Dragons defeat Tigers, sets up showdown against North Hall
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports September 20, 2025
Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, began a three game home stand on Friday, September 19th as they welcomed the Dawson Tigers to Dragons Stadium for Homecoming. The Dragons, came into the game with a 4-0 overall record and 1-0 in 6-AAA play. The Tigers, came into the game with a 1-2 overall record. This was their first game in region play. The two teams went back and forth for the majority of the game, but it would be the Dragons that would pull away and pick up a 34-23 win.
The Tigers, would get the ball first to start the ball game. After a screen pass from QB Gunnar Weaver to Paxton Phillips helped set up the Tigers in Dragon territory, the Dragon defense would hold the Tigers and force a four and out. The Dragons, would be forced to punt on their first possession of the game. They would go for a fake punt attempt, but the Tigers would intercept it.
The Dragons defense, would make another stand and force a 25-yd field goal attempt by the Tigers. Jacob Felkai, would hit the field goal to put the Tigers on top, 3-0 with 4:06 left in the first quarter. After another punt by the Dragons, the Tigers would be forced to punt for the first time. A fantastic return by Ezra Faber, set the Dragons up in deep Tiger territory.
Ike Wyngaard, would score on a 20-yd touchdown run. The PAT was good and the Dragons would head into the second quarter with a 7-3 lead.
Early on in the second quarter, as the Tigers were driving to potentially cut the lead to one or take the lead, the Dragons defense used the tip drill to perfection as a pass was deflected into the arms of Landon Poole, who took it to the house for an 82-yd pick six. The PAT was good and with 9 minutes left in the half, Pickens led Dawson, 14-3. The Tigers, would answer with a touchdown on their next possession as Weaver ran it in from three yards out.
The PAT was no good. With 6:46 left in the half, the Dragons lead was cut to 14-9. The Dragons, would add to their lead just before halftime as McCord Purdy would nail a 44-yd field goal to make it 17-9 Dragons at the break.
After neither team could get anything going in the third quarter, the Dragons would stretch out their lead early in the fourth quarter after an 80-yd touchdown run by Wyngaard. The PAT was good and with 10:45 left in the game, Pickens led Dawson, 24-9. The Tigers, would answer that with a 37-yd touchdown pass from Weaver to Brody Sorensen. The two point conversion attempt failed and with 9:02 left in the game, the Dragons led it, 24-15.
The Dragons, would add three to their lead as Purdy would connect on his second 44-yd field goal of the game to make it 27-15 with 7:33 left to go. The Tigers, would once again cut into the Dragons lead after a 14-yd touchdown run by Weaver. The two point conversion attempt was successful and with 4:13 left in the game, the Dragons lead was cut to 27-23.
The Dragons, would respond quickly as Tanner Bail, who came in for Hayden Jones earlier in the game, connected with McCord Purdy for a 79-yd touchdown pass. Purdy’s PAT was good and with 3:50 left in the game, the Dragons were ahead, 34-23. The Dragons defense, was looking for one more stop as the Tigers were looking to keep the game alive. Pickens, got the stop it needed and came away with the win, 34-23.
6-AAA Football Standings:
Pickens: 5-0 (2-0)
North Hall: 5-0 (2-0)
GAC: 4-1 (2-0)
Lumpkin: 3-2 (1-1)
Dawson: 1-3 (0-1)
Johnson-Gainesville: 0-4 (0-1)
Chestatee: 2-3 (0-2)
White County: 0-5 (0-2)
The Dragons, will be back home again on Friday, September 26th for the second of three straight home games as they welcomed the North Hall Trojans. As you see in the standings above, North Hall is also undefeated on the season. They are also a top ten ranked team in AAA depending on which poll you look at. It will be a massive game for both teams next week and could likely determine how the top of the region shapes up. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons open region play with road win
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports September 13, 2025
Cleveland, Ga — Region play began for many teams across the state of Georgia on Friday, September 12th. Six of the eight teams in 6-AAA, were in action on Friday including the Pickens Dragons and the White County Warriors. The Warriors, got the better of the Dragons last year in Jasper and the Dragons came into Cleveland looking to return the favor. The Dragons, would have control throughout the game en route to a 34-7 win.
The Dragons, would get the ball first to start the ball game. Pickens, would keep their opening drive alive as Cal Morrison would convert on a fourth down play from the Dragons 47-yard line. After a big run by Ezra Faber and a nice run after catch by Jaxon Carver, the Dragons would get on the board first after an 11-yd touchdown pass from Hayden Jones to McCord Purdy. The PAT was good and with 9:18 left in the first quarter, Pickens led the Warriors, 7-0.
After forcing a three and out, the Dragons, would start their next possession with great field position after the Warriors were called for fair catch interference. Facing a third and long, Jones would find McCord Purdy for a first down. A couple of plays later, facing another third and long, the Jones/Purdy connection were able to pick up another first down after a screen pass.
On the next play, DE Josiah Williams, would get into the backfield to force a fumble. The Warriors would recover and take over on offense. On their second play of the drive, the Warriors would fumble the ball, but QB Alex Freeman was able to recover it. The Dragons, would bring pressure on third down and pick up the sack to force a punt. A short punt by the Warriors would give Dragons possession at the Warrior 35-yd line.
The Dragons, would add to their lead as Jones would connect with Sawyer Purdy for a 28-yd touchdown. The PAT was no good and with 1:10 left in the first quarter, Pickens led White County, 13-0. Heading to the second quarter, the Dragons were ahead of the Warriors, 13-0.
With the Warriors facing a third down, the Dragons would dial up another blitz as McCord Purdy would get home after the corner blitz to force a fourth down. Hagen Mullins, would partially block the Warriors punt and Landon Poole would take it 31 yards for the touchdown. The PAT was good and with 11:09 left in the first half, Pickens led White County, 20-0.
The Dragons, would get the ball back after forcing and recovering a fumble. The Dragons, would cash in on the turnover as Jones found McCord Purdy for a 13-yd touchdown. Their second connection of the first half. The PAT was good and with 8:10 left in the first half, Pickens led White County, 27-0. Facing a third down, Freeman, would find ach Godfrey for a big gain into Dragon territory.
They would follow that up with a nice run by Savion Anderson down to the Dragons 25-yd line. Anderson, would again find a hole and get down to the Dragon 10-yd line. Facing a fourth and goal from the Dragon 6-yd line, the Warriors would look to throw a corner route, but it would fall incomplete. Poole, would get off a great punt from deep inside his own territory as the ball would rest at the Warrior 32-yd line.
After forcing a punt, the Dragons, would run a couple of plays to end the first half as they led the Warriors, 27-0 at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter for both teams, the Dragons, would add to their lead midway through the fourth quarter after a 45-yd touchdown run by Faber. The PAT was good and with 6 minutes left in the game, Pickens led White County, 34-0. The Warriors, would get on the board with 57 seconds left in the game after Freeman found Godfrey for a 25-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and the Dragon lead would be cut to 34-7.
The Dragons, would just take a knee to run out the remaining time as they moved to 4-0 on the season and 1-0 in 6-AAA play with a 34-7 win.
6-AAA Football Standings:
Pickens: 4-0 (1-0)
North Hall: 4-0 (1-0)
GAC: 3-1 (1-0)
Dawson: 1-2 (0-0)
Johnson-Gainesville: 0-3 (0-0)
Lumpkin: 2-2 (0-1)
Chestatee: 2-2 (0-1)
White County: 0-4 (0-1)
The Dragons, will be back home on Friday, September 19th as they host the Dawson Tigers to begin a three game home stand. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Starks throws complete game shutout as Dragons sweep Tigers
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 5, 2025
Dawsonville, Ga — It was another beautiful day at the ball park as the Pickens Dragons made the short trip up to Dawsonville to take on the Dawson Tigers in the third and final game of their series. The Dragons, were looking for the series sweep, while the Tigers, were looking to steal a game and stay slightly ahead of Lumpkin for 4th. Dawson “Boogie” Lowit, led the way offensively, while Christian Starks would toss a complete game shutout as the Dragons picked up a 5-0 win.
The Dragons, looked for an early rally in the top of the first as Starks would reach with a 2-out single. Lowit, would follow that up with a single of his own to put runners at 1st and 2nd with two out. Tigers starter Case Gravitt, would get out of the first with a line out to send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the first, Preston Bannister, would lead off with a single.
Kam Jenkins, would throw out Bannister trying to steal 2nd for the first out. Starks, would then pick up a strikeout and a line out to send it to the second with the score tied at 0.
Matthew Davis, would lead off the top of the second by reaching on an error. Sam Hammontree, would follow that by drawing a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with nobody out. After a ground out, both Davis and Hammontree, would then advance on a wild pitch. Gravitt, would pick up a fly out and a ground out to get out of the jam and send it to the bottom of the second.
In the bottom of the second, Starks, would work around a 1-out walk drawn by Dylan Edwards to pick up a line out, a strikeout, and a ground out. Heading to the third, the game was still tied at 0.
In the top of the third, Starks, would pick up his 2nd hit with a 1-out single. Starks, would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Lowit, would drive in Starks with an RBI single to make it 1-0 Dragons. Cade Sutton, would follow that up with a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Lowit and Sutton, would then move up a base after a ground out by Davis.
