Dragons pick up big region win against Raiders
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 9, 2022
Jasper, Ga — After the girls game, the Senior Night festivities began as Seniors from both the Nettes and Dragons basketball teams, the dance team, and the cheerleading squad were recognized. As for the boys game, this was a must win for both the Dragons and the Raiders as both came in with identical 10-13 overall records, but Pickens came in with a better region record at 4-6 while Southeast Whitfield came in with a 4-7 region record. The Dragons, defeated the Raiders in Dalton on January 14th, 64-51 and were looking for the in season sweep. After a good, hard fought back and forth, Pickens came away with a 65-60 win.
Southeast Whitfield started the game off with a bucket to make it 2-0 early. Senior Collin Kellogg tied things up a 2 a piece, then fellow Senior Caleb Bryant gave the Dragons their first lead of the night with a layup to make it 4-2. Kellogg made a shot and hit the free throw to make it 7-2 Pickens. After a 5-0 run by the Raiders to tie things up at 7, Senior Luke Rogers gave the Dragons the lead back with a bucket to make it 9-7. Bryant extended the lead after splitting a pair of free throws to make it 10-7. A bucket by the Raiders cut the lead down to 10-9. Caleb Keith, then made two free throws to make it 12-9. After a bucket and a free throw make, Southeast Whitfield tied the game back up at 12. They would then retake the lead with a bucket to make it 14-12. Camden Dunn responded with a three pointer to give the Dragons a 15-14 lead. The Raiders then reclaimed the lead after a bucket to make it 16-15. Kellogg closed out the quarter with a bucket to give Pickens a 17-16 lead going to the second quarter.
Dragons looking for a stop defensively
Keith got things going in the second quarter as he hit a three pointer to make it 20-16 Dragons. The Raiders responded with an 8-0 run to take a 24-20 lead. Both teams then traded buckets until Southeast Whitfield went on a 5-0 run to make it 31-24. Pickens closed the first half on a 7-0 run as Marcus Pike got a tough layup to fall, Bryant got another bucket, and Jaden Stewart hit a three to tie things up at 31 going to the half.
Dragons looking for offense in the second
The third quarter started off much like the first quarter did with the Raiders getting the opening bucket to retake the lead, 33-31. A quick 4-0 run from Kellogg and Kadyn Hampton gave the Dragons a 35-33 lead. After Southeast Whitfield split a pair of free throw attempts, Rogers extended the Pickens lead to 37-34 after a bucket. After the Raiders made a three pointer to again tie the ball game up, the Dragons went on a 6-0 run as Rogers made a pair of free throws and made a shot, and Bryant also made a shot to make it 43-37. A three by Southeast Whitfield put an end to the run and cut the lead down to 43-40. The two teams then again traded buckets as Stewart got the last points of the quarter with a three to make it 48-42 Dragons going to the fourth.
Dragons with the ball in the second half
The fourth quarter began with the Raiders getting a bucket to make it 48-44. Hampton answered with a bucket to make it 50-44. After Southeast Whitfield connected on a bucket and the free throw attempt, Rogers made a bucket to make it 52-47. After both teams made shots, the Raiders went on a 4-0 run to cut the Dragons lead down to 54-53. Hampton then made another tough bucket to make it 56-53. A pair of free throws by the Raiders made it 56-55. After a Stewart layup, Southeast Whitfield responded with a bucket to make it 58-57. Pickens answered that with a 5-0 run as Stewart made a three pointer and Hampton made a bucket to make it 63-57. A three pointer by the Raiders then cut the lead to 63-60. After a turnover by the Dragons, Bryant came up big with a steal and a layup at the other end to give the Dragons a 65-60 win.
Leading Scorers For The Dragons:
Jaden Stewart: 13 points
Caleb Bryant: 11 points
Kadyn Hampton: 10 points
Luke Rogers: 10 points
Collin Kellogg: 9 points
Caleb Keith: 7 points
Camden Dunn: 3 points
Marcus Pike: 2 points
7-AAAA Boys Region Standings:
Central-Carroll: 16-8 (10-2) will be the #1 seed in the region tournament
Northwest Whitfield: 21-3 (9-3) will be the #2 seed in the region tournament
Cedartown: 10-11 (7-4) will be the #3 seed in the region tournament
Pickens: 11-13 (5-6) will be either the #4 or #5 seed in the region tournament
Heritage: 9-13 (5-7) will be either the #$ or #5 seed in the region tournament
Southeast Whitfield: 10-14 (4-8) will be the #6 seed in the region tournament
Ridgeland: 8-16 (1-11) will be the #7 seed in the region tournament
One more game to go in the regular season as the Dragons will host the Cedartown Bulldogs on Thursday, February 10th in a big time region game. This is the make up game from a few weeks back as the original game could not be played due to weather. A win for the Dragons will make them the #4 seed in the upcoming region tournament. Tip off set for 7:30.
Generals defeat Dragons in tough region contest
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 26, 2022
Jasper, Ga — After the game between the Nettes and Lady Generals was over, it was time for the Pickens Dragons and the Heritage Generals to take the floor. Coming into the game, the Dragons held a record of 9-11 (3-4) while the Generals came in at 8-9 (4-4). Both teams were looking for a win to stay in the thick of the 7-AAAA standings race with only a couple weeks left until the region tournament. The first meeting between these two in December went the way of the Generals as they defeated the Dragons 56-31 at Heritage. In what was a very physical game, a tough fourth quarter led to the Generals coming away with a 49-46 win.
