GAC Spartans Archives - PickensPickens

Dragons capture 6-AAA Region Championship

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 18, 2026 , by RJ Casey

Jasper, Ga — It all came down to the regular season finale on Friday, April 17th as the Pickens Dragons took on the Greater Atlanta Christian School Spartans at Dunn Field. A win for the Dragons, would secure another region title and, a top 8 seed in next week’s AAA State Tournament. A six run fifth inning helped the Dragons push past the Spartans to pick up the win 9-1 and become the 2026 6-AAA region champions.

Dragons starter Everett Grubbs, would toss a scoreless top of the first with a pair of strikeouts and a ground out. In the bottom of the frame, Jennings Allen, would reach with a ground rule double. Kam Jenkins, would drive in Allen with an RBI single to make it 1-0 Dragons. The Spartans, would get out of the first with a fly out and a strikeout. Heading to the second, Pickens led GAC, 1-0.

In the top of the second, E. Grubbs, would work around a 1-out single by E. Hill as he picked up a ground out and his 3rd and 4th strikeout of the game. In the bottom of the second, Christian Starks, would keep the inning alive for the Dragons by drawing a walk after falling behind 0-2. Starks, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. The Spartans, would get out of the second with a pop out. The Dragons still led it, 1-0.

E. Grubbs, would continue his hot start to the ball game with a 1-2-3 top of the third as he picked up a fly out, a pop out, and a ground out. In the bottom of the third, Robert Turner, would lead off with a single. After a line out, Turner, would swipe 2nd to advance into scoring position. The Spartans, would get out of the third with a line out and a pop out. Pickens, still led GAC, 1-0.

After a ground out to start the top of the fourth, I. Cobbs, would reach with a 1-out single. J. Givens, would follow that with a single of his own to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. A ground out to 3rd, would advance both runners up a base. E. Grubbs, would get out of the fourth with a strikeout. E. Grubbs, would look to start a rally as he would reach with a 1-out single. The Spartans, would get out of the fourth with a double play to keep the score at 1-0.

E. Grubbs, would toss a scoreless top of the fifth with a pair of strikeouts and a ground out. Starks, would lead off the bottom of the fifth with a single. Matthew Davis and Turner, would reach with back to back bunt singles to load the bases. A 2-RBI single from Allen, would bring in both Starks and Davis to make it 3-0. Turner, would advance to 3rd on the play. Allen, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position.

A 2-RBI single from Jenkins, would drive in both Turner and Allen to make it 5-0 Dragons. Jenkins, would advance to 2nd on the play. After a pop out, Truitt Grubbs, would be hit with a pitch. A balk would then be called as courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff and T. Grubbs would move up a base. E. Grubbs, would help himself out by driving in both Kirchoff and T. Grubbs with a 2-RBI single to make it 7-0.

A.J. Rice, would keep the line moving with a 1-out double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. The Spartans, would get out of the fifth after turning a 9-2 double play. Heading to the sixth, the Dragons led the Spartans, 7-0.

E. Grubbs, would head back to the mound after that long half inning. He would pick up a pair of strikeouts to start the top of the sixth. Cobbs, would keep the inning going for the Spartans by drawing a 2-out walk. Givens, would follow that by drawing a walk of his own to put runners at 1st and 2nd. E. Grubbs, would get out of the sixth with a ground out. Davis, would lead off the bottom of the sixth by drawing a four pitch walk.

Davis, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Turner, would bring in Davis with an RBI triple to make it 8-0. Allen, would then draw a walk to put runners at corners with nobody out. The Dragons, would then pull off a double steal as Allen would take 2nd, and Turner would swipe home to make it 9-0. Jenkins, would reach with a single to once again put runners at the corners.

The Spartans, would turn a double play as the first baseman would catch a line drive and step on 1st to get the runner. Truitt Grubbs, would then draw a walk to put runners at the corners with 2-out. The Spartans, would get out of the sixth as T. Grubbs, would be forced out at 2nd.

E. Grubbs, would come back out for the top of the seventh looking to finish it off. After picking up a ground out, D. Fernandez, would reach on an error. Fernandez, would then advance to 2nd after a balk was called. After a pop out, P. Wilson, would bring in Fernandez with a single. Jenkins, would intercept the throw home to throw out Wilson trying to take 2nd on the play to end the game a seal the 9-1 win for the 6-AAA Region Champion Pickens Dragons.

Stats for the Dragons:

Robert Turner: 3-4 with 2 singles, 1 triple, 1 RBI, 2 steals, and 2 runs scored

Jennings Allen: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 ground rule double, 1 walk, 2 steals, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Kam Jenkins: 3-4 with 3 singles, and 3 RBI

Truitt Grubbs: 1 hit by pitch, 1 walk, and 1 run scored

Everett Grubbs: 2-3 with 2 singles, 2 RBI, and 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R/0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K on 95 pitches

A.J. Rice: 1-3 with 1 double

Christian Starks: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 walk and 1 run scored

Matthew Davis: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 walk, and 2 runs scored

Caden Kirchoff: 1 run scored

Final 6-AAA Standings:

Pickens: 27-3 (18-3) *region champs

North Hall: 24-6 (18-3)

GAC: 15-11 (13-8)

Dawson: 15-15 (12-9)

White County: 20-10 (12-9)

Lumpkin: 13-17 (8-13)

Chestatee: 7-23 (3-18)

Johnson-Gainesville: 0-26 (0-21)

With the win, the Dragons are guaranteed a top 8 seed in next week’s AAA State Baseball Tournament. At last check, the Dragons were ranked the #3 team in the PSR (Post Season Ranking). We will find out over the weekend where the Dragons are seeded and who their first round opponent will be. The first round will begin on Friday, April 24th with a doubleheader and the “if” game being on Saturday, April 25th.

Region championship to be decided in regular season finale

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 17, 2026 , by RJ Casey

Norcross, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, made their way down to Norcross on Thursday, April 16th to take on the Greater Atlanta Christian School Spartans in game two of a three game series. The Dragons, ame in looking for a series win and to move one step closer to a region title. The Spartans, came in looking to even up the series, and to help out North Hall in the process. A four run bottom of the fifth, helped the Spartans pull away and pick up an 8-4 victory.

The Dragons, would look to get going early as Robert Turner, would reach on a lead off double on the first pitch of the game. Jennings Allen, would then reach on an error as Turner would move up to 3rd on the play. Kam Jenkins, would bring in Turner with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 1-0 Dragons. Dawson Lowit, would reach with a 1-out single to put runners at 1st and 2nd.

Allen and Lowit, would move up a base after a ground out. The Spartans, would get out of the first with a strikeout. Christian Starks, would get the ball to start for the Dragons in game two. After picking up a line out and a ground out, I. Cobbs, would keep the bottom of the first going for the Spartans with a single. Starks, would get out of the first with a strikeout. Heading to the second, the Dragons led it, 1-0.

Everett Grubbs, would lead off the top of the second with a double. E. Grubbs, would advance to 3rd after a ground out. Matthew Davis, would drive in E. Grubbs with an RBI single to make it 2-0. After a line out, Davis, would steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. The Spartans, would get out of the second with a ground out. E. Hill, would lead off the bottom of the second with a single.

After a strikeout, D. Fernandez, would reach with a 1-out single. Starks, would come back with his second strikeout of the inning. P. Wilson, would drive in both Hill and Fernandez with a 2-RBI double to tie the game. Starks, would get out of the second with a pop out. Heading to the third, the game was tied at 2.

Lowit, would look to start something for the Dragons in the top of the third as he would be hit by a pitch. He would be left stranded at 1st however as the Spartans would pick up a fly out and a ground out. After a strikeout to start the bottom of the third, Cobbs and J. Givens, would reach with back to back 1-out singles. Starks, would get out of the third after an infield fly and a strikeout to keep the game tied at 2 going to the fourth.

After two quick outs to start the top of the fourth, Davis, would reach with his second hit of the day with a double. Turner, would follow that up by drawing a walk. The Spartans, would get out of the fourth with a pop out. Truitt Grubbs, would come in to pitch for the Dragons in the bottom of the fourth. After a ground out, R. Williams, would give the Spartans the lead with a solo home run.

P. Wilson, would then be hit by a pitch. T. Grubbs, would force a pair of pop outs to get out of the fourth with just the one run given up. Heading to the fifth, the Spartans led the Dragons, 3-2.

In the top of the fifth, Lowit, would reach base for a third time as he would reach on an error. After a strikeout for the second out, Truitt and Everett Grubbs, would reach with back to back singles to load the bases. The Spartans, would get out of the fifth with a line out. Cobbs, would lead off the bottom of the fifth with his second infield single of the game. Givens, would follow that with his second hit to put runners at 1st and 2nd.

After a pop out, M. Trojanowski, would drive in Cobbs with an RBI double to make it 4-2. Fernandez, would then draw a walk to load the bases. After a pop out for the second out, P. Wilson, would clear the bases with a 3-RBI double to make it 7-2 Spartans heading to the sixth.

Davis, would lead off the top of the sixth by drawing a walk. Turner, would follow that by drawing a four pitch walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Allen, would reach with a single to load the bases. Jenkins, would bring in Davis after drawing the third walk of the inning to make it 7-3. The Spartans, would then trade the run for the outs as Turner would come in to score as GAC would turn a double play. The Spartans, would get out of the sixth with a pop out.