Hammontree, would keep the inning going by bringing both Lowit and Sutton on a 2-RBI single to make it 3-0. Dawson Holland, would then reach with a 2-out single. A wild pitch, would move runners up to 2nd and 3rd. The Tigers, would get out of the third with a ground out. In the bottom of the third, Starks, would pick up a line out and two fly outs to send it to the fourth with the Dragons leading the Tigers, 3-0.
The Dragons, would look to add to their lead in the top of the fourth as Starks would pick up his 3rd hit of the game with a 2-out single. Lowit, would follow that with his 3rd hit of the game to put runners at 1st and 2nd with two out. Starks and Lowit, would then pull off a double steal to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. The Tigers, would once again escape a potential scoring threat as they would pick up a fly out to send it to the bottom of the fourth.
Starks, would continue his good night on the mound in the bottom of the fourth as he picked up his 3rd strikeout, a fly out, and a pop out to send it to the fifth with the Dragons leading the Tigers, 3-0.
In the top of the fifth, Tripp Williams, who came on in relief of Gravitt in the top of the fourth, would toss a scoreless frame as he picked up a ground out, a fly out, and a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fifth, Starks, would work around a 1-out double by Carson Sosebee as he picked up a ground out, a pop out, and a strikeout to send it to the sixth with the Dragons still leading the Tigers, 3-0.
In the top of the sixth, A.J. Rice, would look to get something going as he reached with a 2-out single. Williams, would get out of the sixth with a ground out to keep the score at 3-0. In the bottom of the inning, the Tigers, were swinging early and often as Starks picked up a line out, a ground out, and a fly out on just five pitches. Heading to the seventh, Pickens led Dawson, 3-0.
Lowit, would lead off the top of the seventh with his 4th hit of the game. Sutton, would follow that with his 2nd hit of the game to put runners at 1st and 2nd with nobody out. A sacrifice bunt by Davis, would move the runners up to 2nd and 3rd. Hammontree, would then bring in both pitch runner Caden Kirchoff and Sutton with his second 2-RBI single to make it 5-0 Dragons.
Holland, would follow that with his 2nd hit of the game to put runners at 1st and 2nd. The Tigers, would get out of the seventh with an unconventional 6-5-4 double play to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the seventh, Starks, would work around a 2-out single by Edwards, to pick up a line out, a strikeout, and a ground out as the Dragons picked up the 5-0 win to sweep the series.
Stats for the Dragons:
A.J. Rice: 1-4 with 1 single
Christian Starks: 3-4 with 3 singles, 2 steals, 1 run scored & 7 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 5 K on 74 pitches
Dawson Lowit: 4-4 with 4 singles, 1 steal, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Cade Sutton: 2-4 with 2 singles and 2 runs scored
Sam Hammontree: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 walk, and 4 RBI
Dawson Holland: 2-4 with 2 singles
Caden Kirchoff: 1 run scored
6-AAA Baseball Standings:
North Hall: 17-5 (13-2)
Pickens: 20-4 (12-3)
GAC: 14-7 (11-4)
Dawson: 13-11 (8-7)
Lumpkin: 12-11 (6-9)
White County: 10-13 (5-10)
Chestatee: 6-18 (5-10)
Johnson-Gainesville: 2-22 (0-15)
The Dragons, will be back in action on Tuesday, April 8th as they begin a three game series with the Chestatee War Eagles at home. It’s the second to last series of the regular season. The first pitch, is scheduled for 5:55 pm.
Dragons win pitchers duel to take series from Tigers
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 4, 2025
Jasper, Ga — It was a warm day on Thursday, April 3rd as the Pickens Dragons welcomed the Dawson Tigers to Dunn Field for game two of their three game series. The Dragons, took game one on Tuesday, 10-0 in five innings and were looking to take the series to stay just behind North Hall. Behind a solid pitching performance, the Dragons, were able to come away with the narrow 1-0 win.
In the top of the first, Dragons starter Jackson Nunn, worked a scoreless frame with a pair of ground outs and a pop out. In the bottom of the first, Tigers starter Will Battles, would pick up two fly outs and a ground out on just six pitches to send it to the second with the score tied at 0.
In the top of the second, Nunn, would pick up a pair of ground outs and a fly out on six pitches to send it to the bottom of the inning. Kam Jenkins, would lead off the bottom of the second with a single. Dawson Lowit, would then be hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd with nobody out. Matthew Davis, would ground out to 1st as the runners would move up a base.
Battles and the Tigers, would get out of the second with a strikeout and a ground out to send it to the third with the score still knotted up at 0.
In the top of the third, Nunn, picked up a ground out for the first out. After a long at bat by Beckham Ayers, Nunn would get the better of the battle as he got Ayers to fly out to right for the second out. Jadyn Mattie, would pick up the Tigers first hit of the game with a 2-out single to keep the inning alive. Nunn, would work around that to pick up his first strikeout to send it to the bottom of the third with the score still tied at 0.
After Battles picked up two quick outs in the bottom of the third, Christian Starks, would draw a full count walk to keep the inning going. Starks, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Battles, would get out of the third with a pop out to left to send it to the fourth with both teams still scoreless.
In the top of the fourth, Nunn, would work around a 1-out single by Jacson Rickett as he picked up two ground outs and a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the fourth. Jenkins, would lead off the bottom of the fourth by drawing a walk. His courtesy runner, Ezra Faber, would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Lowit, would then lay down the perfect bunt for a single to put runners at 1st and 3rd with nobody out.
Battles, would then be called for a balk which allowed Faber to come in to score to make it 1-0 Dragons. pitch runner Caden Kirchoff, would move up to 2nd on the call. After a fly out, Kirchoff, would advance to 3rd on a ground out. Battles and the Tigers, would get out of the fourth after a pop fly. Heading to the fifth, Pickens led Dawson, 1-0.
In the top of the fifth, Carson Sosebee, would lead off with a single. After a ground out, Ayers, would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. A sacrifice bunt by Mattie, would advance the runners up to 2nd and 3rd with 2-out. Faber, would then come on in relief of Nunn looking to get the final out of the fifth. Preston Bannister, would get hit with a pitch to load the bases with 2-out.
Faber, would settle down and pick up a ground out to send it to the bottom of the fifth. In the bottom half of the fifth, A.J. Rice, would reach after a 1-out ground rule double. After that double, Tripp Williams would come on in relief of Battles to try and keep it a one run game. Williams, would pick up a strikeout and a ground out to send it to the sixth with the Dragons leading the Tigers, 1-0.
Dylan Walls, would come on in relief of Faber in the top of the sixth. Rickett, would draw a walk to lead off the inning. It looked like Elijah Odom had beat out a double play, but after discussion by the umpires, it was determined that Rickett slid into Jennings Allen during his throw over to 1st and it was ruled interference which led to Odom being called out.
A 2-out double by Dylan Edwards, would keep the inning going for the Tigers. Walls, would get out of the sixth with a fly out to left to send it to the bottom of the frame with the Dragons still ahead, 1-0. Lowit, would pick up his 2nd hit of the day with a 1-out single. Lowit, would move up to 2nd after ground out. Sam Hammontree, would keep things going for the Dragons with a 2-out single to put runners at the corners.
The Dragons, would then try a little trickery as Hammontree tried to stall long enough for Lowit to come in to score, but the Tigers were ready for it and would catch Lowit in a rundown to send it to the seventh with the Dragons still leading, 1-0.
Walls, in his second inning of relief, would toss a scoreless top of the seventh as he picked up a pair of ground outs and a strikeout to seal the 1-0 win for the Dragons.
Stats for the Dragons:
A.J. Rice: 1-3 with a double
Christian Starks: 1 walk and 1 steal
Kam Jenkins: 1-2 with 1 single, and 1 walk
Dawson Lowit: 2-2 with 2 singles, and 1 HBP
Sam Hammontree: 1-3 with 1 single
Jackson Nunn: 4.2 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 2 K on 60 pitches
Ezra Faber: 1 steal, 1 run scored, and 0.1 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 K, 1 HBP on 2 pitches
Dylan Walls: 2 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K on 20 pitches
With the win, the Dragons take the series against the Tigers. The series will shift back over to Dawsonville for the third and final game on Friday, April 4th. The first pitch is scheduled for 5:55 pm.
Dragons pick up road win at Dawson
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 2, 2025
Dawsonville, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, made the short ride up to Dawson County on Tuesday, April 1st to begin a very important three game series with the Dawson Tigers. The Dragons, were coming off an expected sweep of Johnson, while the Tigers were looking to rebound after losing two of three to GAC. The Dragons, behind solid pitching performances from A.J. Rice and Dylan Walls and an offense that got going in the third, picked up a 10-0 win in five innings.
In the top of the first, Tigers starter Tate Tangel, would toss a scoreless frame as he picked up a fly out, a ground out, and a line out to send it to the bottom of the first. In the bottom half of the first, Rice, would pick up a pop out and a strikeout for the first two outs of the inning. A 2-out triple by Jacson Rickett, would keep the inning alive for the Tigers. Rice, would force a ground out to send it to the second with the score still tied at 0.
In the top of the second, Dawson Lowit, would reach with a 1-out double. Lowit, would then tag and advance to 3rd on a line out. Tangel and the Tigers, would get out of the second with a fly out to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the second, Rice, would pick up a pair of strikeouts and a fly out to send it to the third with the score still even at 0.