The first quarter got off to a very rough start for both teams as turnovers and missed shots were the theme to begin the game. Heritage, finally broke the drought and went on a 4-0 run to give them the lead. A bucket by Collin Kellogg got the Dragons on the board and cut the Generals lead in half. Heritage would respond by going on a 6-0 run to make it 10-2. A free throw make by Luke Rogers made it 10-3 Generals going to the second.
Luke Rogers looking for a teammate
To start the second quarter, Rogers again split a pair of free throws to make it 10-4. After a three pointer by the Generals, the Dragons went on a 9-0 run powered by two three pointers from Jaden Stewart, and Rogers converting an and-1 to tie things up at 13. The tie didn’t last long as the Generals got an and-1 of their own to retake the lead, 16-13. The Dragons ended the first half on a 5-0 run as Stewart hit his third three pointer of the quarter and Caleb Keith made a layup just before the buzzer to give Pickens an 18-16 lead at the break.
Dragons defending the Generals
The third quarter began with Caleb Bryant hitting two free throws to make it 20-16. Caleb Keith kept the run going with a three pointer to make it 23-16. All together, the Dragons went on a 10-0 run to take the first lead of the game. Heritage answered with a 4-0 run to make it 23-20. After the two teams traded buckets, Pickens went on a 7-0 run as Kadyn Hampton contributed 4 points, and Camden Dunn hit a three to make it 37-25 Dragons. The Generals then got a bucket to cut the lead down to 37-27. Rogers got a bucket to drop as Pickens took a 39-27 lead over Heritage into the fourth.
Dragons with the ball in the third
The Generals started the fourth quarter on a 7-0 run to cut the Dragons lead down to 39-34. Rogers then countered with a 5-0 run on his own as he made two field goals and made a free throw to make it 44-34. A 13-0 run from Heritage would flip the game and give the Generals their first lead since the second quarter at 47-44. Rogers and Hampton both split a pair of free throws to make it 47-46. A pair of free throws from Heritage made it 49-46. The Dragons had a couple final chances for a game tying three pointer, but they would fall short and the Generals would come away with the win, 49-46.
7-AAAA Region Standings:
Central-Carroll: 13-6 (7-1)
Northwest Whitfield: 17-3 (6-3)
Cedartown: 7-9 (5-3)
Heritage: 9-9 (5-4)
Pickens: 9-12 (3-5)
Southeast Whitfield: 8-12 (2-6)
Ridgeland: 7-12 (1-7)
A two game road trip for the Dragons starts on Friday, January 28th as they will travel up to Rossville to take on the Ridgeland Panthers. Earlier this month, the Dragons came away with a 61-58 win over the Panthers in Jasper. Tip off for this one is set for 7:30.
Dragons fall to Bobcats in physical rivalry game
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 16, 2022
Jasper, Ga — After the girls game, it was time for the Dragons and Bobcats to take the floor. The Dragons, were coming off of a 64-51 win over Southeast Whitfield on the road to run their win streak to 5 games in a row. The Bobcats, came into the game having won a tough back and forth game with West Hall on the road, 54-51. Gilmer, won the first two meetings of the season against Pickens by scores of 60-53, and 66-56. Pickens, got on the board with a 59-46 win last month. After much back and forth and very physical play from both sides, the Bobcats came away with a 53-46 win.
To open the ball game, the Bobcats got on the board first with a bucket to give themselves a 2-0 lead. Jaden Stewart answered for the Dragons with a three pointer to make it 3-2. After a bucket by Gilmer, Pickens went on a 5-0 run as Luke Rogers made a bucket and Collin Kellogg hit a three to make it 8-5. After a Bobcat bucket made it 8-7, the Dragons went on a 7-0 run with 5 of those 7 points coming from Kellogg to make it 15-7. Gilmer would then go 1 for 2 from the free throw line to make it 15-8. Marcus Pike hit a shot to give Pickens a 17-8 lead going to the second quarter.
Dragons on offense
Just like the first quarter, the second quarter began with a bucket by Cade Carter of the Bobcats. Caleb Keith quickly answered with a bucket of his own to make it 19-10 Dragons. After a pair of free throws from Gilmer, Rogers made a bucket to again keep the Pickens lead at 9. A free throw make and a bucket by the Bobcats cut the lead down to 21-15. A pair of free throws from Chanler Dunn made it 23-15 Dragons. Gilmer, would then close the first half on an 8-0 run to tie this game up at 23 heading to the break.
Dragons on defense in the second quarter
To start the second half, Gilmer again put the first points on the board as they hit a three pointer to make it 26-23. Caleb Bryant would then hit a pair of free throws and Rogers made a bucket to give the Dragons a 27-26 lead. After a bucket and an and-one conversion by the Bobcats, Rogers made another bucket to tie it up at 29. After a three pointer gave Gilmer the lead back, Rogers hit another shot to cut it to 32-31. An Ethan Banks bucket made it 34-31. Rogers, continued his scoring surge in the third as he again made another bucket to make it 34-33. A 4-0 run from the Bobcats to close out the third made it 38-33 going to the fourth.