In the bottom of the sixth, T. Stopher, would hit a lead off home run to make it 8-4 Spartans. Cobbs, would follow that up with a single. After a fly out, Cobbs, would advance to 2nd on a ground out. Jackson Nunn, who came on to pitch for the Dragons in the bottom of the sixth, would pick up a strikeout to send it to the seventh with the Spartans leading, 8-4.

Truitt Grubbs, would lead off the top of the seventh by drawing a full count walk. Everett Grubbs, would follow that up by getting hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd. The would be left stranded as the Spartans would pick up a fly out, a pop out, and a force out as GAC would take game two, 8-4.

Stats for the Dragons:

Robert Turner: 1-3 with 1 double, 2 walks, and 2 runs scored

Jennings Allen: 1-4 with 1 single

Kam Jenkins: 1 walk and 2 RBI

Dawson Lowit: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 hit by pitch, and 1 RBI

Truitt Grubbs: 1-3 with 1 single, and 1 walk

Everett Grubbs: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 double, 1 hit by pitch, and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 3 IP, 6 H, 2 R/ER, 5 K on 60 pitches

Matthew Davis: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 double, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

It all comes down to Friday, April 17th. The final day of the regular season. The Pickens Dragons and the North Hall Trojans both enter the day tied at the top of the 6-AAA standings. The Trojans, will be at home taking on the Chestatee War Eagles, while the Dragons, will be at home to finish out the series against the GAC Spartans. Should both teams win, the Dragons, hold the tiebreaker by winning the series against the Trojans earlier in the season.

Same scenario if both teams should lose. If the Dragons win and the Trojans lose, the Dragons are the region champions and vice versa. Both games are scheduled to start at 6 pm. There will be plenty of eyes on both games.

Christian Starks Dawson Lowit Everett Grubbs GAC Spartans Jennings Allen Kam Jenkins Matthew Davis PHS Baseball Robert Turner Sports Truitt Grubbs

Rices tosses complete game against GAC

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 15, 2026 , by RJ Casey

Jasper, Ga — The final week of the regular season is upon us as the Pickens Dragons, took on the Spartans of Greater Atlanta Christian School in game one of a three game set on Tuesday, April 14th. Coming into the game, the Dragons, were up a game on North Hall atop the 6-AAA standings. The Spartans, were locked into the #3 seed from 6-AAA heading into their state tournament. The Dragons, behind a complete game from Auburn signee AJ Rice, took game one, 3-1.

Rice, would force a pop up on the second pitch of the game for the first out in the top of the first. the Spartans, would then pick up back to back singles from T. Stopher and I. Cobbs to put runners on 1st and 2nd with 1-out. J. Givens, would then reach on an error which would allow Stopher to score to make it 1-0 Spartans. A wild pitch, would move both Cobbs and Givens up a base.

Rice, would limit the damage as he picked up a strikeout and a ground out to send it to the bottom of the first. In the bottom half of the frame, Robert Turner, would get things started with a lead off single to left on the first pitch. Jennings Allen, would follow that with a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. Kam Jenkins, would drive in both Turner and Allen with a 2-RBI double to make it 2-1 Dragons.

Courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff, would then advance to 3rd after a pick off throw sailed into center field. Dawson Lowit, would be hit by a pitch to put runners on 1st and 3rd. Truitt Grubbs, would then draw a walk to load the bases with nobody out. Kirchoff, would come in to score after Christian Starks, would reach on a fielder’s choice. Lowit, would be forced out at 3rd on the play.

Everett Grubbs, would move his brother Truitt up to 3rd after a fly out to center. Starks, would then steal 2nd to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with 2-out. The Spartans, would get out of the first with a strikeout. Heading to the second, the Dragons led it, 3-1.

In the top of the second, Rice, would strikeout the side on 11 pitches to bring the bats back up for the Dragons. In the bottom of the second, Allen, would look to get something going after a pair of ground outs as he would reach with a 2-out single. Allen, would then steal 2nd, and then take 3rd after the throw got into the outfield. The Spartans, would get out of the second with a ground out. Heading to the third, it was still 3-1 Dragons.

In the top of the third, Rice, would pick up a strikeout and a ground out for the first two outs. Cobbs, would keep the inning alive for the Spartans by drawing a walk. Cobbs, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Rice, would get out of the third with a strikeout. Lowit, would lead off the bottom of the third by drawing a walk. The Spartans, would then turn a 4-6-3 double play. A fly out, would send it to the fourth with Pickens leading, 3-1.

Rice, would pick up his 7th and 8th strikeout to begin the fourth inning. D. Fernandez, would keep the inning going with a 2-out single. Fernandez, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. R. Williams, would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 2-out. Rice, would force a pop out to send it to the bottom of the fourth. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom of the fourth. Heading to the fifth, it was still 3-1 Dragons.

The Spartans, would again look for some 2-out magic as Cobbs, would reach with a single. He would be left stranded however as Rice would pick up his 10th strikeout of the game to send it to the bottom of the fifth. In the bottom of the fifth, the Dragons, would look to add to their lead as Jenkins would reach with a 2-out single. Lowit and T. Grubbs, would follow with back to back walks to load the bases.

The final out of the fifth would come after a little rundown as the Spartans would apply the tag at home to keep the Dragon lead at 3-1 heading to the sixth.

In what had been the case the last several innings, the Spartans, would try again to get something going with 2-outs as Fernandez would reach with his 2nd hit of the day. Rice, would pick up his 12th strikeout to send it to the bottom of the sixth with Pickens still ahead, 3-1. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom of the sixth on a pair of ground outs and a strikeout. Heading to the seventh, it was still 3-1.

Rice, would come back out for the seventh looking to finish this one off. Rice, would cap off a brilliant start with his 13 strikeout, a fly out, and a ground out as the Dragons picked up the 3-1 win in game one.

Stats for the Dragons:

AJ Rice: 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R/ER, 2 BB, 13 K on 104 pitches

Robert Turner: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 run scored

Jennings Allen: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 double, and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 double, and 2 RBI

Dawson Lowit: 1 HBP, and 2 walks

Truitt Grubbs: 2 walks

Christian Starks: 1 RBI

Caden Kirchoff: 1 run scored

The series will shift over to Norcross on Thursday, April 16th for game two of the three game series. A win for the Dragons would give them the series win and one step closer to another region championship. The Spartans, will look to even up the series, and help out North Hall in the process. First pitch for game two is set for 6 pm.

AJ Rice Caden Kirchoff Christian Starks Dawson Lowit GAC Spartans Jennings Allen Kam Jenkins PHS Baseball Robert Turner Sports Truitt Grubbs

Dragons run rule War Eagles to sweep series

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 11, 2026 , by RJ Casey

Gainesville, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, were back in Gainesville on Friday, April 10th as they took on the Chestatee War Eagles in their series finale. The Dragons, were looking for a series sweep, while the War Eagles were looking to build some momentum before the final week of the regular season. A 7 run fifth inning, helped the Dragons pick up a 12-0 win in game three.

Robert Turner, would lead off the top of the first with a single. Turner, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. After a line out and a pop out, A wild pitch, would advance Turner to 3rd. Dawson Lowit, would keep the inning alive by reaching on an error as Turner would come in to score to make it 1-0. Lowit, would move up to 2nd after a wild pitch. AJ Rice, would then draw a 2-out walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd.

Truitt Grubbs, would drive in Lowit with a single to make it 2-0 Dragons heading to the bottom of the first. Dragons starter Everett Grubbs, would pick up two quick outs to start the bottom of the first on a strikeout and a line out. C. Edmonson, would draw a 2-out walk to keep the inning going for the War Eagles. E. Grubbs, would pick up his second strikeout to send it to the second with the Dragons leading, 2-0.

The Dragons, would go down in order in the top of the second after a pair of pop outs and a line out. In the bottom of the second, E. Grubbs, would pick up pop out and a pair of strikeouts. Heading to the top of the third, Pickens, still led Chestatee, 2-0.

Kam Jenkins, would look to get a 2-out rally started for the Dragons in the top of the third with a single. Lowit, would follow that up by getting hit by a pitch. The War Eagles, would get out of the third with a pop out. E. Ertis, would lead off the bottom of the third with the first hit of the day for the War Eagles. E. Grubbs, would work around that as he picked up a strikeout, a pop out, and a line out. The Dragons led it, 2-0 heading to the fourth.

Christian Starks, would start the top of the fourth by reaching on a 1-out double. E. Grubbs, would then be hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. After a pop out, Turner, would drive in both Starks and courtesy runner Cal Morrison with a 2-RBI single to make it 4-0. Turner, would advance to 2nd on the play. Jennings Allen, would bring in Turner with an RBI single as the Dragons led the War Eagles 5-0 heading to the bottom of the fourth.

E. Grubbs, would toss another scoreless inning in the bottom of the fourth as he picked up a ground out and a pair of strikeouts to bring his total to seven for the game. Heading to the fifth, Pickens led Chestatee, 5-0.