Dawson Holland, would lead off the top of the third by drawing a walk. Holland, would then advance into scoring position by stealing 2nd. Jennings Allen, would then move Holland over to 3rd with a sacrifice bunt. Rice, would bring in Holland with an RBI single to make it 1-0 Dragons. Rice, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Starks, would move Rice over to 3rd with a ground out.
Rice, would then come in to score on a passed ball to make it 2-0 Dragons. Tangel, would get out of the third with a fly out. In the bottom of the third, Rice, picked up two strikeouts for the first two outs of the frame. Preston Bannister, would keep the inning going for the Tigers with a 2-out single. Rice, would end the third with a strikeout to send it to the fourth with the Dragons leading, 2-0.
Kam Jenkins, would lead off the top of the fourth by reaching on an error. Lowit, would follow that up with a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd with nobody out. A sacrifice bunt by Matthew Davis, would move the runners up a base. Sam Hammontree, would drive in courtesy runner Zach Williams and Lowit with a single to make it 4-0. Hammontree, would then advance to 2nd on a passed ball.
After Holland drew his 2nd walk, Allen would drive in Hammontree with an RBI double. Holland and Allen, would come in to score on a single by Rice. Rice, would be thrown out trying to take 2nd on the play. The Tigers, would get out of the fourth with a line out. Heading to the bottom of the inning, Pickens led Dawson, 7-0. Rickett, would lead off the bottom of the fourth with a single for his 2nd hit of the day.
After Rice forced a fly out for the first out, Rickett, would be thrown out by Jenkins after trying to steal 2nd. Rice, would end the fourth with his 7th strikeout of the game to send it to the fifth with the Dragons leading, 7-0.
Cade Sutton, would lead off the top of the fifth by reaching on an error. After a strikeout, Sutton, would advance into scoring position after stealing 2nd. After a pop out for the 2nd out, Sutton, would come in to score as Davis would reach on a single. Davis, would advance to 2nd on the play. An RBI single from Hammontree, would make it 9-0 Dragons. Holland, would drive Hammontree in with an RBI double to make it 10-0 Dragons heading to the bottom of the fifth.
Dylan Walls, making his 2nd appearance of the season, would come on in relief of Rice in the bottom of the fifth. Walls, would toss a scoreless frame as he picked up a pair of strikeouts and a pop out to seal a 10-0 win for the Dragons in five innings.
Stats for the Dragons:
A.J. Rice: 2-3 with 2 singles, 3 RBI, 1 run scored & 4 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 7 K on 58 pitches
Cade Sutton: 1 run scored
Dawson Lowit: 2-3 with 1 double, 1 single, and 1 run scored
Matthew Davis: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 sacrifice bunt, and 1 run scored
Sam Hammontree: 2-3 with 2 singles, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Dawson Holland: 1-1 with 1 double, 2 walks, 1 RBI, and 2 runs socred
Jennings Allen: 1-1 with 1 double, 1 sacrifice bunt, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Zach Williams: 1 run scored
Dylan Walls: 1 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 K on 12 pitches
The series will shift over to Jasper and Dunn Field on Thursday, April 3rd as the Dragons will look to keep pace with North Hall. The first pitch for game two is scheduled for 5:55 pm.
Dragons celebrate Senior Night with series sweep
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 29, 2025
Jasper, Ga — It was a special night for the Pickens Dragons as they honored four Seniors on Friday, March 28th for Senior Night. Sam Hammontree, Dawson Holland, Coleman Keener, and Cade Sutton were all in the starting 9 as the Dragons took on the Johnson Knights in the series finale. The Dragons, would take game three, 11-1 in five innings for the series sweep.
A welcomed sight for the Dragons in the top of the first as starting pitcher Dylan Walls, made his season debut. Walls, would work around a 2-out walk as he struck out two and forced a fly out in his lone inning of work. In the bottom of the inning, Cade Sutton, would look to get something started after being hit with a pitch with 2-outs. The Knights, would get out of the first with no harm done. Heading to the second, Pickens and Johnson were tied at 0.
Christian Starks, would come on in relief of Walls in the top of the second. Starks, would strikeout the side on 14 pitches to send it to the bottom of the second. In the bottom half of the frame, Dawson Lowit, would reach with a lead off single. His courtesy runner, Zach Williams, would advance to 2nd after a balk was called. After a ground out, Williams, would steal 3rd. Sam Hammontree, would bring in Williams with an RBI single to make it 1-0.
Ezra Faber, would then draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Coleman Keener, would then drive in both Hammontree and Faber with a 2-RBI double. A.J. Rice, would follow that up with an RBI double that scored Keener to make it 4-0 Dragons heading to the third.
Starks, would work a scoreless top of the third with a pair of strikeouts and a ground out to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the third, the Dragons, would go down in order with a pair of ground outs and a pop out to send it to the fourth with the Dragons leading it, 4-0.
In the top of the fourth, Starks, in his third inning of relief, worked around a 1-out walk to pick up a pair of strikeouts and a ground out to send it to the bottom of the inning. Hammontree, would lead off the bottom of the fourth with a double. After a line out, Hammontree would steal 3rd. After a strikeout, Rice, would reach on an infield single that would score Hammontree to make it 5-0.
A single by Starks, would move Rice all the way to 3rd. Starks, would then advance into scoring position after stealing 2nd. Rice, would come in to score after a wild pitch. Starks, would advance to 3rd on the play. Sutton, would then draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 3rd with 2-out. Sutton and Starks, would then pull off a double steal as Sutton would swipe 2nd, and Starks would steal home. Sutton, would advance to 3rd after the throw home got by the catcher.
Kam Jenkins, would then drive in Sutton with an RBI single to make it 8-0 Dragons heading to the fifth.
Daven Abernathy, would come on in relief of Starks in the top of the fifth. After a pair of strikeouts, the Knights, would load the bases with a pair of singles and a walk. Alex Alvarez, would reach on an error that would score Felipi Delgado to make it 8-1. Abernathy, would limit the damage to just the one run as he forced a fly out to send it to the bottom of the fifth.
In the bottom of the inning, Matthew Davis, who came on a replacement for Dawson Holland, would draw a lead off walk to reach base. Davis, would then advance into scoring position by stealing 2nd. Caden Kirchoff, would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with nobody out. Faber, would reach on a fielder’s choice as Kirchoff would be forced out at 2nd.
Faber, would then steal 2nd to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with 1-out. An RBI ground out by Jennings Allen, would bring in Davis to make it 9-1. Rice, would then drive in Faber with an RBI double to make it 10-1 Dragons. Rice, would then steal 3rd to move up a base. Starks, would then reach on an infield single as Rice would come in to score to give the Dragons the 11-1 victory.
Stats for the Dragons:
A.J. Rice: 3-4 with 1 single, 2 doubles, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Christian Starks: 2-4 with 2 singles, 1 RBI, 1 run scored, & 3 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 H, 0 BB, 7 K on 29 pitches
Cade Sutton: 1 HBP, 1 walk, and 1 run scored
Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 RBI
Dawson Lowit: 1-3 with 1 single
Matthew Davis: 1 walk and 1 run scored
Sam Hammontree: 2-2 with 1 single, 1 double, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Ezra Faber: 1 walk, and 2 runs scored
Coleman Keener: 1-2 with 1 double, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored
Zach Williams: 1 run scored
Caden Kirchoff: 1 walk
Jennings Allen: 1 RBI
Dylan Walls: 1 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 BB, 2 K on 19 pitches
Daven Abernathy: 1 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 2 K on 29 pitches
6-AAA Region Standings:
North Hall: 14-5 (10-2)
Pickens: 17-4 (9-3)
GAC: 11-7 (8-4)
Dawson: 13-8 (8-4)
Chestatee: 6-15 (5-7)
Lumpkin: 10-10 (4-8)
White County: 9-11 (4-8)
Johnson-Gainesville: 2-19 (0-12)
The Dragons, will take to the road to begin a three game series with the Dawson Tigers on Tuesday, April 1st. The Dragons, will be looking to keep pace with North Hall at the top of the region standings. First pitch is scheduled for 5:55 pm.
Dragons finish regular season undefeated
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 8, 2025
Jasper, Ga — On Friday, February 7th, the Pickens Dragons, had a chance to do something no other Dragon team had done before them. Finish the regular season undefeated. They would accomplish that goal, if they defeated the Dawson Tigers. The Dragons, came into the game 24-0 overall and 13-0 in 6-AAA play. The Tigers, came into the game 8-16 overall and 5-8 in 6-AAA play. The Dragons, behind a big run to begin the game, picked up the win, 92-52.
The Dragons, would start off fast in the first quarter as they opened up the game with a 14-0 run. Dodge Davis, Brock Barton, Caleb Lanford, and Parker Davis all contributed to the run. After Mason Harvey split a pair of free throws, Dodge Davis, would hit a three to make it 17-1. Samuel Glover, would then go on a 5-0 run to make it 17-6. Lanford, would respond with a 5-0 run of his own to stretch the lead out to 22-6.
After both teams would trade baskets, Barton and Jamin Martin, would end the first quarter with a 7-0 run to make it 31-10 heading to the second quarter.