Dragons with the ball in the second half
The scoring run from the third quarter carried over to the fourth quarter for Gilmer as they opened with a three pointer to make it 41-33. Keith then answered with a three to make it 41-36. After a bucket by the Bobcats, Kadyn Hampton made two free throws to make it 43-38. A Mark Tyson bucket made it 45-38. Hampton, got the hoop and the harm as he would complete the three point play to make it 45-41. After a free throw from Banks, Kellogg hit a three pointer to make it 46-44. From then on it would become a free throw game as the Bobcats scored 5 of their last 7 points from the charity stripe, while the Dragons could only manage a late Stewart bucket in the late stages of this one. The final in this one, 53-46 Gilmer.
Leading Scorers For Gilmer:
Ethan Banks: 17 points
Mark Tyson: 13 points
Lewis Mulkey: 6 points
Will Kiker: 6 points
Christian Somner: 6 points
Leading Scorers For Pickens:
Luke Rogers: 14 points
Collin Kellogg: 11 points
Jaden Stewart: 5 points
Caleb Keith: 5 points
Kadyn Hampton: 5 points
7-AAAA Boys Region Standings:
Central-Carroll: 11-5 (6-0)
Heritage: 8-7 (4-2)
Northwest Whitfield: 13-3 (3-3)
Cedartown: 5-8 (3-3)
Pickens: 9-10 (3-3)
Southeast Whitfield: 7-10 (2-4)
Ridgeland: 6-10 (0-6)
Weather permitting the Dragons will be back in action on Tuesday, January 18th as they host the Cedartown Bulldogs in a key 7-AAAA match up. As you can see from the standings above, both teams are tied for third in the region currently. Pickens holds a win over Northwest Whitfield, Northwest Whitfield holds a win over Cedartown, and Cedartown holds a win over Pickens. The Dragons will look to earn a season split with Cedartown after the Bulldogs survived after a late rally to beat Pickens 55-52 earlier this season. Tip off set for 7:30.
Dragons pick up big region win over Northwest Whitfield
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 8, 2022
Jasper, Ga — After the Nettes thrilling win over the Lady Bruins, it was time for the Pickens Dragons and the Northwest Whitfield Bruins to take the floor. Coming into the game, the Dragons had won two straight, and came in with a record of 7-9 (1-3). The Bruins, came into the game with a record of 10-2 (2-2). During halftime of the girls game, Pickens High School recognized Dragons head boys basketball coach Mike Duffie on achieving 500 wins in his career. Duffie accomplished the feet on the road at North Murray during a Christmas Tournament in December. The ball was painted by PHS Art teacher Nikki Towery. The ball featured every school that Duffie has coached throughout the years as well as the trademark cowboy boots he wears during games.
500 win ball presented to coach Mike Duffie
As for the game, the Dragons got off to a fast start in the first quarter as Luke Rogers went on a 4-0 run to give Pickens the early lead. After a pair of free throws from the Bruins, Rogers made a third bucket of the first quarter to make it 6-2. Northwest Whitfield would cut the lead to 6-4, but Rogers and Collin Kellogg would respond with a 4-0 run to make it 10-4. A bucket and a free throw by the Bruins made it 10-7. Rogers, stayed hot as he went on a 3-0 run to make it 13-7. Northwest Whitfield chipped away at the Dragons lead again with a pair of free throws to make it 13-9. There went that man again as Rogers made a bucket and the free throw to make it 16-9. After a bucket by the Bruins, Jaden Stewart hit a three and Caleb Keith made a bucket to make it 21-11 Dragons going to the second.
Dragons on offense in the first quarter
In the second quarter, the Bruins started off on an 8-0 run to cut the Pickens lead down to 21-19. Kellogg and Isaiah Williams made back to back buckets to make it 25-19. A 5-0 run by Northwest Whitfield cut the lead to 25-24. The pair of Williams and Kellogg again stretched the lead out for the Dragons as the 4-0 run closed the first half, giving the Dragons a 29-24 lead going into the break.
Dragons defending the Bruins
The 4-0 run to close the first half by the Dragons turned into a 9-0 run overall as Stewart hit a three and Kellogg made a bucket to start the third quarter with a 5-0 run, and make it, 34-24. After a three pointer by the Bruins, Kadyn Hampton hit a pair of free throws to make it 36-27. A 5-0 run by Northwest Whitfield then cut the Dragons lead to 36-32. Pickens, answered with a 9-0 run with 6 of those 9 points coming off of three straight Hampton buckets. Caleb Bryant capped off the run with a three pointer to make it 45-32. After a bucket by the Bruins ended that run, the Dragons started a new one as they went on a 7-0 run with 6 of those 7 points coming from Bryant as he made two baskets and two free throws. Rogers also made a free throw during the run to make it 52-34. The Bruins made a free throw to close out the scoring in the third and we’d head to the fourth quarter with Pickens ahead, 52-35.
Dragons on offense in the second half
In the fourth quarter, the Bruins got the scoring started with a bucket to make it 52-37. A bucket by Stewart and a pair of free throws from Rogers made it 56-37. After a three by Northwest Whitfield, the Caleb’s (Keith and Bryant), combined for a 5-0 run as Caleb Keith hit a three and Caleb Bryant made a bucket to make it 61-40. Following a bucket by the Bruins, Hampton made a pair of free throws to make it 63-42. A 5-0 run from Northwest Whitfield made it 63-47. A pair of free throws by Stewart closed this one out as the Dragons came away with a 65-47 win.