Jenkins, would lead off the top of the fifth by reaching on an error. Lowit, would follow that up by getting hit by a pitch for the second time. After a pop out, T. Grubbs, would reach with a single to load the bases with 1-out. A single by Starks, would bring in courtesy runner Caden Kirchoff to make it 6-0. E. Grubbs, would help himself out as he would drive in pitch runner Tanner Bail and T. Grubbs with an RBI single to make it 8-0.

Matthew Davis, would then draw a walk to load the bases. Turner, would bring in Starks as he would reach on a fielder’s choice to make it 9-0. After Turner would steal 2nd, Morrison, the courtesy runner, and Turner, would come in to score after Allen would reach on a dropped third strike to make it 11-0. After a 2-out single by Jenkins to keep the inning going, Bail, would drive in Allen with a single to make it 12-0 heading to the bottom of the fifth.

Jackson Nunn, would come in to pitch for the Dragons in the bottom of the fifth. After a ground out, R. Head would reach on a 1-out single. Nunn, would come back with a strikeout for the second out. M. Allison, would then be hit by a pitch to keep the game alive for the War Eagles. Nunn, would pick up a ground out to seal the 12-0 win in five innings for the Dragons.

Stats for the Dragons:

Robert Turner: 2-4 with 2 singles, 2 steals, 3 RBI, and 3 runs scored

Jennings Allen: 1-4 with 1 single, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 2-4 with 2 singles

Dawson Lowit: 2 HBP, and 1 run scored

Tanner Bail: 1-1 with 1 single and 1 run scored

AJ Rice: 1 walk

Truitt Grubbs: 2-3 with 2 singles and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 double, and 2 runs socred

Everett Grubbs: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 HBP, 1 RBI, and 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 7 K on 49 pitches

Matthew Davis: 1 walk

Jackson Nunn: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R/ER, 1 HBP, 1 K on 11 pitches

Cal Morrison: 2 runs scored

Caden Kirchoff: 1 run scored

6-AAA Region Standings:

Pickens: 25-2 (16-2)

North Hall: 21-6 (15-3)

GAC: 14-9 (12-6)

Dawson: 13-14 (10-8)

White County: 17-10 (9-9)

Lumpkin: 12-14 (7-11)

Chestatee: 7-20 (3-15)

Johnson-Gainesville: 0-23 (0-18)

The Dragons, will wrap up the regular season with a three game series against Greater Atlanta Christian School beginning on Tuesday, April 14th at Dunn Field in Jasper. First pitch is set for 6 pm.

AJ Rice Caden Kirchoff Cal Morrison Chestatee War Eagles Christian Starks Dawson Lowit Everett Grubbs GAC Spartans Jackson Nunn Jennings Allen Kam Jenkins Matthew Davis PHS Baseball Robert Turner Sports Tanner Bail Truitt Grubbs

Dragons split in season series with Spartans

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 4, 2026 , by RJ Casey

Jasper, Ga — It was Senior Night inside the Dragons Den on Tuesday, February 3rd as the Pickens Dragons took on the GAC Spartans in 6-AAA action. Like the Nettes, the Dragons, came into the game riding a four game win streak and were also looking to get a win back against the Spartans. The Dragons, had three score in double figures on the night as they picked up the win, 66-55.

Kenneth Braswell Jr, would get things going with a basket to make it 2-0 Spartans. A jumper by DJ Mitchell, would tie the game. After Braswell Jr split a pair of free throws, Ledger Kincaid, would give the Spartans a three point lead with a bucket. Brody Bryant, would tie the game with a three. A layup by Baer Bailey, would put the Spartans up by two. A layup by Bryant, would once again tie the game.

A three by Adrian Hughes, would make it 10-7. Bryant, would hit his second three of the first half to tie the game at 10 heading to the second quarter.

The Spartans, would retake the lead to start the second quarter as Christian Wofford, would hit a three to make it 13-10. A layup by Senior Hayden Jones, and a three by the other Senior, McCord Purdy, would make it 15-13 Dragons. Mitchell, would cap off the run with his second field goal as the Dragons would take a four point lead. A 5-0 run by Bailey, would give the Spartans a one point advantage.

Purdy, would respond with a 5-0 run of his own to put the Dragons up 22-18. Braswell, Jr, would then complete an and-1 play to trim the lead to one. After Camden Jones split a pair of free throws, Aiden Mumaw, would get a bucket to drop as the Dragons would extend the lead back to four. After another basket by Bailey, Mitchell, would split a pair of free throws to make it 26-23. A late bucket by Hughes, would cut the lead to 26-25 heading to the break.

Bryant, would open the second half with his third three of the game to give the Dragons a four point lead. After a basket by Bailey, Hayden Jones and Bryant, combined to go on a 5-0 run to make it 34-27. Back to back buckets by Hughes, would trim the lead to three. A layup by Mumaw, would make it 36-31. After a layup by Bailey, Mumaw, would complete the and-1 play to make it 39-33.

After Hughes and Hayden Jones traded buckets, DJ Newman, would complete an and-1 play and Bailey would cut the lead to one with a basket. Mumaw, would put the Dragons up by three after a layup. Bailey, would then split a pair of free throws as the Dragons led it, 43-41. Mumaw, would then go on a 5-0 run to stretch the lead out to 48-41. After another basket by Bailey, Purdy and Mumaw would end the third on a 5-0 run as the Dragons led it, 53-43.

Damon Horton, would get into the score book to start the fourth quarter by completing an and-1 play to trim the lead to seven. Purdy, would then go on a 5-0 run to stretch the lead out to 58-46. The Spartans, would respond with a 5-0 run of their own to cut the lead back to seven. Mumaw, Mitchell, and Hayden Jones, would combine to go on an 8-0 run to give the Dragons a 66-51 lead.

A three by Wofford, would end the run and make it 66-54. Wofford, would then split a pair of free throws as the Dragons were able to run out the rest of the clock to come away with a big 66-55 win.

Leading scorers for the Dragons:

Aiden Mumaw: 20 points

McCord Purdy: 16 points

Brody Bryant: 14 points

Hayden Jones: 8 points

DJ Mitchell: 7 points

Camden Jones: 1 point

The Dragons, will begin a three game road trip to end the regular season on Friday, February 6th when they head up to Cleveland to take on the White County Warriors. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.

Aiden Mumaw Brody Bryant Cam Jones DJ Mitchell GAC Spartans Hayden Jones Mccord Purdy PHS Basketball Senior Night Sports White County Warriors

Nettes defeat Lady Spartans in OT thriller

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 4, 2026 , by RJ Casey

Jasper, Ga — It was Senior Night on Tuesday, February 3rd as the Pickens Dragonettes, took on the Lady Spartans of Greter Atlanta Christian in a battle of the top two teams in 6-AAA. The Nettes, came into the game riding a four game win streak, and were looking to avenge an early season loss to the Lady Spartans. It took overtime, but the Nettes were able to pull off a big win, 62-59.

The Lady Spartans, would take an early lead to start the game as Milan Johnson would hit a three. The lone Senior for the Nettes, Ellison Steinhauer, would get the Nettes on the board with a layup. Johnson and Barri Newman, would then combine to go on an 8-0 run to make it 11-2. After a quarter of shots just not falling for the Nettes, a three by Freshman Darbi Stanley, would cut the lead to 11-5 heading to the second quarter.

Stanley, would begin the second quarter the way she ended the first quarter as her second three of the first half would cut the lead to 11-8. A bucket by Dru Jeckewicz, would make it a five point game. That basket would be the start of a 6-0 run by the Lady Spartans as they would take a 17-8 lead. A three by Reagan Ludington, would trim the lead down to six.

After a free throw make by the Lady Spartans, Steinhauer, would go on a 7-0 run to tie the game at 18. Another 6-0 run by the Lady Spartans, would give them a 24-18 lead. A layup by Khloe Pruett, would put an end to the run and make it 24-20. After a basket by Jeckewicz, Pruett, would hit a three to make 26-23. A layup by Newman, would again make it a five point game.

As the time drained down on the first half, Ludington, would slice through the defense and hit a floater to cut the Lady Spartans lead to 28-25 at the break.

Ludington, would start the second half with another bucket to cut it to 28-27. After a basket by Jeckewicz, Ludington would hit a long jumper to again make it a one point game. A 4-0 run by the Lady Spartans, would extend their lead back to five. A bucket by Steinhauer, would end the run and make it a three point game. Another 4-0 run by the Lady Spartans, would stretch the lead out to seven.

Ludington and Steinhauer, would respond by combining to go on a 5-0 run to cut the lead back down to two. After a basket by Onyekachi Ele-Oroko, Steinhauer and Skyler Lathem, would end the third quarter by combining to make six straight free throws to give the Nettes a 42-40 lead heading to the fourth quarter.

Jeckewicz, would begin the fourth quarter by making a pair of free throws to tie the game at 42. After a basket by Steinhauer, the Lady Spartans, would go on a 6-0 run to make it a four point game. The Nettes, would counter as Tania Rivera, Stanley, and Steinhauer would combine to go on an 8-0 run to make it 52-48. The Lady Spartans, would answer that by going on a 7-0 run to take a 55-52 lead.

With the clock winding down, Steinahuer, would take the layup to cut the lead to one. Jeckewicz, would make a pair of free throws to give the Lady Spartans a three point lead. With 6 seconds to go, the ball was in Steinhauer’s hands. She would get to a spot and put up a shot over two defenders and hit it to tie the game at 57 to send it to overtime.