The Tigers, would begin the second quarter by going on a 7-0 run to cut the lead down to 31-17. Jack Ledbetter, Landon Lee, and Gunnar Weaver would combine for the run. The Dragons, would counter with their own 7-0 run as Martin, Lanford, and Aiden Mumaw would help stretch the lead out to 38-17. Ledbetter and Garrett Matthews, would then go on a short 4-0 run to make it 38-21.
The remainder of the first half saw the Tigers outscore the Dragons, 9-8 as Pickens would take a 46-30 lead into the break.
The Dragons, would start the second half by going on a mini 4-0 as McCord Purdy made a pair of free throws and Parker Davis would make a layup to give Pickens a 50-30 lead. After Cayson Chester split a pair of free throws, Dodge Davis and Purdy would make back to back baskets to make it 54-31. Later on in the quarter, the Dragons, would go on another 14-0 run to make it 70-35. A bucket by Jed Morris, would end the run and make it 70-37.
The Dragons, would close out the third quarter on a 7-2 run to make it 77-39 heading to the fourth quarter.
Dodge Davis, would open the fourth quarter with a three to make it 80-39. After Chester made a pair of free throws, the Dragons, would go on a 5-0 run to make it 85-41. After both teams traded 4-0 runs, the Tigers, would combine for a 7-0 run to make it 89-52. A late three by Brody Bryant, would give the Dragons a 92-52 lead. The Dragons, would run out the rest of the clock as they made history finishing the regular season 25-0.
Leading scorers for the Dragons:
Jamin Martin: 23 points
Dodge Davis: 18 points
Brock Barton: 13 points
McCord Purdy: 11 points
Caleb Lanford: 10 points
Parker Davis: 7 points
Brody Bryant: 3 points
DJ Mitchell: 3 points
Montego Morgan: 2 points
Aiden Mumaw: 2 points
6-AAA Boys Region Tournament Quarterfinal games:
#8 Johnson-Gainesville vs #1 Pickens
#7 Chestatee vs #2 GAC
#6 White County vs #3 Lumpkin
#5 Dawson vs #4 North Hall
The boys side of the 6-AAA Region Tournament will take place at Pickens High School next week starting on Wednesday, February 12th. The Pickens Dragons, will take on the Johnson-Gainesville Knights at 8:30 pm.
Dragons improve to 24-0 with win on Senior Night
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 5, 2025
Jasper, Ga — It was a night of celebration on Tueday, February 4th as the Pickens Dragons took on the Johnson Knights on Senior Night. Prior to the game, Seniors from swim, dance, cheer, and basketball were all recognized. The Dragons, had four Seniors honored in Brock Barton, Dodge and Parker Davis, and Caleb and Joshua Lanford. Caleb, was then presented with a commemorative basketball to celebrate surpassing 1,000 career points. As for the game, the Dragons, picked up the 94-29 win.
To the delight of the student section, Joshua Lanford got the start alongside the other Dragon Seniors. Parker Davis, would get the scoring started after splitting a pair of free throws. After a layup by Monty Young gave the Knights a 2-1 lead, the Dragons, would go on a 12-0 run to take a 13-2 lead. A three by Richard Silva, would cut the lead to 13-5. The Dragons, would close out the first quarter with an 11-0 run to make it 24-5 heading to the second.
Dodge Davis, would get the second quarter going with a bucket to make it 26-5. After a basket by Cruz Gobert, Jamin Martin and Parker Davis, would combine for a 5-0 run to stretch the lead out to 31-7. Gobert, would end the run with another bucket to make it 31-9. A 10-0 run by the Dragons, would stretch the lead out to 41-9. A three by Maddox Whitmire, would end the run and cut the lead to 41-12.
After Dodge Davis would make a pair of free throws, Jeremiah Gray, would get the lay up to go to make it 43-14. Parker Davis and DJ Mitchell, would end the first half with a 5-0 run as the Dragons led the Knights, 48-14 at the break.
Barton, would open the second half with a three to make it 51-14. Braydon Black, would then answer with a three on the other end. A 10-0 run by the Dragons would stretch the lead to 61-17. Whitmire, would then hit his second three of the game to put an end to the run. the Dragons, would close out the third quarter by going on a 14-0 run to make it 75-20 going to the fourth.
The Dragons, would continue the run from the end of the third quarter to begin the fourth as they scored the first 6 points of the frame. Young, would then split a pair of free throws and then hit a three to make it 81-24. Montego Morgan and Martin, would then make back to back threes to make it 87-24. After another three by Young, Mitchell, would hit his second three of the game to make it 90-27.
After a lay-in from Josh Smith, Morgan and Mitchell, would end the game on a 4-0 run as the Dragons came away with the win, 94-29.
Leading scorers for the Dragons:
Dodge Davis: 18 points
Parker Davis: 17 points
Jamin Martin: 12 points
Caleb Lanford: 10 points
Brock Barton: 9 points
McCord Purdy: 9 points
DJ Mitchell: 8 points
Sawyer Purdy: 6 points
Montego Morgan: 5 points
6-AAA Boys Basketball Standings:
Pickens: 24-0 (13-0) #1 seed
GAC: 18-6 (10-3) *tied #2 seed
Lumpkin: 16-8 (10-3) *tied #2 seed
North Hall: 14-10 (7-6) #4 seed
Dawson: 8-16 (5-8) #5 seed
White County: 5-19 (4-9) #6 seed
Chestatee: 4-20 (3-10) #7 seed
Johnson-Gainesville: 1-20 (0-13) #8 seed
With the final regular season games happening on Friday, February 7th, it appears the only thing left to figure out, is who will be the #2 and #3 seed in next week’s 6-AAA region tournament. Should GAC and Lumpkin win their games on Friday, it seems like some sort of tiebreaker will be needed as both teams split their season series, and both lost to Pickens. As for the Dragons, they will host the Dawson Tigers on Friday at 7:30 pm.
Dragons move to 17-0 after win against Tigers
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 15, 2025
Dawsonville, Ga — After their much anticipated game against Walton was canceled over the weekend, the Pickens Dragons were back at it on Tuesday, January 14th as they made the trip up to Dawsonville to take on the Dawson Tigers. Coming into the game, the Dragons, were 16-0 overall and 6-0 in 6-AAA. The Tigers, were 5-12 overall and 2-4 in 6-AAA. A 28 points first quarter helped the Dragons race out to a big advantage that they would hold for the rest of the game as they defeated the Tigers, 77-40.
The Dragons, began the game by going on a 16-0 run. The Davis brothers, Dodge and Parker, Brock Barton, and Caleb Lanford were just several that contributed to the run. The Tigers, would get on the board with back to back baskets from Jack Ledbetter and Samuel Glover to make it 16-4. After a 4-0 run by the Dragons, a three by Ledbetter would make it 20-7.
The Dragons, would close out the first quarter with an 8-0 run as they would stretch their lead out to 28-7 heading to the second quarter.
The run would continue for the Dragons to start the second quarter as Barton would hit a three, and Dodge Davis would make a pair of free throws to give Pickens a 33-7 lead. A three from Kylon Driver would put an end to the run and make it 33-10. After Dodge Davis would again make a pair of free throws, Cayson Chester would connect with a basket to make it 35-12.
The Dragons, would then go on an 11-0 run as Parker Davis, Aiden Mumaw, Lanford, and Barton all contributed to the run. A bucket by Mason Harvey, would put an end to the run and close out the first half with the Dragons ahead, 46-14.
Barton and Parker Davis, would make back-to-back baskets to open the second half to stretch the lead out to 50-14. After a three pointer by Ledbetter, Parker Davis, would go on a 5-0 run to make it 55-17. Driver, would end the run with a bucket and the free throw to make it 55-20. After a three pointer by Parker Davis, Jed Morris and Harvey, would connect on back to back threes to make it 58-26.
Montego Morgan, would get in on the scoring with a pair of free throws. After a three by Landon Lee, Jamin Martin, would end the third quarter with a jumper to make it 62-29 Dragons heading to the fourth.
Gunnar Weaver and Lee, would combine to go on a 4-0 run to begin the fourth quarter to cut the Dragons lead to 62-33. The Dragons, would respond with an 11-0 run as Barton would hit a pair of threes, McCord Purdy would get in on the action with a three, and Dodge Davis would make a pair of free throws to give Pickens a 73-33 lead. After Ledbetter split a pair of free throws, Morgan, would make a tough shot to give the Dragons a 75-34 lead.
Harvey, would then hit a three and Weaver would split a pair of free throws to make it 75-38. DJ Mitchell, would get one to go to make it 77-38. Ledbetter, would end the game with a basket as the Dragons would come away with a 77-40 win.
The Dragons, will be back on the road again on Friday, January 17th as they head down to the Gainesville area to take on the Chestatee War Eagles. The Dragons, defeated the War Eagles, 84-47 back on December 6th. The Dragons, will be looking for the sweep. Tip off is set for 8:30 pm.
Barton and Davis combine for 55 in win against GAC
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 10, 2025
Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, were back inside the Dragons Den on Thursday, January 9th as they took on the Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans in another 6-AAA match up. This game, was originally scheduled for Friday, January 10th, but the impending weather forced it to be moved up a day to Thursday. The Dragons, came into the game with a 15-0 overall record and 5-0 in region play. The Spartans, came into the game 11-4 overall and 4-1 in region play. The Dragons, raced out to a nice lead and used that to pick up an 87-60 win.