Leading scorers for the Dragons:
Luke Rogers: 17 points, 12 rebounds
Kadyn Hampton: 12 points, 12 rebounds
Jaden Stewart: 10 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists
Caleb Bryant: 9 points
Collin Kellogg: 8 points, 7 rebounds
Caleb Keith: 5 points
Isaiah Williams: 4 points
7-AAAA Region Standings:
Central-Carroll: 9-5 (4-0)
Heritage: 7-5 (4-0)
Cedartown: 4-6 (2-2)
Pickens: 8-9 (2-3)
Northwest Whitfield: 10-3 (2-3)
Southeast Whitfield: 5-9 (1-3)
Ridgeland: 5-8 (0-4)
The Dragons, will carry a 2 game region winning streak and a 3 game overall winning streak into next Friday as they head to Southeast Whitfield to take on the Raiders. Tip off for that one is scheduled for 8:30.
Dragons pick up first region win of the season
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 5, 2022
Jasper, Ga — The Dragons came into their game against the Ridgeland Panthers with some momentum after defeating their rivals, the Gilmer Bobcats last Thursday and looked to carry that momentum over into 2022. These two teams had similar records coming into the game with the Dragons at 6-9 and the Panthers at 5-6. Both teams were looking for their first win in 7-AAAA play as well. Even after their fourth quarter lead fell apart, the Dragons were able to brush that aside and defeat the Panthers 61-57.
In the first quarter, both teams went back and forth as it looked to be one of those games that was going to be tightly contested. Pickens, got two late three pointers to end the first quarter and take a 15-12 lead over Ridgeland going to the second.
Dragons setting up offensively
The second quarter was much like the first quarter with both teams finding success offensively. Also like the first quarter, the Dragons went on a late run to close out the first half with a 31-24 lead over the Panthers.
Dragons on defense in the second
In the third quarter, the Dragons used a great mixture of offense and defense to push their lead out to 17 at one point in the frame. Ridgeland was able to cut it down to 51-37 as we headed to the fourth quarter.
Jaden Stewart with the three attempt
The fourth quarter, well the fourth quarter was just plain nutty. The Panthers, who started the quarter down 14, came all the way back to take a 1 point lead. That lead for Ridgeland wouldn’t last long as the Dragons were able to retake the lead with a bucket to make it a 1 point lead for them. With the lead, the Dragons went to the free throw line to try to extend their advantage. After a miss, players from both teams had a grasp on the ball. Ridgeland called a timeout. However, it was a timeout that they didn’t have. After going 1 for 2 on the technical free throw shots, the Dragons were again fouled to go to the line shooting the 1 and 1. After a miss on the front end of the free throw shots, Kadyn Hampton came away with the ball after a scramble, and was fouled. Hampton, made both free throws as the Dragons came away with a 61-57 win.
Leading Scorers For The Dragons:
Caleb Keith: 23 points
Luke Rogers: 14 points
Jaden Stewart: 9 points
Caleb Bryant: 5 points
Kadyn Hampton: 4 points
Collin Kellogg: 3 points
Isaiah Williams: 3 points
7-AAAA Region Standings:
Central-Carroll: 8-5 (3-0)
Heritage: 6-5 (3-0)
Northwest Whitfield: 10-2 (2-2)
Cedartown: 4-6 (2-2)
Southeast Whitfield: 5-8 (1-2)
Pickens: 7-9 (1-3)
Ridgeland: 5-7 (0-3)
The Dragons, will be back at it on Friday night as they welcome the Northwest Whitfield Bruins to the Dragons Den. A win for the Dragons could move them up from 6th place, to that 3rd-5th place spot depending on how other games go across the region. Tip off for this one is set for 8:30.
Dragons end 2021 with win over Bobcats
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports December 31, 2021
Jasper, Ga — What better way to close out 2021 than with some 515 rivalry action am I right? That’s what we got in Jasper on Thursday, December 30th as the Pickens Dragons took on the Gilmer Bobcats in the final day of the Pickens Holiday Tournament. For the Bobcats, they came into this game having fell to Creekview on Tuesday, and having beaten Lassiter on Wednesday. For the Dragons, they came into the game looking to end their 2021 on a high note after tough losses to Lassiter and Sonoraville on Tuesday and Wednesday. After jumping on them quickly in the first quarter, the Dragons came away with a big 59-46 win over the Bobcats.
In the first quarter, the Dragons used a good balance of defense and offense to jump out to a quick 12-6 lead. Pickens would then go on an 8-0 run getting three pointers from Jaden Stewart and Caleb Keith, as well as a bucket from Luke Rogers to make it 20-6. After a free throw make from the Bobcats’ Britt Taylor, Keith hit three to make it 23-7 Dragons going to the second quarter.
Dragons on offense late in the 1st
The second quarter started out with several runs as Rogers went on a 3-0 run to make it 26-7, then Luke Wimpey of Gilmer made three free throws to make it 26-10. After another Rogers free throw and an Isaiah Williams bucket, Pickens went up 29-10. The Bobcats then went on a 6-0 run to cut the lead down to 29-16. Stewart would then make a free throw and Collin Kellogg would hit a three pointer to make it 33-16. Gilmer closed out the first half on a 6-0 run to make it 33-22 Dragons going into the break.