Jermani Govan, would get things going in overtime with a layup to give the Lady Spartans a two point lead. A three by Steinhauer, would give the Nettes a one point advantage. Later on, Steinhauer, would make a pair of free throws to extend the lead to three. The Lady Spartans, would have a couple of chances to tie the game in the final seconds, but they would be no good as the Nettes come away with the win, 62-59.

Leading scorers for the Nettes:

Ellison Steinhauer: 32 points

Reagan Ludington: 11 points

Darbi Stanley: 9 points

Khloe Pruett: 5 points

Tania Rivera: 3 points

Skyler Lathem: 2 points

The Nettes, will begin a three game road trip to end the regular season on Friday, February 6th as they make the trip up to Cleveland to take on the White County Lady Warriors. Tip off is set for 6 pm.

Darbi Stanley Ellison Steinhauer GAC Spartans Khloe Pruett PHS Basketball Reagan Ludington Senior Night Skyler Lathem Sports Tania Rivera White County Lady Warriors

Dragons sweep Trojans to earn fourth straight win

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 31, 2026 , by RJ Casey

Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, were back on the home floor on Friday, January 30th as they welcomed the North Hall Trojans to the Dragons Den for another big time 6-AAA region ball game. The Dragons, came into the game riding a 3-game win streak and were looking to continue that while also earning a sweep of the Trojans. The third quarter would be the difference in this one as the Dragons would come away with a 73-59 win.

The Trojans, would split a pair of free throws to get the scoring going in the first quarter. After a layup by Hayden Jones gave the Dragons a 2-1 lead, Gunner Spain and Kenny Sullivan, would combine to go on a 6-0 run to make it 7-2 Trojans. A three by DJ Mitchell, would cut the lead to two. A three by Walker Vining, would give the Trojans a 10-5 lead. A 6-0 combined run by Brody Bryant, McCord Purdy, and Mitchell, would make it 11-10 Dragons.

Carter Causey, would split a pair of free throws to tie the game at 11. He would again split another pair of free throws to give the Trojans a one point lead. Purdy, would hit a three just before the buzzer to give the Dragons a 14-12 lead heading to the second quarter.

Jonah Jordan and Purdy would begin the second quarter with back to back baskets to make it 18-12. A three by Vining, would cut the lead in half. Mitchell and Purdy, would then combine to go on a 7-0 run to stretch the Dragons lead out to ten. Vining and Spain, would combine to go on a 6-0 run to trim the lead down to four. A bucket by Jones, would make it a six point game.

Causey, would hit a three to once again cut the lead in half. Purdy and Spain would trade baskets to end the first half as the Dragons would take a 29-25 lead into the break.

Mitchell, would open up the second half with a three to make it 32-25. After a bucket by Vinings, Bryant, Mitchell, and Jones, would combine to go on an 8-0 run to give the Dragons a 40-27 advantage. Spain, would cut the lead to nine after back to back baskets. The two teams would then trade buckets until Vinings and Sullivan would go on a 4-0 run to make it 46-39.

Purdy and Mitchell, would end the third quarter by hitting back to back threes to give the Dragons a 52-39 lead over the Trojans heading to the fourth.

Back to back baskets by Sullivan and Spain to start the fourth quarter, would cut the Dragons lead to nine. Mitchell, would respond with back to back three pointers to make it 58-43. Sullivan and Aiden Mumaw, would then trade buckets as the Dragons led it, 60-47. After Purdy split a pair of free throws, Spain, would get a jumper to go to make it 61-49. The two Seniors, Jones and Purdy, would make it 65-49 after back to back baskets.

A 4-0 run by the Trojans, would cut the lead to twelve. Bryant, would extend the lead to fourteen after hitting a pair of free throws. A three by Drew Cronan, would trim the lead to eleven. Bryant, would split a pair of free throws to make it 68-56. A three by Spain, would cut the lead to single digits. Purdy and Mitchell, would end the game by making several free throws to give the Dragons a 73-59 victory.

Leading scorers for the Dragons:

DJ Mitchell: 28 points

McCord Purdy: 22 points

Brody Bryant: 9 points

Hayden Jones: 8 points

Aiden Mumaw: 4 points

Jonah Jordan: 2 points

6-AAA Boys Region Standings:

GAC: 10-10 (9-1)

Lumpkin: 18-3 (8-2)

Pickens: 12-9 (8-2)

Dawson: 11-10 (5-5)

North Hall: 9-12 (5-5)

White County: 4-17 (4-6)

Chestatee: 4-17 (1-9)

Johnson-Gainesville: 0-19 (0-10)

The Dragons, will be back home on Tuesday for the final time in the regular season as the take on the GAC Spartans on Tuesday, February 3rd. The Dragons, will be looking to split the season series with the Spartans. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

Aiden Mumaw Brody Bryant DJ Mitchell GAC Spartans Hayden Jones Jonah Jordan Mccord Purdy North Hall Trojans PHS Basketball Sports

Dragons have three score in double figures in win against Johnson

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 14, 2026 , by RJ Casey

Jasper, Ga — Coming off a tough loss in non-region play to Fannin last Saturday, the Pickens Dragons, were looking to get back in the win column on Tuesday, January 13th as they welcomed the Johnson-Gainesville Knights to the Dragons Den for a 6-AAA contest. A big first quarter for the Dragons, would propel them to a big 77-42 win over the Knights.

After a nearly three minute back and forth to start the game where neither team could get anything to fall, McCord Purdy, would make a layup to give the Dragons a 2-0 lead. A three by Payton Rose, would give the Knights a 3-2 lead. The Dragons, would counter with a 13-0 run led by Aiden Mumaw, DJ Mitchell, and Brody Bryant. Monty Young, would end the run with a high arching three pointer to cut the lead to 15-6.

The Dragons, would close the first quarter on a 14-o run. Bryant, Mumaw, Mitchell, Purdy, and Hayden Jones would all contribute to the run. Heading to the second quarter, Pickens led Johnson, 29-6.

Young, would start the second quarter with a basket to cut the lead to 29-8. Cam Jones and Jonah Jordan, would then combine to go on a 5-0 run to make it 34-8. After a three by Maddox Whitmire, the Dragons, would go on a 7-0 run. Jordan, Cam Jones, and Purdy, would contribute to the run. Rose, would score 8 straight for the Knights as that would cut the lead down to 41-19.

Just before the first half buzzer, Landon Rice, would hit a corner three to give the Dragons a 44-19 lead over the Knights heading to the break.

The Dragons, would begin the second half by going on an 8-0 run. Hayden Jones, Mitchell, and Mumaw, all scored during the run. After a basket by Richard Silva, Mumaw, Cam Jones, and Purdy, would combine to go on a 6-0 run to make it 58-21. Rose and Aidan Patterson, would go on a 5-0 run to make it 58-26 Dragons. Rice, would end the third quarter with a layup to make it 60-26 heading to the fourth.

Young, would split a pair of free throws to begin a shortened fourth quarter. Bryant and Hayden Jones, would then make back to back baskets to stretch the lead out to 64-27. Josh Smith and Brady Gobert, would hit back to back threes for the Knights to make it 64-33. Mumaw, would complete an and-1 play to make it 67-33. After a three by Patterson, Purdy and Mumaw would go on a 5-0 run to make it 72-36.

Gobert, would hit his second three of the quarter to end the run. Cam Jones and Jedidiah Lanford, would go on a 5-0 run to make it 77-39. A three by Jesus Contreras, would give us a final score of 77-42.

Scoring leaders for the Dragons:

DJ Mitchell: 13 points

Aiden Mumaw: 13 points

McCord Purdy: 13 points

Brody Bryant: 8 points

Cam Jones: 8 points

Hayden Jones: 8 points

Jonah Jordan: 6 points

Landon Rice: 5 points

Jedidiah Lanford: 3 points

6-AAA Boys Standings:

Lumpkin County: 15-1 (5-0)

Pickens: 8-8 (4-1)

GAC: 5-9 (4-1)

Dawson County: 9-7 (3-2)

North Hall: 6-10 (2-3)

White County: 2-14 (2-3)

Chestatee: 3-13 (0-5)

Johnson-Gainesville: 0-13 (0-5)

The Dragons, will be on the road on Friday, January 16th as they head down to GAC to take on the Spartans in a big region match up. The winner, will have 2nd place by themselves. Tip off is scheduled for 8:30 pm.

Aiden Mumaw Brody Bryant Cam Jones DJ Mitchell GAC Spartans Hayden Jones Jedidiah Lanford Johnson Knights Jonah Jordan Landon Rice Mccord Purdy PHS Basketball Sports

Dragons clinch spot in AAA playoffs

PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 18, 2025 , by RJ Casey

Gainesville, Ga — For the first time in over a month, the Pickens Dragons were on the road as they took on the Johnson Knights in 6-AAA action. With a win, the Dragons would secure a spot in the upcoming AAA playoffs and stay in the race for a first round home game. The Dragons, using a 35 point first quarter, came away with a 49-3 win.

The Knights, would win the toss and differ to the second half. They would start the game with a successful onside kick recovery. On the first offensive play from scrimmage, McCord Purdy, would pick off the pass attempt. The Dragons, would use the run game to March down the field. Tanner Bail, would then connect with Purdy for an 11-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 10:05 left in the first quarter, Pickens led Johnson, 7-0.