The first quarter started with the Dragons going on a 10-0 run to begin the game. Senior Brock Barton, would get that run started with 3 of his 8 first quarter points. The Davis brothers, Dodge and Parker, added 7 and 6 points respectively in the quarter. A smothering Dragons defense, allowed just 4 points in the first quarter. Heading to the second quarter, the Dragons led the Spartans, 21-4.
Barton, would open up the scoring in the second quarter as he would hit his third three of the first half to make it 24-4. After a bucket by the Spartans, Caleb Lanford, who scored his 1,000th career point on Tuesday in the win against Johnson, nailed a three to make it 27-6. Scoring wise, the second quarter was closely contested as the Dragons outscored the Spartans, 23-20. At the half, the Dragons led it, 44-24.
Barton’s good night continued in the third quarter as he led with 10 points. Dodge Davis contributed 8 points in the quarter, and Lanford added 3 points. The third quarter was another nice back and forth quarter between the two teams as the Dragons outscored the Spartans, 21-20 in the quarter. Heading to the fourth, the Dragons were still on top, 65-44.
The fourth quarter saw the Dragons put on a little bit of a show as there were dunks off of fast breaks and alley oops off of set plays. McCord Purdy would also show off his passing ability with a behind the back pass that would lead to a layup. The Dragons, would outscore the Spartans, 22-16 in the fourth on their way to an 87-60 victory.
Scoring leaders for the Dragons:
Brock Barton: 28 points (6 threes)
Dodge Davis: 27 points (3 threes)
Caleb Lanford: 16 points (4 threes)
Parker Davis: 12 points
Jamin Martin: 2 points
McCord Purdy: 2 points
6-AAA Boys Basketball Standings:
Pickens: 16-0 (6-0)
Lumpkin: 11-6 (5-1)
GAC: 11-5 (4-2)
North Hall: 10-7 (3-3)
Dawson: 5-12 (2-4)
White County: 3-13 (2-4)
Chestatee: 2-14 (1-4)
Johnson-Gainesville: 1-11 (0-5)
The Dragons, were set to take on Walton on Saturday, January 11th, but the impending weather forced all school activities for Saturday to be cancelled. No word on if that game will be made up or not. The Dragons, will now turn their attention to Tuesday, January 14th as they take to the road to battle the Dawson Tigers in another 6-AAA ball game. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons pick up region win at Dawson
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports September 21, 2024
Dawsonville, Ga — It was a beautiful, but warm night for high school football on Friday, September 20th as the Pickens Dragons traveled up to Dawson County to take on the Dawson Tigers. The Dragons, were coming off of a tough loss to White County last week, while the Tigers had the week off to get ready for region play. Using their ground game and a late defensive stop, the Dragons picked up their first region win, 35-23.
The Tigers, won the toss and elected to receive the opening kick off to begin the game. After a long completion from QB Preston Bannister to Dylan Edwards set the Tigers up inside the red zone, the Dragons defense settled down and held Dawson to a 24-yd field goal. With 10:07 left in the first quarter, the Tigers led, 3-0. On their first play from scrimmage, the Dragons would take the lead as QB Hayden Jones scrambled for an 80-yd touchdown. The PAT from McCord Purdy was good and the Dragons would take a 7-3 lead into the second quarter.
Dragons on defense early in the 1st quarter
The Dragons, would add to their lead at the 4:12 mark of the second quarter as RB Carson Mitton punched it in from 1-yd out. The PAT was good and the Dragons now led, 14-3. The Tigers, would answer by scoring their first touchdown of the night as a long kickoff return by Luke Smith helped set up a 10-yd TD run by Bannister. The PAT was good and the Dragons would lead it 14-10 heading into the break.
Dragons on offense in the 2nd quarter
The second half began with the Dragons getting the ball. The offense, would March down the field as Jones would connect with Freshman WR Sawyer Purdy several times during the drive including a 10-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 9:59 left in the third quarter, the Dragons led the Tigers, 21-10. Later on in the third, the Dragons would block and recover a field goal attempt by the Tigers.
The Tigers, would get the ball back on the next play after an interception by Smith. Dawson would turn that interception into points as RB Cody McBrayer scored on a 10-yd TD run. The PAT was good and with 4:24 left in the third, Pickens led Dawson, 21-17. The Dragons, would respond to that score with a 45-yd TD run by Jones. His 2nd of the night. The PAT by Purdy was good. Heading to the fourth, the Dragons led the Tigers, 28-17.
Dragons looking to stop the run
A couple of minutes into the fourth quarter, the Tigers would score on a 1-yd TD run by Bannister. His 2nd of the game. Dawson, would then choose to go for two to cut the lead down to 3. The Dragons, were able to stop McBrayer short on the conversion attempt as Pickens now led it, 28-23 with 8:54 left in the game. Later in the fourth, the Dragons would stretch their lead out as Landon Poole would score a 6-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 3:58 left to go in the game, the Dragons led the Tigers, 35-23.
Jones throwing the ball to Landon Poole
Penalties would help the Tigers drive down the field, who were looking to cut into the lead with the clock draining. Pickens, got the stop it was looking for as they would pick up the win, 35-23.
6-AAA Region Standings:
North Hall: 3-2 (2-0)
GAC: 2-3 (2-0)
Lumpkin: 3-2 (1-1)
White County: 2-3 (1-1)
Pickens: 3-2 (1-1)
Dawson: 1-3 (0-1)
Chestatee: 1-4 (0-2)
Johnson-Gainesville: 0-4 (0-2)
The Dragons, will continue their three game region road trip next week as they head down to Hall County to take on the North Hall Trojans on Friday, September 27th. The Dragons and Trojans have not played each other since 2017 and it’ll be the Dragons first trip to North Hall since 2016. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons sweep Tigers for 12th straight win
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 6, 2024
Dawsonville, Ga — One day after clinching their second straight 7-AAA Region Championship, the Pickens Dragons traveled to Dawsonville on Friday, April 5th to take on the Dawson Tigers in game three of their 3-game series. The Dragons, came into the game looking to complete the sweep. The Tigers, came into the game hoping to get at least one game in the series. The Dragons, scored 17 runs in four innings to come away with a 17-4 win in 5 innings.
In the top of the first, Trey Payne would look to get things going with a 1-out single. The Tigers, would get out of the first as Carson Sosebee threw out Payne trying to steal 2nd. In the bottom of the first, Dragons starter A.J. Rice, got the first two outs via strikeout and ground out. Julian Horner, put the Tigers ahead with a solo home run. Elijah Odom, followed that up with a 2-out double.
Davis Glass, would keep the inning going as he drove in Odom with an RBI single to make it 2-0 Tigers. Rice, got out of the first with his 2nd strikeout of the game. Going to the second, Dawson led Pickens, 2-0.
In the top of the second, Kam Jenkins, led off by reaching on an error. Dawson Holland, would then reach on an infield single. Courtesy runner JP Nunn, would advance all the way to 3rd after an error on the play. Holland, would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Tyler Payne, would draw a walk to load the bases with 1-out. After Tigers starter Joshua Priest, picked up a strikeout for the 2nd out, Rice would come up to bat.
Rice, would drive in both Nunn and Holland with a 2-run single to tie the game at 2. Rice, would be tagged out at 2nd trying to advance on the play. Going to the bottom of the frame, Pickens and Dawson were tied at 2. In the bottom half of the second, Rice, tossed a scoreless inning with a strikeout and two ground outs. Going to the third, the game was tied at 2.
In the top of the third, Connor Shouse, would lead off with a double. Trey Payne, would move Shouse over to 3rd after a sacrifice bunt. Cade Sutton, would drive in Shouse with an RBI double to make it 3-2 Dragons. Sutton, would advance to 3rd after a ground out by Jenkins. An RBI single by Trace Ledbetter, would bring in Sutton to make it 4-2 Dragons. Holland, would then reach on an infield single.
Both Ledbetter and Holland would advance after a wild pitch. Tyler Payne, would bring in Ledbetter after reaching on an error to make it 5-2 Dragons. Holland, who advanced to 3rd on the play, would come in to score after a wild pitch to make it 6-2 Dragons going to the bottom of the third. In the bottom of the third, Sawyer Bearden, would lead off with a solo home run to make it 6-3.
Horner, would then draw a walk to reach with 1-out. Rice and the Dragons, would get out of the third after turning an inning ending double play. Going to the fourth, Pickens led Dawson, 6-3.
In the top of the fourth, Rice, would lead off with a single for his 2nd hit of the day. Shouse, would add to the lead by hitting a 2-run home run to make it 8-3 Dragons. Trey Payne, would then draw a walk to reach base. Sutton, would follow that with his 2nd double of the game to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. Ledbetter, would draw a 1-out walk to load the bases.
The Tigers, would be able to get out of the jam with a strikeout and a fly out to send it to the bottom of the fourth. In the bottom of the fourth, in what would be his final inning of work, Rice, picked up two more strikeouts and a ground out in a scoreless frame to send it to the fifth with Pickens leading Dawson, 8-3.