Dragons defending the painted area
After getting the final bucket of the first half, Mark Tyson of Gilmer began the second half by getting a bucket and cutting the lead to 33-24. Stewart then countered with a three pointer to make it 36-24. Taylor, then made a bucket to make it 36-26. The Dragons then went on an 11-0 run as Stewart hit a three and two layups during the run. Kellogg and Rogers got the run started with a pair of buckets. After a three pointer from Wimpey, Keith and Stewart made back to back buckets to make it 51-29 Pickens going to the fourth.
Dragons looking for an open shot
Keith, continued his hot shooting as he opened up the fourth quarter with a three pointer to make it 54-29. Back to back three pointers from Christian Sumner and Ethan Banks cut the lead to 54-35. After a bucket by Rogers, Banks and Keith would trade three point field goals. The Bobcats ended the game on an 8-0 run, but the Dragons came away with the win, 59-46.
Leading Scorers For Gilmer:
Ethan Banks: 14 points
Britt Taylor: 6 points
Will Kiker: 6 points
Mark Tyson: 4 points
Leading Scorers For Pickens:
Luke Rogers: 19 points
Jaden Stewart: 16 points
Caleb Keith: 14 points
Collin Kellogg: 5 points
The Dragons finish the 2021 part of their schedule at 6-9. They will look to get on the board in region play on Tuesday, January 4th as they welcome the Ridgeland Panthers to the Dragons Den for a 7-AAAA match up. Tip off for that one is set for 7:30 pm.
Short-handed Dragons fall to Lassiter
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports December 29, 2021
Jasper, Ga — It was the first day of the Pickens Holiday Tournament as Southeast Whitfield took on Sonoraville, Creekview took on Gilmer, and the host team, the Pickens Dragons, took on Lassiter. After a nice showing last week at a tournament at North Murray, which saw the Dragons go 2-1, the Dragons came into this tournament with some confidence and looked to close out the 2021 portion of their schedule. Pickens, playing short-handed, were unable to complete multiple comeback attempts as the Lassiter Trojans picked up the win, 64-53.
In the first quarter, Lassiter got things going with an early bucket. After the Dragons got a bucket from Caleb Keith to tie it up, the Trojans went on a 4-0 run to make it 6-2. The two teams then traded buckets to make it 10-6 Lassiter. Another Trojan 4-0 run made it 14-6. After a Collin Kellogg bucket cut it to 14-8, Lassiter once again countered with a 4-0 run to make it 18-8. Two free throws by Luke Rogers would make it 18-10 Trojans, going to the second quarter.
Dragons in-bounding the ball
To start the second quarter, Pickens would go on a 5-0 run as they got a bucket from Jaden Stewart, and a three pointer from James Tilly to cut the Lassiter lead to 18-15. The Trojans, would then make two free throws and get a bucket to make it 22-15. An Isaiah Williams bucket then cut it to 22-17. After a pair of Trojan free throws, Kellogg connected with a bucket to make it 24-19. Rogers then made another pair of free throws to make it 24-21. After a bit of back and forth between the two teams, the Dragons closed the half on a 4-0 run as Stewart and Kadyn Hampton cut the Trojan lead down to 28-27 going to the break.
Dragons defending Lassiter
In the third quarter, the Trojans got out to a 6-0 run to make it 34-27. A Rogers bucket stopped the run and cut the lead to 34-29. After both teams again traded buckets, Lassiter built their lead up to 44-33 late in the third. Pickens got back to back three pointers from Stewart and Nathan Wallace to make it 44-39 Trojans going to the fourth.
Dragons on offense in the third
Pickens kept the run from the end of the third going to start the fourth quarter as Rogers and Williams both made buckets to make it 44-43. After a 4-0 Trojan run, Williams made another bucket to make it 48-45. After a quick back and forth, Stewart hit a three pointer to make it 53-50. From there, Lassiter went on an 11-0 run aided by 7 made free throws to make it 64-50. Stewart would make one more three pointer, but the Trojans would get the win, 64-53.
Leading Scorers For Pickens:
Jaden Stewart: 17 points
Luke Rogers: 12 points
Collin Kellogg: 8 points
Isaiah Williams: 6 points
Kadyn Hampton: 4 points
James Tilley: 3 points
Nathan Wallace: 3 points
The Dragons, will be back at it this afternoon as they take on the Sonoraville Phoenix for the second day of the Pickens Holiday Tournament. Tip off is set for 6 pm.
Dragons just short in comeback attempt against Lions
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports December 11, 2021
Jasper, Ga — After the girls game, it was time for the boys teams to take the court. Coming into the game, the Dragons were 2-4 overall and 0-1 in 7-AAAA play while the Central-Carroll Lions came in at 3-1 overall and 1-0 in region play. After getting down early, the Dragons fought back in the fourth quarter, but the Lions held on for a 60-48 win.