After a stop on fourth down by the defense, the Dragons, added to their lead after a 10-yd touchdown run by Cal Morrison. The PAT was good and with 7:25 left in the first quarter, Pickens led it, 14-0. The Dragons, would extend their lead in the first quarter after a 30-yd touchdown pass from Bail to Jaxon Carver to make it 21-0 with 5:15 left in the opening quarter.

A 34-yd run by Carson Mitton at the 2:20 mark, would put the Dragons up 28-0. As the first quarter was winding down, Ezra Faber, would get into the end zone after a 21-yd run to make it 35-0 Dragons heading to the second quarter.

The Knights, would put points on the board near the end of the first half as they would hit a 27-yd field goal to make it 35-3 with 3:03 left in the second quarter. The Dragons, would score on a 13-yd touchdown run by Ike Wyngaard just before the half ended to make it 42-3 heading into the break.

With a running clock established for the second half, the Dragons, would score the lone points in the second half late in the third quarter as Morrison would score on a 13-yd touchdown run. The final from Johnson High School, Pickens 49 Johnson 3.

6-AAA Region Standings:

North Hall: 8-0 (5-0)

Pickens: 7-1 (4-1)

GAC: 6-2 (4-1)

Lumpkin: 5-3 (3-2)

Dawson: 3-5 (2-3)

Chestatee: 3-5 (1-4)

White County: 1-7 (1-4)

Johnson-Gainesville: 0-8 (0-5)

The Dragons, will be back home next week as they take on the GAC Spartans on Friday, October 24th. As you can see from the standings above, the winner will have second place all to themselves heading into the final week of the regular season. This game came down to the wire last year, and this one is shaping up to be a good one as well. Kick off is set for 7:30 pm.

Cal Morrison Carson Mitton Ezra Faber GAC Spartans Ike Wyngaard Jaxon Carver Johnson Knights Mccord Purdy PHS Football Sports Tanner Bail

Dragons split doubleheader with GAC to end regular season

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 18, 2025 , by RJ Casey

Norcross, Ga — The regular season of high school baseball was winding down as the Pickens Dragons took to the road to take on the Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans in a doubleheader on Thursday, April 17th. By virtue of their win on Tuesday, the Dragons, locked up the #2 seed in 6-AAA with an outside shot at the #1 seed. The Spartans, came in wanting to improve their post season ranking before they go off to their tournament. The Spartans, would take game two, 5-3. The Dragons, would come back to take game three, 7-5.

Game 1:

A.J. Rice, would lead off the top of the first with a single. The Spartans, would then turn a 6-3 double play to clear the bases. Cade Sutton, would keep the inning alive with a 2-out single. Kam Jenkins, would follow that with a single of his own to put runners at 1st and 2nd. The Spartans, would get out of the first as Sutton would be caught trying to take 3rd on a double steal attempt.

Z. Koons, would lead off the bottom of the first by getting hit with the first pitch he saw. D. Watkins, would follow that up with a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. The Dragons, would then decide to intentionally walk J. Bowens to load the bases. After a strikeout, S. Phillips, would bring in Koons with an RBI ground out to make it 1-0 Spartans.

T. Joiner, would then draw a walk to load the bases with 2-out. The Dragons, would get out of the first with a ground out. Heading to the second, the Spartans were ahead, 1-0.

Sam Hammontree, would look to get something started as he would draw a walk with 1-out. After a pop out for the second out, Matthew Davis, would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Jennings Allen, would keep the inning going for the Dragons with a 2-out single to load the bases. Rice, would give the Dragons the lead with a bases clearing 3-RBI double. Christian Starks, would then reach on an error by the short stop to put runners at the corners.

The Spartans, would get out of the second with a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the second, H. Glime, would lead off with a single. P. Wilson, would follow that by drawing a walk. Dragons starter Christian Starks, would force Koons to ground into a 4-3 double play. Glime, would advance to 3rd on the play. Watkins, would then drive in Glime with an RBI single to make it 3-2 Dragons.

Starks, would get out of the second with a pop out. Heading to the third, the Dragons led the Spartans, 3-2.

The Dragons, would go down in order in the top of the third after a pair of pop outs and a strikeout. In the bottom of the third, Starks, would pick up his 2nd strikeout of the game for the first out. Philips, would reach after being hit by a pitch. After a ground out, M. Lazarus, would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Starks, would get out of the third with his 3rd strikeout. Heading to the fourth, the Dragons still led it, 3-2.

Dawson Holland, would lead off the fourth by drawing a full count walk. He would be left stranded as the Spartans would pick up a pair of strikeouts and a fly out to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom half of the fourth, Koons, would reach with a 1-out double. After a strikeout, Koons, would advance to 3rd after a throwing error. After intentionally walking Bowens, I. Cobb, would bring in both Koons and Bowens with a 2-RBI double.

The Dragons, would get out of the fourth with a strikeout. Heading to the fifth, the Spartans led the Dragons, 4-3.

The Dragons, would again go down quietly in the top of the fifth after a ground out, a fly out, and a dropped 3rd strike. After a fly out, Lazarus, would look to get something started for the Spartans by drawing a walk. Lazarus, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Glime, would follow that by drawing a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out.

Dylan Walls, would then come on in relief of Starks. After picking up a strikeout for the second out, Koons, would draw a walk to load the bases. Walls, would pick up a strikeout to get out of the fifth and keep it a 4-3 game heading to the sixth.

In the top of the sixth, Hammontree, would look to get a rally going as he drew his 2nd walk of the game. Holland, would then reach on an error by the 3rd baseman. Davis, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as pitch runner Caden Kirchoff, would be forced out at 3rd for the second out. The Spartans, would get out of the sixth with a strikeout. Bowens, would lead off the bottom of the sixth with a home run to make it 5-3 Spartans.

Cobbs, would follow that up with a single. Phillips, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as pitch runner R. Umphenour, would be forced out at 2nd. Walls, would get out of the sixth after forcing a double play. Heading to the seventh, the Spartans led the Dragons, 5-3.

After a ground out and a strikeout, Sutton, kept the game alive for the Dragons by drawing a full count walk. The Spartans, were able to close things out with a ground out to take game one of the doubleheader, 5-3.

Stats for the Dragons in game one:

A.J. Rice: 2-4 with 1 single, 1 double, and 3 RBI

Christian Starks: 4.1 IP, 4 R, 4 ER, 5 H, 5 BB, 5 K on 89 pitches

Cade Sutton: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 walk

Kam Jenkins: 1-4 with 1 single

Sam Hammontree: 2 walks and 1 run scored

Dawson Holland: 1 walk

Matthew Davis: 1 walk and 1 run scored

Jennings Allen: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 run scored

Dylan Walls: 1.2 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 2 K on 28 pitches

Game 2:

The Dragons, would go down in order in the top of the first after a strikeout, a ground out, and a fly out. In the bottom of the inning, Dragons starter Ezra Faber, would work around a pair of back to back hit batsmen to get out of an early jam with a pair of ground outs and a fly out. Heading to the second, the game was tied at 0.

Kam Jenkins, would lead off the top of the second with a single. The Spartans, would clear the bases with a 4-6-3 double play. A ground out, would get the Spartans out of the second. Faber, would only need 9 pitches to get out of the bottom of the second as he picked up a pair of ground outs and a line out. Heading to the third, the game was still tied at 0.

Dawson Holland, would lead off the third by reaching on an error by the 2nd baseman. Matthew Davis, would follow that with a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. After a strikeout, A.J. Rice, would reach on a fielder’s choice as Holland would be forced out at home. Christian Starks, would bring in Davis with an RBI single to make it 1-0 Dragons.

The Spartans, would get out of the third after Starks would be forced out at 2nd. Heading to the bottom of the inning, the Dragons led it, 1-0. In the bottom of the third, Z. Koons, would pick up the first hit for the Spartans with a 1-out single. Koons, would then advance into scoring position after stealing 2nd. After a line out, the Dragons would intentionally walk J. Bowens, Faber, would force a line out for the second out.

A 2-out RBI single by I. Cobbs, would bring in Koons to tie the game at 1. M. Lazarus, would then draw a walk to load the bases. Bowens, would come in to score after a wild pitch. H. Glime, would bring in both Cobbs and Lazarus with a 2-RBI single. Glime, would advance to 2nd on the throw. T. Stopher, would then be hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Faber, would get out of the inning after a fly out. Heading to the fourth, the Spartans led the Dragons, 4-1.

In the top of the fourth, Dawson Lowit, would reach with a 1-out single. Sam Hammontree, would follow that with a single of his own to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Holland, would then reach on an error by the 3rd baseman. Courtesy runner Drew Dunlap, would come in to score after a wild pitch to make it 4-2. Davis, would then draw a walk to load the bases.

Pitch runner Caden Kirchoff, would come in to score as Jennings Allen would reach on a fielder’s choice. The Spartans, would get out of the fourth with a ground out. Heading to the bottom of the inning, the Spartans led the Dragons, 4-3. Daven Abernathy, would come on in relief of Faber in the bottom of the fourth. After a strikeout, Koons, would reach with a 1-out double.