In the top of the fifth, Christian Starks, led off with a single. Rice, followed that with his 3rd hit of the day. Shouse, would load the bases after being awarded 1st base due to catchers interference. Trey Payne, would bring in Starks as he drew a walk to make it 9-3. Sutton, would drive in Rice with an RBI single to make it 10-3. Jenkins, would keep the line moving as he brought in Shouse with a single to make it 11-3.
Holland, would bring in Trey Payne and Sutton with a 2-RBI double to make it 13-3. Nunn, who was running for Jenkins, would score on a passed ball to make it 14-3. Starks, would drive in Holland with an RBI single to make it 15-3. After advancing to 2nd on a wild pitch, Starks would come in to score on an RBI single by Rice to make it 16-3. An RBI double from Shouse would bring in Rice to make it 17-3 Dragons going to the bottom of the fifth.
Brodie Keener, came on in relief of Rice in the bottom of the fifth. Dylan Edwards, would lead off the bottom of the frame with a double. Edwards, would then advance to 3rd on a passed ball. Preston Bannister, would then draw a walk to put runners at the corners with nobody out. Edwards, would come in to score as Bearden would reach on a fielder’s choice. Bannister, would be forced out at 2nd for the first out.
Keener, would get Jacson Rickett to line out to right and Horner to ground out to 1st to end the inning as the Dragons picked up the 17-4 win in 5 innings.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 3-4 with 2 doubles, 1 home run, 3 runs scored, and 3 RBI
Trey Payne: 1-2 with 1 single, 2 walks, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI
Cade Sutton: 3-4 with 2 doubles, 1 single, 2 runs scored, and 2 RBI
Kam Jenkins: 1-4 with 1 single, and 1 RBI
Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 walk, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI
Dawson Holloand: 3-4 with 1 single, 1 double, 2 runs scored, and 2 RBI
Tyler Payne: 1 walk
Christian Starks: 2-4 with 2 singles, 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI
A.J. Rice: 4-4 with 4 singles, 3 runs scored, and 1 RBI (4 IP, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 5 K on 64 pitches)
JP Nunn: 2 runs scored
Cason Cannon: 1 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 H, 1 BB on 14 pitches
With the win, the Dragons now have swept their 4th straight region series. They have now won 12 games in a row. Next week, the Dragons will begin their final series in 7-AAA play as they take on the Lumpkin County Indians. Game one of the three game series will be in Jasper on Tuesday, April 9th. First pitch time set for 5:55 pm.
Dragons win second straight 7-AAA Region Championship
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 5, 2024
Jasper, Ga — It was a windy but beautiful day on Thursday, April 4th as the Pickens Dragons hosted the Dawson Tigers for game two of their 3-game series. After taking game one in Dawsonville on Monday, the Dragons were looking to pick up another series win and possibly a region championship. The Tigers, were looking to even up the series and force a rubber game on Friday. In what was a back and forth contest, the Dragons picked up a hard fought 3-2 win in 9 innings.
In the top of the first, Dragons starter James Tilley, worked around a 1-out single by Jacson Rickett as he picked up 2 strikeouts and a ground out. In the bottom of the frame, Connor Shouse led off by drawing a walk. The pick off attempt by Tigers starter Trey Harvey, got by the 1st baseman and allowed Shouse to advance all the way to 3rd. Trey Payne, would then hit a pop fly to the 2nd baseman.
Shouse, was able to score on the play to make it 1-0 Dragons. After a 1-out single by Cade Sutton, Harvey’s pick off attempt would be successful for the 2nd out. Kam Jenkins, kept the bottom of the first alive for the Dragons as he reached with a 2-out single. Harvey, would get out of the inning as he forced a pop out to 2nd by Trace Ledbetter. Going to the second, Pickens led Dawson, 1-0.
In the top half of the second, Tilley, would strike out the side to send it to the bottom half of the second. In the bottom of the second, Dawson Holland would lead off by drawing a walk on a full count. Holland, would then advance to 2nd after a wild pitch. Tyler Payne, would move Holland over to 3rd after a ground out. Christian Starks, would bring in Holland with an RBI single to make it 2-0 Dragons going to the third.
In the top of the third, Tilley, continued his good start to the ball game as he tossed a scoreless frame with three ground outs. In the bottom of the third, Harvey, would toss his first 1-2-3 inning as he forced two ground outs to the first baseman Preston Bannister, and picked up his first strikeout of the game. Going to the fourth, Pickens led Dawson, 2-0.
After picking up his 6th strikeout to begin the fourth inning, Tilley would hit Julian Horner with a pitch to put him on base with 1-out. Elijah Odom, would then beat out an infield single and Horner and Odom would advance after an error. Horner, would come in to score after a wild pitch to cut the lead to 2-1. After advancing to 3rd on that same wild pitch, Odom, would score on an RBI single by Davis Glass to tie it up at 2 going to the bottom of the fourth.
In the bottom of the fourth, Ledbetter would reach after a 1-out single. Ezra Faber, would come in to pitch runner for Ledbetter and he would advance to 2nd after a wild pitch. Harvey, would get out of the inning after a strikeout, and a nice diving play by Bannister to rob Tyler Payne of a would-be hit and possible RBI. Going to the fifth, Pickens and Dawson were tied at 2.
Tilley, settled down in the top of the fifth as he picked up his 7th strikeout of the game, a fly out, and a ground out. In the bottom of the fifth, A.J. Rice would draw a 1-out walk to reach base. Rice, would be forced out at 2nd as Shouse would reach on a fielder’s choice. Shouse, would steal 2nd to put himself in scoring position. Trey Payne, would draw a walk to put 2 runners on with 2-outs. Shouse, would advance to 3rd on the play as ball 4 got away from the catcher.
Trey Payne, would steal 2nd to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with 2-outs. Harvey, would get out of the jam as he took a come backer to 1st base himself for the 3rd out to send it to the sixth with the score tied at 2.
In the top of the sixth, Tilley, got the first two outs of the inning by taking a come backer to 1st by himself, and forcing a ground out to Rice at 2nd. Odom, kept the inning going for the Tigers as he reached with a 2-out double. Trey Payne, nearly made a diving catch on the play. The Dragons, would then choose to intentionally walk Glass. Tilley, would get out of the 6th as Joshua Priest would pop out to Ledbetter at 1st for the third out.
Trace Ledbetter, would hit a single past the shortstop for a 1-out knock. The Tigers, would get their 2nd runner of the night as Ledbetter would be caught trying to take 2nd on a steal attempt. Harvey, would get out of the sixth with a strikeout to send it to the seventh with the game all knotted up at 2.
In the top of the seventh, Dylan Edwards would draw a 1-out walk to get on base. Bannister, would then reach on what would have been a sacrifice bunt, but miscommunication between the Dragons defense would lead to runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Edwards, would advance to 3rd and Bannister would be forced out at 2nd as Sawyer Bearden would reach on a fielder’s choice.
Rickett, would then be hit by a pitch to load the bases up with 2-outs. Cason Cannon, would come on in relief of Tilley and he would be tasked with getting out of the jam. Get out of it he did as he forced a grounder to Sutton who would step on the bag at 3rd to for the final out of the inning. In the bottom of the seventh, Starks, would reach with a 1-out single.
Banks Hickman, who came on in relief of Harvey, got out of the seventh as he forced a fly out to left center for the third out. Pickens and Dawson would head to extra innings tied at 2.
In the top of the eighth, Horner, would lead off by being hit by a pitch. Horner, would then advance to 2nd as Glass would lay down a sacrifice bunt. Cannon, would get out of the eighth with a fly out and a ground out to keep the score tied at 2. Trey Payne, would lead off the bottom of the frame by drawing a walk on a full count.
In an odd play, Sutton, would be called out due to interference as he was ruled to be outside the base path after Hickman’s throw hit Sutton in the foot. The call negated what would have been a sacrifice bunt, and Payne would be forced to go back to 1st. Payne, would then steal 2nd straight up to advance into scoring position. After a fly out by Jenkins, Ledbetter would be intentionally walked to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 2-outs.
Hickman and the Tigers, would get out of the eighth as Holland would be thrown out after a dropped 3rd strike. Going to the ninth inning, the game was still tied up at 2.
In the top of the ninth, Bannister would reach by drawing a 1-out walk. Rickett, would keep the inning alive for the Tigers as he drew a 2-out walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Both runners would advance to 2nd and 3rd after a wild pitch. Cannon, got out of the ninth after a ground out to short for the third out. Going to the bottom of the ninth, Pickens and Dawson were still tied at 2.
In the bottom of the ninth, Tyler Payne, would lead off the inning by being hit by a pitch on a 3-2 count to reach. Kyle Grno, would come on to pitch run for him. Starks, would also get hit by a pitch as he was trying to lay down a bunt. After being down for a second, Starks, popped up and headed over to 1st. Rice, would then try to bunt the runners over, but the bunt attempt went foul for the first out.