In the first quarter, Luke Rogers got the scoring started for Pickens as he hit one of two free throws. From there, Central-Carroll would go on a 10-0 run to make it 10-1. Rogers stopped the run with a bucket to make it 10-3. The Lions then went on a 5-0 run to stretch their lead out to 15-3. The Dragons then countered with a 7-0 run getting a three pointer by Jaden Stewart, and two buckets from Collin Kellogg to make it 15-10. After a three pointer by Central-Carroll, Pickens got a bucket from Kadyn Hampton to make it 18-12 Lions going to the second quarter.
Dragons with the ball in the 1st quarter
The saw quarter saw both teams trade buckets back and forth early on. The Dragons then cut a 23-16 deficit, to just a one possession game at 23-20 after buckets from Rogers and Stewart. The Lions would go on an 8-0 run to make it 31-20. After two free throws from Stewart, Central-Carroll closed the first half on a 4-0 run to make it 35-22 at the break.
Dragons defending the Lions
After a 4-0 start to the third quarter by the Lions, the Dragons got four points back after a free throw from Rogers, and a three pointer from Stewart to make it 39-26. After Central-Carroll hit four free throws, Pickens went on a 6-0 run aided by two buckets from Rogers, and a bucket from Stewart to make it 43-32. The two teams then traded a pair of buckets to make it 45-34 Lions. As the third quarter was coming to a close, Stewart launched a prayer from well behind half court and nailed it to make it 45-37 going to the fourth.
Jaden Stewart getting a screen
Stewart, would open up the fourth quarter the same way he ended the third quarter to cut the Lions lead down to 45-40. After a bucket by Central-Carroll, the Dragons got a three pointer from Kellogg to make it 47-43. The Lions, then went on an 8-0 run to make it 55-43. From then on the teams would each score five points as Central-Carroll came away with a 60-48 win.
Leading scorers for Pickens:
Jaden Stewart: 19 points
Luke Rogers: 14 points
Collin Kellogg: 11 points
7-AAAA Region Standings:
Central-Carroll: 4-1 (2-0)
Heritage: 3-3 (2-0)
Southeast Whitfield: 3-2 (1-0)
Cedartown: 1-2 (1-1)
Ridgeland: 1-4 (0-1)
Northwest Whitfield: 5-2 (0-2)
Pickens: 2-5 (0-2)
On Tuesday, December 14th, the Dragons will be back on the road as they head up to take on the Generals of Heritage. Pickens will look to put an end to their recent struggles and pick up their first region win. Tip off set for 7:30.
Pickens Dragons Have 14 Named To All-Region Team
Uncategorized December 6, 2021
Congratulations to the Pickens Dragons football players who were named to the Region 7-AAAA All-Region Team! The Dragons finished 4-5 on the year under first year Head Coach Grant Myers, and showed real promise this season- they were a play or two away from being a playoff team!
First Team Offense
jj Pike- Wide Receiver
Devin Hand- Wide Receiver
Isaiah Williams- Tight End
Charlie Joe Fleming- Offensive Line
Second Team Offense
Bryson Callahan- Offensive Line
Sam Streicher- Quarterback
First Team Defense
Collin Kellogg- Defensive Back
Kadyn Hampton- Linebacker
Kaleb Nicholson- Defensive Line
Kaleb Taylor- Defensive Line
Second Team Defense
Conor Browning- Linebacker
Parker Rhodes- Defensive Back
Second Team Special Teams
Jose Sanchez- Kicker
Dragons drop tough home opener to Mountaineers
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports December 1, 2021
Jasper, Ga — After picking up wins over Copper Basin and Fannin in the annual ETC Thanksgiving Tournament last week, the Pickens Dragons came back home to the Dragons Den and the newly named Roy Cowart Court as they welcomed the North Murray Mountaineers for a non-region game. Oddly enough, with the recent re-classifications, these two schools will be in the same region (6-AAA) starting with the 2022 school year. This game, while relatively low scoring, saw plenty of back and forth action. In the end, it would be the Mountaineers coming away with a 44-39 victory.
In the first quarter, North Murray jumped out early with a quick bucket. From then on, it was the Jaden Stewart show as he went on a personal 8-0 run that included two three pointers to give the Dragons an 8-2 lead over the Mountaineers going to the second quarter.
Dragons moving the ball on offense
Camden Dunn of the Dragons got the scoring started in the second quarter to make it 10-2. North Murray’s scoring drought came to an end as they would answer with a bucket of their own. Pickens big man Luke Rogers got in on the scoring as he would go on a 4-0 run to stretch the lead to 14-4. The Mountaineers would then close the gap with an 8-0 run to make it 14-12 before Rogers went on another 4-0 run to make it 18-12 Dragons. A three pointer by North Murray cut it to a 3 point lead, but Collin Kellogg would make a basket to give Pickens a 20-15 lead at the break.
Dragons on defense in the 2nd quarter
Coming out of the half and starting the third quarter, the Mountaineers went on a quick 4-0 run to cut the lead down to 20-19. A Kellogg bucket would make it 22-19. After a bucket by North Murray, the Dragons went on a 5-0 run as they got buckets from Stewart and Kadyn Hampton as well as a free throw by Rogers to make it 27-21. The Mountaineers got a bucket and a free throw to end the third as we’d head to the fourth with Pickens ahead, 27-24.