D. Watkins, would then get hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Bowens, would bring in Koons with an RBI single to make it 5-3. Abernathy, would get out of the fourth with a strikeout and a fly out.Heading to the fifth, the Spartans led the Dragons, 5-3.

Cade Sutton, would look to get something going for the Dragons as he drew a walk with 1-out. Jenkins, would follow that with a single. Lowit, would then draw a walk to load the bases with 1-out. Hammontree, would then draw the third walk of the inning to bring in Sutton to make it 5-4. Holland, would draw the fourth walk of the inning as Jenkins would come in to score to tie the game at 5.

After a strikeout, courtesy runner Drew Dunlap and Hammontree, would come in to score as Allen would reach on an error by the short stop. The Spartans, would get out of the fifth after Rice would be robbed of a potential home run. Heading to the bottom of the inning, the Dragons led the Spartans, 7-5. Glime, would lead off the bottom of the fifth by drawing a a walk.

Glime, would then be caught trying to steal 2nd. After picking up a strikeout for the second out, T. Joiner, would keep the inning going by drawing a walk. Joiner, would then advance to 2nd after a passed ball. Abernathy, would get out of the fifth with a strikeout. Heading to the sixth, the Dragons led the Spartans, 7-5.

In the top of the sixth, Jenkins, would pick up his third hit of the game with a 2-out single. That would be all for the Dragons in the sixth as the Spartans would pick up a strikeout and a pair of fly outs. Phillips, would be hit by a pitch to lead off the bottom of the sixth. After a fly out, Bowens, would be hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Jenkins, would come on in relief of Abernathy.

After a single by Cobbs to load the bases, Jenkins, would pick up back to back strikeouts to keep the Dragons in front. Heading to the seventh, the Dragons led the Spartans, 7-5.

The Dragons, would go down in order in the top of the seventh after a ground out, a fly out, and a strikeout. Heading to the bottom of the inning, the Dragons still led the Spartans, 7-5. After a fly out for the first out of the bottom of the seventh, Joiner and P. Wilson would draw back to back walks to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. A passed ball, would lead to both Joiner and Wilson moving up a base.

Jenkins, would settle down and strikeout the next two batters to seal the 7-5 win for the Dragons.

Stats for the Dragons in Game two:

Christian Starks: 1-4 with 1 single and 1 RBI

Cade Sutton: 1 walk and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 3-4 with 3 singles, 1 run scored and 1.2 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 H, 2 BB, 4 K on 33 pitches

Dawson Lowit: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 walk

Sam Hammontree: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Dawson Holland: 1 walk and 1 RBI

Matthew Davis: 1-3 with 1 double, 1 walk, and 1 run scored

Ezra Faber: 3 IP, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 H on 58 pitches

Daven Abernathy: 2.1 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 4 K on 52 pitches

Drew Dunlap: 2 runs scored

Caden Kirchoff: 1 run scored

The Dragons, finish the 2025 regular season at 25-5. They will represent 6-AAA as the #2 seed in next week’s AAA State Baseball Tournament. The Dragons, will find out their seeding and who they will be facing on Monday, April 21st. The first round best of three series, will take place at Dunn Field with a doubleheader on Friday, April 25th with the “if” game on Saturday, April 26th if necessary.

A.J. Rice Cade Sutton Caden Kirchoff Christian Starks Daven Abernathy Dawson Holland Dawson Lowit Drew Dunlap Dylan Walls Ezra Faber GAC Spartans Jennings Allen Kam Jenkins Matthew Davis PHS Baseball Sam Hammontree Sports

Six run first leads Dragons past Spartans

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 16, 2025 , by RJ Casey

Jasper, Ga — Tuesday, April 15th began the final week of the regular season for high school baseball. The Pickens Dragons, kicked off a crucial three game series with the Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans. A win for the Dragons would secure the #2 seed out of 6-AAA and lock up a home playoff series in the first round of the State Tournament next week. For the Spartans, they would need to sweep the series to overtake the Dragons for the #2 spot. A six run first inning and a gem thrown by A.J. Rice, led the Dragons to a 6-1 win.

In the top of the first, Rice, the Junior Auburn commit, would work around Denzell Watkins reaching on a 1-out error, and Ian Cobbs reaching on a 2-out single as he picked up a ground out and two strikeouts in a scoreless frame. In the bottom of the first, Rice, would lead off the inning with a solo home run to left center to put the Dragons ahead, 1-0. Christian Starks, would follow that by drawing a a full count walk to reach first.

Starks, would then advance to 2nd on a passed ball. Cade Sutton, would drive in Starks with an RBI single to make it 2-0 Dragons. Kam Jenkins, would keep the line moving with a single. After a fly out, Sam Hammontree, would draw a walk to load the bases with 1-out. Dawson Holland, would bring in Sutton as he reached on a fielder’s choice. An RBI single by Ezra Faber, would drive in courtesy runner Drew Dunlap to make it 4-0.

Jennings Allen, would bring in Holland with a single to make it 5-0. Allen and Faber, would then pull off a double steal as Allen took 2nd, and Faber swiped home to make it 6-0 Dragons heading to the second.

In the top of the second, Rice, would pick up a pair of strikeouts and a ground out to bring the bats back up for the Dragons. In the bottom of the second, Sutton, would reach with a 1-out single. Jenkins, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as Sutton would be forced out at 2nd. The Spartans, would get out of the second with a ground out. Heading to the third, Pickens led GAC, 6-0.

Trace Joiner, would lead off the top of the third by reaching on an error. After a fly out, Watkins, would reach with a 1-out single to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Courtesy runner Rider Umphenour, would then advance to 3rd after an error on a pick off attempt at 1st. Jakobi Bowens, would then draw a walk to load the bases with still just 1-out. Rice. would collect himself and strikeout the next two batters to send it to the bottom of the third.

Hammontree, would draw his 2nd walk of the game to lead off the bottom of the third. After a strikeout, Faber, would reach on a fielder’s choice as Hammontree would be forced out at 2nd. Faber, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. The Spartans, would get out of the third with a pop out. Heading to the fourth, Pickens still led GAC, 6-0.

In the top of the fourth, Rice, would work around a 2-out walk drawn by Trust Stopher to pick up a strikeout and a pair of ground outs to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fourth, Sutton, would look to get something going by drawing a a 2-out walk. The Spartans, would get out of the fourth as Sutton would be forced out at 2nd. Heading to the fifth, the Dragons led the Spartans, 6-0.

In the top of the fifth, Watkins, would reach with a 1-out single. Bowens, would then follow that with a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with 1-out. Dragons head coach Adam Williams, would then make the decision to intentionally walk Ian Cobbs to load the bases and to have a force out anywhere on the base paths. Henry Glime, would bring in Watkins with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 6-1.

Rice, and the Dragons, would get out of the fifth with a ground out to send it to the bottom half of the frame. In the bottom of the fifth, Hammontree, would keep his perfect night going with a 1-out single. He would be left stranded on first as the Spartans would pick up a strikeout and a pop out to send it to the sixth with the Dragons leading, 6-1.

Rice, nearing 100 pitches for the game, came back out for the sixth. He would toss a scoreless frame with a pair of ground outs and a fly out to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, Rice, would draw a 1-out walk to reach base. Rice, would then advance to 2nd on a wild pitch. The Spartans, would get out of the sixth with a strikeout and a pop out. Heading to the seventh, Pickens still led GAC, 6-1.

Jenkins, would come on in relief of Rice in the top of the seventh. Jenkins, would sit down the Spartans in order with a pair of ground outs and a pop out to seal the win for the Dragons, 6-1.

Stats for the Dragons:

A.J. Rice: 1-3 with 1 home run, 1 walk, 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 6 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 7 K on 104 pitches

Christian Starks: 1 walk and 1 run scored

Cade Sutton: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 K on 6 pitches

Sam Hammontree: 1-1 with 1 single, and 2 walks

Dawson Holland: 1 RBI and 1 run scored

Ezra Faber: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Jennings Allen: 1-3 with 1 single

Drew Dunlap: 1 run scored

With the win, the Dragons have secured the #2 seed out of 6-AAA and a home playoff series for the first round of the AAA State Baseball Tournament. There is still a chance the Dragons win the region as they would need to sweep the series with GAC, and have North Hall drop one of their last two against Chestatee. For now, the Dragons will focus on the regular season ending doubleheader on Thursday, April 17th at GAC.

A.J. Rice Cade Sutton Christian Starks Dawson Holland Drew Dunlap Ezra Faber GAC Spartans Jennings Allen Kam Jenkins PHS Baseball Sam Hammontree Sports

Dragons sweep War Eagles in doubleheader

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports April 12, 2025 , by RJ Casey

Jasper, Ga — It was doubleheader day around 6-AAA on Friday, April 11th as both Pickens and Chestatee, as well as White County and GAC both played two after getting rained out on Thursday, April 10th. For Pickens and Chestatee, Chestatee would be the home team for the first game. The Dragons, would get wins in both games as they picked up a 4-3 win in eight innings in game one, and a 10-0 victory in six innings in game two.

Game One:

A.J. Rice, would look to get something started in the top of the first as he would draw a walk to reach base. The War Eagles, were prepared for Rice’s steal attempt, and got him out in a rundown. A fly out, would send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the first, Eli Chaffin, would reach with a 1-out double. Ethan Dunn, would then reach on a single, Chaffin, would come around to score to make it 1-0 War Eagles.