Shouse, would then be unintentionally intentionally walked to load the bases with 1-out. Hickman, would get the second out via strikeout. On the first pitch of the at bat, Sutton, would be hit by a pitch and Grno would come in to score as the Dragons picked up the 3-2 win and their second straight 7-AAA Region Championship.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 2 walks, 1 stolen base, 1 run scored
Trey Payne: 2 walks, 2 stolen bases, 1 RBI
Cade Sutton: 1-4 with 1 single, and 1 hit by pitch
Kam Jenkins: 1-4 with a single
Trace Ledbetter: 2-3 with 2 singles and a walk
Dawson Holland: 1 walk, and 1 run scored
Tyler Payne: 1 hit by pitch
Christian Starks: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 hit by pitch, and 1 RBI
A.J. Rice: 1 walk
Kyle Grno: 1 run scored
James Tilley: 6.2 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 1 IBB, 2 HBP, 7 K on 105 pitches
Cason Cannon: 2.1 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 H, 2 BB, 1 HBP, 1 K on 38 pitches
The Dragons and Tigers, will conclude their 3-game set on Friday, April 5th as the series goes back to Dawsonville. First pitch is set for 5:55 pm.
Dragons score 21 runs in series opener against Dawson
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 2, 2024
Dawsonville, Ga — There was Monday Night Baseball on Monday, April 1st as the Pickens Dragons traveled to Dawsonville to take on the Dawson Tigers in game one of their 3-game series. Coming into the game, the Dragons, were ranked #2 in 3A, 18-3 overall, 11-1 in 7-AAA, and riding a 9-game win streak. The Tigers, came into the game ranked 7th in 3A, 14-6 overall, and 8-4 in 7-AAA. The Dragons, scored 9 runs in the second inning on the way to a 21-2 win.
In the top of the first, Tigers starter Chase Gravitt, got the Dragons in order with a ground out, a fly out, and a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, Jacson Rickett reached with a 1-out double. Julian Horner then reached to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Rickett and Horner, would then advance on a wild pitch. Elijah Odom, would bring in Rickett with an RBI ground out to make it 1-0 Tigers.
Davis Glass, would drive in Horner with a single to make it 2-0. Dragons starter Connor Shouse, would force a ground out for the 3rd out to send it to the second inning with Dawson leading Pickens, 2-0.
Kam Jenkins, got the top of the second started with a lead off single. Trace Ledbetter, would follow that up with a single of his own to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Dawson Holland, would then reach on an infield single to load the bases with nobody out. Tyler Payne, would draw a walk with the bases loaded and courtesy runner JP Nunn would come in to score to make it 2-1.
Christian Starks, would be hit with the first pitch he saw and Ledbetter would come in to tie the game at 2. A.J. Rice, would reach on an error, which would allow Holland to come in and score to give the Dragons a 3-2 lead. Shouse, would keep the line moving as he drove in pitch runner Coleman Keener and Starks with a 2-RBI single to make it 5-2. Rice, would come in to score to make it 6-2 after Trey Payne was thrown out on a dropped 3rd strike.
Jenkins, after starting the inning, came back up to bat with 2-outs. Jenkins, would get his 2nd hit of the frame as he sent one over the fence for a 2-run home run driving in Shouse and himself to make it 8-2. Ledbetter, in his 2nd at bat of the inning, hit his 2nd home run of the season to put the Dragons up 9-2. After Holland got hit with a pitch, the Tigers would finally get out of the inning to send it to the bottom of the second, Pickens leading Dawson, 9-2.
In the bottom of the second, Shouse, got the Tigers in order with 2 pop outs and a strikeout to send it to the third with Pickens leading Dawson, 9-2.
In the top of the third, Starks, would lead off with a single. After Rice flew out to right for the 1st out, Starks, would steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Shouse, would be hit with a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Starks, would come around to score from 2nd after Trey Payne reached on an error. Shouse and Payne, would pull off a double steal to advance to 2nd and 3rd.
Cade Sutton, would drive in both Shouse and Payne with a double to make it 12-2. Sutton, would advance to 3rd after a ground out by Jenkins. Ledbetter, would reach base after being hit with a pitch to put runners on the corners with 1-out. Holland, would bring in Sutton with an RBI double to make it 13-2. A single by Tyler Payne would drive in both Ledbetter and Holland to make it 15-2 Dragons going to the bottom of the third.
In the bottom of the third, after two quick outs, Horner, kept the inning alive by drawing a walk. Odom, then reached on a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Horner and Odom would then advance to 2nd and 3rd after a wild pitch. The Tigers, would leave those runners stranded as Shouse would pick up a strikeout to send it to the fourth with Pickens leading Dawson, 15-2.
Rice, would lead off the top of the fourth by drawing a walk on a full count. Rice, would then advance to 2nd on a passed ball. After another passed ball, Rice, would find himself at 3rd. Trey Payne, would bring in Rice with an RBI ground out to make it 16-2 going to the bottom of the fourth. The bottom of the fourth was much like the previous inning as the Tigers were looking to get something going with 2-outs.
Trey Harvey, would draw a walk on a full count to reach base. Preston Bannister, would also reach base by drawing a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Sawyer Bearden, would draw the 3rd walk of the inning on a full count to load the bases. Shouse, got out of the jam as Rickett flew out to center for the 3rd out. Going to the fifth, Pickens led Dawson, 16-2.
Kyle Grno, would come on to hit for the Dragons to lead off the top of the fifth and he would reach base on an error. Dylan Walls, would reach after a 1-out single to put runners at 1st and 2nd. A grounder by Sam Hammontree would advance both Grno and Walls to 2nd and 3rd with 2-outs. Starks, would draw a walk on a full count to load the bases. Rice, would also draw a walk to bring in Grno to make it 17-2 Dragons.
Shouse, would clear the bases after a grand slam to make it 21-2 Dragons. The Tigers, would get out of the fifth after a fly out. Going to the bottom of the fifth, Pickens led Dawson, 21-2. Tate Hales, came on in relief of Shouse in the bottom of the fifth. Hales, would toss a scoreless frame with 2 ground outs and a fly out as the Dragons would take game 1, 21-2 in 5 innings.
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 2-4 with a single, a home run, 1 HBP, 1 steal, 3 runs scored, and 6 RBI (4 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 H, 4 BB, 6 K, on 85 pitches)
Trey Payne: 1 steal, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI
Cade Sutton: 1-4 with 1 double, 1 run scored, and 2 RBI
Kam Jenkins: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 home run, 1 run scored, and 2 RBI
Trace Ledbetter: 2-3 with a single, a home run, 3 runs scored, and 1 RBI
Dawson Holland: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 double, 1 HBP, 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI
Tyler Payne: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 walk, and 3 RBI
Christian Starks: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 walk, 1 HBP, 3 runs scored, and 1 RBI
A.J. Rice: 2 walks, 3 runs scored, and 1 RBI
Dylan Walls: 1-1 with a single, and 1 run scored
Kyle Grno: 1 run scored
Coleman Keener: 1 run scored
JP Nunn: 1 run scored
Tate Hales: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, on 12 pitches
With the win, the Dragons run their win streak up to 10 games. The series will now shift over to Jasper as game 2 will be played at Dunn Field on Thursday, April 4th. First pitch time set for 5:55 pm.
Dragons win 9th straight game; sweep Bobcats
PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports March 30, 2024
Jasper, Ga — It was another beautiful day for high school baseball as the Pickens Dragons welcomed the Gilmer Bobcats to Dunn Field on Friday, March 29th for the third and final game of their series in 7-AAA. The Dragons, by virtue of taking the first two games, won the series and were looking to complete the sweep. The Bobcats, came in looking to steal a game. Prior to the ball game, PHS recognized Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day. A 5-run 2nd and a 4-run 6th helped the Dragons get the sweep, 10-3.
In the top of the first, Eli Cooper reached on an infield single with 1-out. Cooper, would advance to 2nd as Noah Gutillo grounded out to 1st. Dragons starter A.J. Rice, would then get Ethan McCollum to ground out to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, Connor Shouse, would lead off by getting hit with the first pitch. Shouse, would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position.
Shouse, would then steal 3rd. He would come in to score on a throwing error by the catcher to make it 1-0 Dragons going to the top of the second.
In the top of the second, Hayden Berry would be hit by a pitch to reach base to start the inning. A sacrifice bunt by Austin Zabala would advance Berry to 2nd. Rice, would collect his 2nd and 3rd strike outs to send it to the bottom of the 2nd. In the bottom of the inning, Dawson Holland would reach with a 1-out double. Christian Starks, would drive Holland in with a 2-out double to make it 2-0 Dragons.
Rice, would then be hit with a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Shouse, would reach with a single to load the bases. Trey Payne, would bring in Starks and courtesy runner Ezra Faber in with a 2-RBI single to make it 4-1 Dragons. Shouse and Payne, would then pull off a double steal. A single by Cade Sutton would drive in Shouse and Payne to make it 6-0 Dragons going to the third.
In the top of the third, Rice, would collect his 4th strikeout for the first out. Blake Grizzle, would put the Bobcats on the board with a solo home run to left field to make it 6-1. Gutillo, would keep the inning alive with a 2-out single. McCollum, would bring Gutillo around to score with an RBI double to make it 6-2. Berry, would then be hit with a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd.
Rice, would get out of the third by picking up his 6th strikeout of the game to keep the score at 6-2 in favor of Pickens. In the bottom of the third, Trace Ledbetter, would lead off with a double. After a long at bat, Holland would send a fly ball out to right field that would advance Ledbetter to 3rd. Bobcats starter Dalton Crisp, would get out of the third with a strikeout and ground out. Going to the fourth, Pickens led Gilmer, 6-2.
