojans led it, 38-33. Purdy, would then split a pair of free throws to cut the lead down to four. After a basket by Jimerson, the Dragons, would go on an 11-0 run to retake the lead, 45-40. A bucket by Walker Davis, would end the run and cut the lead to 45-42. Dodge Davis, Lanford, and Barton would then combine for a 6-0 run to stretch the lead out to 51-42.

Hulsey, would split a pair of free throws to cut the Dragons lead down to 51-43 heading to the fourth quarter.

Spain and Jimerson, would hit back to back threes to begin the fourth quarter to cut the Dragons lead down to 51-49. The Dragons, would counter with a 7-0 run to stretch the lead out to 58-49. A bucket by Hulsey, would cut the lead to 58-51. Another 7-0 run by the Dragons, would make it 65-51. A pair of free throws by Jimerson, would cut the lead down to 65-53.

Purdy, would then make four straight free throws to give the Dragons a 69-53 lead. A basket by Walker Vining, would cut the lead to 69-55. From there, the Trojans would go on a fouling spree as Purdy, Dodge Davis, and Lanford, would combine to make 8 straight free throws. A late steal and bucket by Parker Davis to end the game, would seal a 79-55 win for the Dragons.

Leading scorers for the Dragons:

Dodge Davis: 20 points

Caleb Lanford: 15 points

McCord Purdy: 15 points

Parker Davis: 14 points

Brock Barton: 9 points

Jamin Martin: 2 points

The Dragons, will now shift their attention to the GAC Spartans as they will battle for the 6-AAA Region Championship on Saturday, February 15th. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.