Dunn, would advance to 2nd on the play. Carter Edmondson, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as Dunn would be forced out at 3rd. Dragons starter Jackson Nunn, would get out of the first with a strikeout. Heading to the second, Chestatee led Pickens, 1-0.

Dawson Lowit, would lead off the top of the second by drawing a walk. Cade Sutton, would then follow that up with a single. Lowit, would advance all the way to 3rd on the hit. Sutton, would make the heads up play and move to 2nd on the throw to 3rd. War Eagles starter Ryland Head, would pick up a strikeout, a pop out, and a line out to get out of the jam to send it to the bottom of the second.

Trenton Eaton, would lead off the bottom of the second with a single. After a pop out, Zac Benna, would reach with a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Thomas Martens, would then reach with a single. Courtesy runner Riley Nix, would be waved home, but a good throw by Christian Starks would get Nix at the plate. Heading to the third, the War Eagles, still led the Dragons, 1-0.

Jennings Allen, would lead off the top of the third with a single. Allen, would then advance to 2nd after a passed ball. Kam Jenkins, would drive in Allen with an RBI triple to tie the game at 1. After a fly out, Starks, would bring in courtesy runner Ezra Faber with a sacrifice fly RBI to give the Dragons a 2-1 lead. Head and the War Eagles, would get out of the third with a line out.

In the bottom of the third, Nunn, would work around a 2-out double by Edmondson, and a wild pitch to keep the War Eagles scoreless. Heading to the fourth, Pickens led Chestatee, 2-1.

After a pop out and a strikeout started the top of the fourth, Sam Hammontree, would keep the inning alive for the Dragons after getting hit by a pitch. Dawson Holland, would then reach with a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 2-out. The War Eagles, would get out of the fourth with a line out. In the bottom of the fourth, Cort Hagerman, would draw a 1-out walk to reach base. Benna, would drive in Hagerman with an RBI triple to tie the game at 2.

Parker Grant, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as Benna would be forced out at home for the second out. Martens, would bring in Grant with an RBI double to give the War Eagles a 3-2 lead. During the next at bat, Nunn, would have to unfortunately leave the game due to injury. Dylan Walls, would come on in relief of Nunn. Walls, would get out of the fourth with a strikeout as the War Eagles took a 3-2 lead into the fifth.

Jenkins, would be hit by a pitch to lead off the fifth inning. His courtesy runner, Ezra Faber, would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Rice, would advance Faber to 3rd after a fly out to right. Starks, would bring in Faber with a sacrifice fly RBI to tie the game at 3. Lowit, would then reach on an error by the 3rd baseman. The War Eagles, would get out of the fifth with a strikeout.

In the bottom of the fifth, Dunn, would lead off with a single. Walls, in his first full inning of relief, would pick a strikeout and force a 4-6-3 double play to send it to the sixth with the game still tied at 3.

In the top of the sixth, Hammontree, would again be hit with a pitch to reach base with 1-out. Holland, would follow that by picking up his 2nd hit of the day to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. The War Eagles, would get out of the sixth with a 6-3 double play. In the bottom of the sixth, Walls, would work around a 2-out walk drawn by Benna to pick up a pop out, a ground out, and a strikeout to send it to the seventh, still tied at 3.

In the top of the seventh, Rice, would reach with a 1-out single. Rice, would then be called out trying to steal 2nd as the field umpire ruled that Rice’s foot popped up off the bag. The War Eagles, would get out of the seventh with a fly out. In the bottom of the inning, Walls, would work around a 2-out single by Dunn as he picked up a pair of strikeouts and a ground out to send it to the eighth with the game still tied at 3.

In the top of the eighth, Lowit, would give the Dragons the lead with a lead off home run. Sutton, would follow that with a double. Faber, who came on for Matthew Davis in the fifth, would move Sutton over to 3rd with a sacrifice bunt. The War Eagles, would get out of the eighth with a pop out and a fly out as the Dragons would take a 4-3 lead into the bottom of the frame.

Walls, would come out for the bottom of the eighth looking to close things out. Walls, would pick up a pair of ground outs and a strikeout to help seal the 4-3 win for the Dragons.

Stats for the Dragons in Game One:

Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with 1 triple, 1 HBP, and 1 RBI

A.J. Rice: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 walk

Christian Starks: 2 RBI

Dawson Lowit: 1-3 with 1 home run, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Cade Sutton: 2-4 with 1 single and 1 double

Ezra Faber: 2 runs scored

Sam Hammontree: 2 HBP

Dawson Holland: 2-4 with 2 singles

Jennings Allen: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 run scored

Jackson Nunn: 3.2 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 8 H, 0 BB, 2 K on 58 pitches

Dylan Walls: 4.1 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 6 K on 75 pitches

Game Two:

Prior to game two beginning, the Dragons recognized two special people in Hudson and Kodi as it was Pink Out Night. Two young men representing both families, would throw perfect strikes for the ceremonial first pitch to the applause of the crowd.

In the top of the first, Dragons starter Christian Starks, would strike out the side to send it to the bottom half of the inning. In the bottom of the first, Starks, would be hit by a pitch with 2-outs to keep the inning going. The War Eagles, would get out of the first with a ground out to send it to the second with the game still scoreless.

In the top of the second, Starks, would pick up his 4th strikeout, a ground out, and a pop out in a scoreless frame. In the bottom of the second, Cade Sutton, would lead off with a single. Sutton, would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Matthew Davis, would follow that with a single to put runners at the corners with nobody out. The Dragons, would then pull off a double steal as Davis took 2nd and Sutton took home to make it 1-0.

After a pop out, Dawson Holland, would then drive in Davis with an RBI triple to make it 2-0 Dragons. Holland, would then get caught in a rundown between 3rd and home for the second out. Jennings Allen, would keep the inning going by reaching on an error by the 2nd baseman. The War Eagles, would get out of the second with a fly out. Heading to the third, the Dragons led it, 2-0.

In the top of the third, Starks, continued his nice start with a pair of strikeouts and a fly out in a scoreless frame. In the bottom of the inning, Rice, would reach with a lead off single. He would advance to 2nd after an error by the short stop. Starks, would drive in Rice with an RBI double to make it 3-0. Dawson Lowit, would follow that with an RBI single to score Starks to make it 4-0 Dragons.

Sutton, would then reach with a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. After a pop out, Sam Hammontree, would bring in pitch runner Daven Abernathy with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 5-0. The War Eagles, would get out of the third with a fly out. Heading to the fourth, Pickens led Chestatee, 5-0.

Thomas Martens, would lead off the top of the fourth with a double. Eli Chaffin, would follow that with a single. Chaffing, would then steal 2nd to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. Starks, would get out of the jam with a pair of strikeouts and a pop out to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fourth, Allen, would lead off with a single.

Allen, would take 2nd to get into scoring position. Allen, would then advance to 3rd after a wild pitch. Kam Jenkins, would drive in Allen with an RBI single to make it 6-0. Rice, would then reach on a fielder’s choice as the War Eagles would force the out at 2nd. Rice, would then advance to 2nd after a wild pitch. Starks, would draw a walk to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out.

Another wild pitch, would move up Rice and courtesy runner Zach Williams up a base. After a pop out for the second out, Sutton, would draw a walk to load the bases. Rice, would come in to score after a balk was called to make it 7-0 Dragons. The War Eagles, would get out of the seventh with a strikeout. Heading to the fifth, the Dragons led it, 7-0.

In the top of the fifth, Zac Benna, would reach on an error with 2-outs. Starks, would work around it as he picked up a pair of strikeouts and a ground out in a scoreless inning. In the bottom of the fifth, Hammontree, would lead off with a single. After a strikeout, Allen, would pick up his 2nd hit of the game. Pitch runner Caden Kirchoff, would come in all the way from 1st to make it 8-0. Allen, would make it all the way to 3rd on an error.

Jenkins, would bring in Allen with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 9-0 Dragons. Rice, would keep the inning going by drawing a walk. The War Eagles, would get out of the fifth with a strikeout. Heading to the sixth, Pickens led Chestatee, 9-0.

Jenkins, would come on in relief of Starks in the top of the sixth. Martens, would reach by drawing a lead off walk. Martens, would then steal 2nd to advance into scoring position. Chaffins, would follow that by drawing a walk of his own to put runners at 1st and 2nd with nobody out. After forcing an infield fly, Jenkins, would pick up back to back strikeouts to send it to the bottom of the inning.

Drew Dunlap, pitch hitting for Lowit, would draw a lead off walk to begin the bottom of the sixth. Dunlap, would then advance to 2nd on a passed ball. After a strikeout, Walker, would by hit by a pitch to put runners at 1st and 2nd with 1-out. Kirchoff, would then reach on a bloop single to load the bases. Dunlap, would come in to score on a wild pitch to give the Dragons a 10-0 win in six innings.