Dragons in-bounding the ball in the third
The Mountaineers, once again got the scoring started as we began the fourth quarter to cut it to 27-26. After Rogers went 1-2 from the free throw line, Stewart made a bucket to make it 30-26. After a bucket from North Murray cut the lead down to two, Caleb Keith hit a three to make it 33-28 Pickens. The Mountaineers would then answer with a 5-0 run to tie things up at 33. Rogers then made a bucket and Kellogg connected on a free throw to make it 36-33. Again, North Murray came back with a three pointer to tie it up at 36. Stewart gave the Dragons the lead back with a bucket making it 38-36. After tying things back up with a pair of free throws, the Mountaineers took the lead for the first time since the opening quarter as they would go on a 6-0 run that included 4 made free throws to make it 42-38. The Dragons would make one out of three free throw attempts and North Murray put the game away with two free throws as they get the win, 44-39.
Leading Scorers for North Murray:
Gavin Pittman: 9 points
Isaiah Morrison: 7 points
Seth Griffin: 7 points
Leading Scorers for Pickens:
Jaden Stewart: 14 points
Luke Rogers: 12 points
Collin Kellogg: 5 points
Up next for the Dragons is a date with their main rival, the Gilmer Bobcats in Ellijay on Saturday, December 4th. These two teams played on November 20th, with Gilmer coming away with a 60-53 win. Tip off set for 4:30 pm.
Dragons drop non-region game to Warriors
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports September 4, 2021
Jasper, Ga — A lot of things were going on in Pickens County on Friday September 3rd, 2021. It was the start of a festival known as JeepFest, local country music recording artist Jacob Bryant played a show for his hometown crowd on main street, and the Pickens Dragons welcomed the White County Warriors to Dragons Stadium for a non-region contest. These two teams have gone back and forth the last couple of years, but the Warriors have taken the last two meetings. Pickens, came into the game looking to build off of an impressive win against Commerce. White County, came in looking to right the ship after two tough early season games.
The Warriors were the first to receive to start the ball game. After driving down the field a bit, White County’s opening drive was stalled by a holding penalty, and a sack by the Dragons defense. Offensively, Pickens didn’t waste any time attempting a home run shot. After receiving the snap, QB Sam Streicher handed off to RB Kadyn Hampton, who then tossed it to Collin Kellogg. Kellogg, launched it down field to Devin Hand who nearly made an incredible diving catch to reel the pass in. The Dragons, would end up having to punt the ball away on that first drive. White County, got the ball back, and was able to keep this drive alive after a successful fake punt. That play ended with a targeting call on the Dragons to give the Warriors even better field position. The next play, the Warriors got in on a 9-yd touchdown run. The 2-point conversion attempt was no good, and we’d head to the second quarter with White County leading the Dragons, 6-0.
Dragons on offense in the 1st quarter
In the second quarter, both teams started to settle in defensively. The lone score of the second quarter came at the 9:37 mark as the Warriors found the end zone after a 44-yd touchdown pass off of a screen play. The PAT attempt was good and White County extended their lead over Pickens to 13-0. The Dragons, certainly had their chances offensively in the first half, but it was one of those times were every shot was just miss. Going into the half, the Warriors held a 13-0 advantage.
Dragons on defense in the 2nd quarter
In the third quarter, the Dragons were looking for a way to get back into the ball game. At the 4:38 mark of the third, Pickens did just that as Streicher got in after a 5-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and the White County lead was cut to 13-7. That score held up for the rest of the quarter and we’d head to the fourth, Warriors leading, 13-7.
Streicher capped off the drive with a touchdown
Midway through the fourth quarter, The Warriors went for it on 4th down from the 1-yd line. The ball carrier, leaped over the pile and just narrowly crossed the plain for the touchdown. With 5:50 left in the game, White County extended their lead to 20-7. The Dragons had opportunities, but it just wasn’t meant to be as the Warriors took this one, 20-7.
The Dragons, will now look to regroup as they will prepare for their first road game of the season next Friday in Rome against the Coosa Eagles. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons pour in 93 points, advance to State Tournament
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 16, 2021
Pickens, County Ga — The second season started tonight as the Pickens Dragons welcomed the Southeast Whitfield Raiders to the Dragons Den for the first round of the 7-AAAA Region Tournament. The winner, punched their ticket to the 4A State Tournament and clinched a spot in the Region Semi-finals on Thursday. The Dragons, came in as the #3 seed in the tournament, while the Raiders came in as the #6 seed. In what was a total team effort, the Dragons came away with a 93-44 win.
Early in the first quarter, the Dragons jumped out to a 4-0 lead after buckets from Luke Rogers and Owen Moss. The Raiders, were able to tie things up after a free throw and three pointer. Pickens then went on a 16-0 run to make it 20-4. The Dragons got buckets from Tucker Lowe, Jaden Stewart, and Moss during the run. The two teams traded buckets to end the first quarter as the Dragons took a 25-10 lead to the second quarter.
The Dragons played intense defense on Tuesday
Early in the second quarter, A three pointer by Stewart and a free throw from Noah Sutton got the scoring going for the Dragons as they led it, 29-10. After a bucket by the Raiders, Sutton hit another free throw, made a bucket, Moss made a bucket, and Ean Goodwin made two free throws to make it 36-12. A bucket by Southeast Whitfield stopped the 7-0 run and made it 36-14. Pickens then went on a 10-0 run to make it 46-14. Goodwin, Lowe, Caleb Bryant, and Collin Kellogg all contributed to the run. The Raiders, made a bucket just before the end of the first half to make it 46-16 Dragons going to the break.
