Dragons season ends in Sweet 16

Albany, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, made the four hour trip down to Albany on Saturday, February 22nd to battle the Monroe Golden Tornadoes in a AAA Sweet 16 match up. Coming into the game, the Dragons, were the #10 seed, while the Golden Tornadoes, were a #7 seed. The Dragons, would take the lead in the fourth, but the Golden Tornadoes, would pull away late to pick up a 63-58 win.

Before the game even started, the Dragons, would be shooting free throws as the Golden Tornadoes were given a technical during warm ups. McCord Purdy, would split the free throws and the Dragons would start the game with the ball. The Golden Tornadoes, would start the game on a 9-0 run to make it 9-1. The Dragons, would counter with an 8-0 run as Parker and Dodge Davis, as well as Caleb Lanford, combined for the run to tie the game.

James Adams, would end the run with a layup to put the Golden Tornadoes up 11-9. A layup by Dodge Davis and a pair of free throws by Brock Barton, would put the Dragons up 13-11. After another layup by Adams tied it, Barton, would be fouled by Adams just as the buzzer sounded. Barton, would hit both free throws to put the Dragons ahead, 15-13 going to the second.

The second quarter, would not be kind to the team in green. The Golden Tornadoes, would retake the lead by starting off the quarter with a 7-0 run. Barton, would end the run with another pair of free throws to make it 20-17. After a basket by Chase Dixon and a free throw make by Lorenzo Still, Parker Davis, would cut the lead to 23-19 after a layup. The Golden Tornadoes, would end the first half on a 4-0 run as they led the Dragons, 27-19 at the break.

The Dragons, would begin the second half with a 4-0 run as Dodge Davis would make a pair of free throws, and Jamin Martin would connect on a little jumper in the lane to cut the lead to 27-23. After Still split a pair of free throws, Dodge Davis, would make both of his free throw shots to make it 28-25. Later on in the quarter, the Dragons, would go on a 5-0 run to make it 37-33.

The Golden Tornadoes, would counter with a 5-0 run of their own as they would stretch the lead to 42-33. Dodge Davis, would end the third quarter by getting the layup to go through contact. He would hit the free throw to cut the lead to 42-36 heading to the fourth.

Still, would start the fourth quarter with a layup to make it 44-36. After a pair of free throws by Dodge Davis, Still, would again score to make it 46-38. Dodge Davis, would again keep the Dragons within striking distance as he would make it 46-40. After a bucket by Irvin Ellis, Dodge Davis, Parker Davis and Brock Barton, would hit three straight three pointers to put the Dragons ahead, 49-48.

Ellis, would end the run and put the Golden Tornadoes back in front by one. Dodge Davis, would then put the Dragons back on top with a layup. After a basket by Brayden Burns, Dodge Davis and Lanford, would combine to go on a 5-0 run to put the Dragons on top, 56-52. Still, would cut the lead down to one after he completed an and-1 play. Barton, would put the Dragons up 58-55 after hitting a pair of free throws.

Burns, would tie the game at 58 after completing an and-1 play. The Golden Tornadoes, would then get a steal and Burns would be fouled attempting a dunk. The Dragons, had a couple of opportunities to tie the game, but they would not fall. Still, would put the game away as he would make 3 of 4 free throws to seal the 63-58 win for Monroe.

Leading scorers for the Dragons:

Dodge Davis: 27 points

Brock Barton: 11 points

Parker Davis: 7 points

Caleb Lanford: 6 points

Montego Morgan: 3 points

Jamin Martin: 2 points

McCord Purdy: 2 points