Mel Mosley, would lead off the fourth with a single. After Rice picked up his 7th strikeout, Haden West and Grizzle would hit back to back singles to load the bases with 1-out. Cooper, would bring in Mosley with sacrifice fly RBI to make it 6-3. Gutillo, would then reach base as Sutton couldn’t get the ball out of his glove cleanly. Rice, showed off some quick reflexes as he caught a come backer from McCollum to send it to the bottom of the fourth.
Crisp, would fire his first 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the fourth as they would head to the fifth, with Pickens leading Gilmer, 6-3.
Cason Cannon would come on in relief of Rice in the top of the fifth. Berry, would lead off the fifth with a double. Cannon, would then get Zabala with a strikeout for the first out. Mosley, would draw a 1-out walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. A grounder by Brandon Davis, would advance Berry and Mosley up to 2nd and 3rd with 2-outs. Cannon, would get out of the jam by forcing a fly out to left to send it to the bottom of the fifth, Dragons leading, 6-3.
Kam Jenkins, would look to get things going in the bottom of the fifth as he reached with a 1-out single. The Bobcat defense, would turn an inning ending double play to send it to the sixth with the Dragons still leading, 6-3.
Starks, would come on in relief of Cannon in the top of the sixth. Starks, would get the first two out of the sixth on 2 pitches. Gutillo, would keep the inning going for the Bobcats as he reached with a 2-out double. McCollum, looked like he had at least a double and it looked like the Bobcats would score a run, but Trey Payne would have other ideas as he made a diving catch in right field to send it to the bottom of the sixth, Pickens still ahead, 6-3.
Holland, would lead off the bottom of the sixth with a double. He would then advance to 3rd after a passed ball. Tyler Payne, who came on to pitch hit, would reach on a fielder’s choice as Holland would be thrown out at home. Starks, would reach on a fielder’s choice as there were now two outs. Ezra Faber, would come in to run for Starks. Rice, would drive in Faber with an RBI double to make it 7-3 Dragons.
Rice, would advance to 3rd on the throw. Shouse, would bring in Rice with an RBI single to make it 8-3. Shouse, would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Trey Payne, would reach base on an error. Shouse, would come in to score on the play to make it 9-3. After Payne stole 2nd, he would advance to 3rd as Sutton reached on an infield single. Jenkins, would then draw a walk to load the bases with 2-outs.
Ledbetter, would drive in Payne with an RBI single to make it 10-3. Sutton, would be tagged out at home trying to score from 2nd on the play. Going to the seventh, Pickens led Gilmer, 10-3.
JP Nunn, came on in relief of Starks in the top of the seventh. Berry, would lead off the inning by getting hit with a pitch. Nunn, would come back and get the first out of the frame with a strikeout. Mosley, would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Nunn, would then start a game ending 1-6-3 double play to seal the 10-3 win for the Dragons.
Stats for the Bobcats:
Blake Grizzle: 2-4 with a single, a home run, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored
Eli Cooper: 1-4 with a single and 1 RBI
Noah Gutillo: 2-4 with a single, a double, and 1 run scored
Ethan McCollum: 1-4 with a double, and 1 RBI
Hayden Berry: 1-1 with a double and 3 hit by pitch
Austin Zabala: 1 sacrifice bunt
Haden West: 1-2 with a single and a walk
Mel Mosley: 1-2 with a single, 2 walks, and 1 run scored
Stats for the Dragons:
Connor Shouse: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 hit by pitch, 4 steals, 1 RBI, and 3 runs scored
Trey Payne: 1-4 with a single, 2 steals, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored
Cade Sutton: 2-4 with 2 singles, 1 steal, and 2 RBI
Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with a single, and a walk
Dawson Holland: 2-3 with 2 doubles, and 1 run scored
Trace Ledbetter: 2-4 with 1 single, 1 double, and 1 RBI
Christian Starks: 1-3 with a double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored (1 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 H, 0 BB on 10 pitches)
A.J. Rice: 1-2 with a double, 1 hit by pitch, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored (4 IP, 3 R, 3 ER, 7 H, 7 K, 2 HBP on 79 pitches)
Ezra Faber: 2 runs scored
Cason Cannon: 1 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K on 20 pitches
JP Nunn: 1 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 HBP, 1 BB, 1 K on 17 pitches
7-AAA Baseball Standings:
Pickens: 18-3 (11-1)
Dawson: 14-6 (8-4)
Wesleyan: 8-9 (5-4)
Lumpkin: 10-10 (6-6)
White County: 10-11 (2-7)
Gilmer: 8-11 (2-7)
West Hall: 5-14 (2-7)
Next week, the two top ten ranked teams from 7-AAA will face off in a 3-game series as the Pickens Dragons will take on the Dawson Tigers. Game one of the series is set for Tuesday, April 2nd in Dawsonville with a first pitch start time of 5:55 pm. As of now, there is a chance for rain on Tuesday. We’ll keep you updated on any schedule changes that occur during the week.
Last second free throws sink Dragons seven game win streak
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 27, 2024
Dawsonville, Ga — On Friday, January 26th, the Pickens Dragons began a four game road trip inside region play as they headed to Dawson County to take on the Dawson Tigers. Coming into the game, the Dragons were 15-5, 6-1 in 7-AAA play, and riding a 7 game winning streak. The Tigers, came into the game 11-9, 4-4 in 7-AAA play, and looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Gilmer on Tuesday. On Friday, late game free throws from Trey Harvey and Caden Reed, helped propel the Tigers to a 50-48 win.
The first quarter began with McCord Purdy hitting a corner three to make it 3-0 Dragons. Parker Davis, followed with a lay up to make it 5-0. The Tigers got on the board after Reed drove the baseline and laid it in for the score. After another Parker Davis layup, Joshua Priest hit a three to make it 7-5. Harvey, would then split a pair of free throws to make it 7-6 Dragons.
Back to back buckets by the Davis brothers and a pair of free throws by Purdy, gave the Dragons a 13-6 lead. A basket by Ethan Parker, would put an end to the 6-0 run and make it 13-8. Hayden Jones, would then hit a three to make it 16-8. A bucket by Samuel Glover would cut the Dragons lead down to 16-10 going to the second quarter.
Harvey, got things going in the second quarter with a basket to cut the lead to 4. Back to back buckets from Purdy and Dodge Davis, stretched the lead out to 20-12. After a timeout by Dawson, the Tigers would go on a 5-0 run as Parker made a basket and Reed hit a three pointer to make it 20-17. A three pointer by Caleb Lanford would make it a 6 point game. Back to back three pointers from Reed and Parker would tie the game at 23.
The Tigers, would close the first half on an 8-0 run as Harvey and Priest would help Dawson take a 31-26 lead into the break over Pickens.
The third quarter started with Dodge Davis making a layup, and Lanford hitting a pair of free throws to cut the lead down to 1. Both Harvey and Jones would then split free throws as the Tigers led, 32-31. After a three pointer by Reed, Lanford would get three the hard way as he made the lay up and the free throw to cut it back to 1. A three pointer by Priest would again make it a 4 point game. A layup by Parker Davis would then cut that in half.
After a pair of free throws from Harvey, the Dragons would close out the third quarter on a 7-0 run as Purdy, the Davis brothers, and Jones all contributed to the run. Going to the fourth quarter, the Dragons led the Tigers, 43-40.
The fourth quarter began with Harvey making two free throws to cut the lead to 1. A layup by Dodge Davis, would bring it back to a 3 point lead. Reed, would get the basket and the foul as he tied things up at 45 after the free throw. Purdy, would give the lead back to the Dragons with a three to put them up 48-45. Harvey, after getting fouled, would step to the line and hit both free throws to make it a 1 point game.
After a missed three point attempt by the Dragons, the Tigers put the ball in Harvey’s hands as he drove the lane with the seconds ticking down. Harvey would go up for a shot attempt, and would be fouled. Harvey, would make both free throws to put the Tigers up, 49-48. Purdy, looking to push the ball up the floor, passed it ahead to Jones. The ball was tipped out of bounds, which stopped the clock.
After it was called Dragon ball, the two closest officials to the play discussed it further and changed the call to Tiger ball. The Dragons, were then forced to intentionally foul as Reed would go to the line for two shots. Reed, would split the free throws to make it 50-48. A last second attempt from half court by Purdy wouldn’t fall and the Tigers would come away with the 50-48 win.
Scorers for the Dragons:
McCord Purdy: 15 points
Parker Davis: 10 points
Dodge Davis: 10 points
Caleb Lanford: 8 points
Hayden Jones: 5 points
Scorers for the Tigers:
Trey Harvey: 17 points
Caden Reed: 15 points
Joshua Priest: 9 points
Ethan Parker: 7 points
Samuel Glover: 2 points
7-AAA Standings:
Gilmer: 14-6 (8-1)
Pickens: 15 -6 (6-2)
Dawson: 12-9 (5-4)
Lumpkin: 10-11: (4-5)
Wesleyan: 8-13 (3-5)
White County: 6-15 (2-6)
West Hall: 5-15 (2-7)
The Dragons, will be back in action on Tuesday, January 30th as they take on the Lumpkin Indians in what will be an interesting match up in 7-AAA. Both teams are coming off having 7 game win streaks snapped. The Dragons, defeated the Indians in Jasper on December 15th, but the Indians have been playing much better since that game. Tip off is set for 7:30.