Dragons with the ball on offense
It was the Noah Sutton Show in the third quarter of this one. Sutton, got the scoring started with a 4-0 run to make it 50-16. After a free throw by the Raiders, Sutton hit a pair of free throws to make it 52-17. Sutton would then go on to make another bucket and a free throw to make it 55-19. All in all, Sutton scored 15 of the Dragons 36 third quarter points as Pickens took an 82-34 lead into the fourth.
Noah Sutton with 15 points in the 3rd
The second unit for the Dragons took over in the fourth quarter as they helped close this one out by outscoring the Raiders 11-10 in the frame. Final in Jasper, Pickens 93, Southeast Whitfield 44.
Dragons Leading Scorers:
Noah Sutton: 19 points
Ean Goodwin: 18 points
Tucker Lowe: 17 points
Jaden Stewart: 14 points
Owen Moss: 8 points
The Dragons, have now secured a spot in the 4A State Tournament. They advance to the 7-AAAA Region Tournament Semi-Finals where they will face the #2 seed Heritage Generals on Thursday at 5:30 pm. The game will be played at Northwest Whitfield. The Pickens Dragonettes, will follow the Dragons on Thursday as they take on the #4 seed Heritage Lady Generals in the second girls semi-final game. That one is set to tip off at 7 pm.
Dragons pick up big region win over Ridgeland
Sports, Team FYN Sports November 11, 2020
Jasper, Ga — It was a rare Saturday night football game as the Pickens Dragons welcomed the Ridgeland Panthers to Dragons Stadium. It was the first game for the Dragons since playing at Cedartown on October 16th. Coming into the game, Pickens was 2-4 overall and 0-1 in region play. The Ridgeland Panthers, came in with an overall record of 1-6, but tied for second place in 7-AAAA at 1-1. Traditionally, the games between Pickens and Ridgeland have been very exciting and very competitive. This one, was no different. Overcoming not having played in twenty-two days and missing some players, the Dragons came away with a 27-18 win.
Pickens, as they have for the majority of the season, won the coin toss and elected to receive. The Dragons, came out in their version of the wildcat offense to begin their opening drive with Senior running back Jarod Whitmore taking the snaps at the QB position. The opening drive ended in points for Pickens as Whitmore ran it in from 5-yds out to give the Dragons an early 7-0 lead. The defense for the Dragons did a good job in the opening quarter against what can be an explosive Panther offense. Going to the second quarter, Pickens led Ridgeland 7-0.
RB Jarod Whitmore taking the snap for the Dragons
In the second quarter, both teams, especially the Dragons, had chances for points, but just couldn’t connect. At the 6:40 mark of the second quarter, the Panthers broke through with a 5-yd TD run. The PAT was no good and Pickens kept the lead, 7-6. The Dragons had another good chance just before the half, but we would head into the break with Pickens ahead of Ridgeland, 7-6.
The Dragons defense was aggressive all night
The Panthers, got the ball first to start the second half and turned their first possession into points after a 50-yd TD run. the two-point conversion attempt was no good. With 10:33 left in the third, Ridgeland took the lead for the first time, 12-7. The Dragons came back with a good drive of their own as Junior Collin Kellogg, who took over at QB after the first possession of the game for Pickens, found Whitmore streaking down the middle of the field for a 28-yd TD. With 5:53 left in the third, the Dragons were back on top, 14-12. As time was running off the clock in the third, the Panthers scored on a 40-yd run. The snap on the PAT attempt was mishandled and the try was no good. Going to the fourth, Ridgeland held an 18-14 lead over Pickens.
Kellogg played well at QB for the Dragons
The Dragons were down, but definitely not out as they turned their first possession of the fourth quarter into points. After a bad snap pushed Pickens from the 6-yd line to the 22-yd line, a holding penalty was called on the Dragons on their fourth down play. The penalty was accepted, and the ball was moved back, making it fourth and goal from the Ridgeland 32-yd line. Kellogg, lofted it up to the left corner of the end zone where Senior WR Mykel Hand fought two Panthers defenders and came down with it to give the Dragons the lead. With 8:51 left in the game, Pickens went ahead, 20-18. On the ensuing kickoff, and without his regular kickers, Dragons head coach Jeff Nelson decided to go for an onside. The gamble paid off as Pickens recovered it. The Dragons cashed in on the recovery as Sophomore Kadyn Hampton took it in from 20-yds out. The PAT was good, and Pickens extended their lead over the Panthers to 27-18. Needing a big play, Ridgeland turned to the passing attack. Junior Conor Browning, picked off a pass attempt, and helped seal the win for the Dragons. The final, 27-18 Pickens.
7-AAAA Standings:
Cedartown: 6-2 (3-0)
Central-Carroll: 5-2 (1-1)
Pickens: 3-4 (1-1)
Northwest Whitfield: 6-2 (1-2)
Ridgeland: 1-7 (1-2)
Heritage: 4-4 (1-2)
Next week, the Dragons will again be at home as they welcome the Heritage Generals to Dragons Stadium. The game will be on Friday, November 13th. Kickoff is set for 7:30 in this 7-AAAA match up.