Stats for the Dragons in Game Two:

Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with 1 single, 2 RBI and 1 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 H, 2 BB, 2 K on 25 pitches

A.J. Rice: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 walk, and 2 runs scored

Christian Starks: 1-2 with 1 double, 1 walk, 1 HBP, 1 RBI, 1 run scored and 5 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 10 K on 82 pitches

Dawson Lowit: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 RBI

Drew Dunlap: 1 walk and 1 run scored

Cade Sutton: 2-2 with 1 single, 1 double, 1 walk, and 1 run scored

Matthew Davis: 1-3 with 1 single and 1 run scored

Sam Hammontree: 1-2 with 1 single, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Caden Kirchoff: 1-1 with 1 single and 1 run scored

Dawson Holland: 1-3 with 1 double

Jennings Allen: 2-3 with 2 singles and 2 runs scored

The Dragons, winners of ten in a row, will look to finish the season strong as they prepare for the final series of the regular season as a three game set with the GAC Spartans begins on Tuesday, April 15th at Dunn Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 5:55 pm.

A.J. Rice Cade Sutton Caden Kirchoff Chestatee War Eagles Christian Starks Dawson Holland Dawson Lowit Drew Dunlap Dylan Walls Ezra Faber GAC Spartans Jackson Nunn Jennings Allen Kam Jenkins Matthew Davis PHS Baseball Sam Hammontree Sports

Dragons lose heart breaker to GAC in region championship

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 16, 2025 , by RJ Casey

Jasper, Ga — There was a bug fight feel in the atmosphere on Saturday, February 15th as the Pickens Dragons took on the GAC Spartans for the Boys 6-AAA Region Championship. These two teams were the top two seeds coming into the tournament, and showed why that was the case throughout the week. This game, would come down to the wire as the Spartans, would hold on at the very end to pick up a 66-64 win.

Parker Davis, would get things going with a layup to put the Dragons ahead early. A long two pointer by Mario Hill Jr, would tie the game up at 2. Dodge Davis, would make his presence known early as he would make the layup through contact. He would complete the and-1 play to make it 5-2 Dragons. After Vinh Nguyen and Parker Davis traded layups, Mikey Carpenter, would complete an and-1 play to tie the game at 7.

A pair of free throws by Dodge Davis, would give the Dragons a 9-7 lead. An 8-0 run by the Spartans, would put them in front, 15-9. Back to back buckets by Dodge Davis, would cut the Spartan lead down to 15-13. The Spartans, would close out the first quarter with a 5-0 run to make it 20-13 heading to the second quarter.

Dodge Davis, would cut into the lead with a basket to make it 20-15. After a layup by Baer Bailey, Caleb Lanford, would hit a three to cut the lead to 22-18. Parker Davis, would follow that up with a layup to cut the lead down to two. A 5-0 run by the Spartans, would make it 27-20. The Dragons, would then go on a 15-0 run to retake the lead, 35-27. Nguyen, would split a pair of free throws to close out the first half as the Dragons led it, 35-28.

Carpenter and Nguyen, would open up the second half with a 5-0 run to cut the lead down to two. A bucket by Lanford, would make it 37-33. Ledger Kincaid and Brock Barton, would both make a pair of free throws as the Dragons led it, 39-35. A three pointer by Carpenter, would cut the lead down to one. A basket from McCord Purdy, would bring it back to a three point game.

Carpenter, would then hit another three to tie the game up at 41. A 6-0 run by the Dragons, would give them a 47-41 lead. A 5-0 run by the Spartans, would make it 47-46. After Purdy split a pair of free throws, Carpenter and Hill Jr, would close out the third quarter with back to back three pointers to give the Spartans a 52-48 lead heading to the fourth.

A pair of free throws by Parker Davis, would cut the lead down to two. After Nguyen and Barton traded baskets, Hill Jr and Kincaid, would hit back to back threes to make it 60-52. The Dragons, would then go on a 6-0 run, to cut the lead down to 60-58. A three by Adrian Hughes, would make it 63-58. Parker Davis, would answer that three with one of his own to make it 63-61.

After several intentional fouls by the Dragons, Hill Jr, would go to the line for two shots. He would make both to put the Spartans up 65-61. With time dwindling down, Barton, would hit a three from the edge of the mid court logo to cut the lead to 65-64. Hill Jr, would go back to the line where he would split a pair of free throws to make it 66-64.

With 5 seconds left on the clock, Purdy, raced from one end of the floor to the other and got a good look at a potential game tying shot, but it would not fall as the Spartans would hang on for the 66-64 win.

Leading scorers for the Dragons:

Dodge Davis: 22 points

Parker Davis: 18 points

Brock Barton: 10 points

Caleb Lanford: 7 points

McCord Purdy: 7 points

The Dragons, will now have to wait and see where they end up in the rankings for the AAA State Tournament. They will be a #2 seed heading into the tournament. They could end up as the #10 seed, but we will have to just wait and see when the GHSA releases their rankings and bracket as to where the Dragons will officially end up.

6-AAA Region Championship AAA State Tournament Brock Barton Caleb Lanford Dodge Davis GAC Spartans Mccord Purdy Parker Davis PHS Basketball Sports

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

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 15, 2025 , by RJ Casey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leading scorers for the Dragons:

Dodge Davis: 20 points

Caleb Lanford: 15 points

McCord Purdy: 15 points

Parker Davis: 14 points

Brock Barton: 9 points

Jamin Martin: 2 points

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

6-AAA Region Championship 6-AAA Region Tournament Brock Barton Caleb Lanford Dodge Davis GAC Spartans Jamin Martin Mccord Purdy North Hall Trojans Parker Davis PHS Basketball Sports

Davis brothers combine for 50 as Dragons sweep Spartans

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 29, 2025 , by RJ Casey

Norcross, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, took to the road for the final time during the ’24-’25 season as they battled the Greater Atlanta Christian School Spartans on Tuesday, January 28th. Coming into the game, the Dragons, were 20-0 and 10-0 in 6-AAA. The Spartans, were 15-5 and 7-2 in 6-AAA. The Dragons, got 26 from Dodge Davis and 24 from Parker Davis in route to a 76-50 win over the Spartans.

Parker Davis, got the scoring started with a layup to make it 2-0 early. A layup by Baer Bailey, would tie the game up at 2. From there, the Dragons would go on an 11-0 run as Dodge Davis, Caleb Lanford, MCord Purdy, and Parker Davis would all combine to give Pickens a 13-2 lead. The Spartans, would counter with a 5-0 run as Vinh Nguyen would hit a three and Bailey would make another lay in to make it 13-7.

A three by Lanford, would stretch the lead to 16-7. After a pair of free throws from Ledger Kincaid, Mario Hill Jr would make a basket to cut the lead to 16-11. A three by Dodge Davis, would temporarily put an end to the Spartans run. Hill Jr and Kincaid would then team up again to go on a 5-0 run to make it 19-16. A layup by Dodge Davis would give the Dragons a 21-16 lead heading to the second quarter.

Purdy would get things going in the second quarter with a three to make it 24-16. Nguyen and Hill Jr, would then combine for a 6-0 run to cut the lead to 24-22. Parker Davis, would then make back to back shots to give the Dragons a 28-22 lead. After a couple of fouls by both teams, Hill Jr., would step to the line and make both free throws. Mikey Carpenter, would then get his name in the score book to make it 26-24.

The Dragons, would close out the first half with Lanford hitting a three, and Parker Davis completing an and-1 play to give Pickens a 34-26 lead at the half.

The Dragons, would begin the second half by going on a 6-0 run as Parker Davis would make a layup, Dodge Davis would split a pair of free throws, and Brock Barton would hit a three to make it 40-26. A three by Bailey, would put an end to the run and make it 40-29. Later on in the quarter, Barton, the Davis brothers, and Lanford, would help stretch the lead out to 51-37.

A three by Hill Jr., would make it 51-40. The Davis brothers, would go on a 6-0 run to end the third quarter as the Dragons took a 57-40 lead into the fourth.

The Spartans, would start the fourth quarter by hitting a three to make it 57-43. After Parker Davis and Hill Jr. traded baskets, Parker Davis, would complete another and-1 play to make it 62-45. Kincaid, would hit a three to make it 62-48. A 5-0 run by Dodge Davis, would make it 67-48. After a basket by Bailey, the Dragons, would close out the game on a 9-0 run to pick up a 76-50 victory.

Leading scorers for the Dragons:

Dodge Davis: 26 points

Parker Davis: 24 points

Caleb Lanford: 13 points

Brock Barton: 7 points

McCord Purdy: 6 points

6-AAA Boys Basketball Standings:

Pickens: 21-0 (11-0)

Lumpkin: 14-8 (8-3)

GAC: 15-6 (7-3)

North Hall: 12-9 (5-5)

Dawson: 7-14 (4-6)

White County: 4-17 (3-7)

Chestatee: 4-17 (3-7)

Johnson-Gainesville: 1-17 (0-10)

The Dragons, will begin a three game home stand to close out the regular season beginning with a game against the White County Warriors on Friday, January 31st. The Dragons, defeated the Warriors back on January 3rd. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.

Brock Barton Caleb Lanford Dodge Davis GAC Spartans Mccord Purdy Parker Davis PHS Basketball Sports White County Warriors

Barton and Davis combine for 55 in win against GAC

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 10, 2025 , by RJ Casey

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.

Brock Barton Caleb Lanford Dawson Tigers Dodge Davis GAC Spartans Jamin Martin Mccord Purdy Parker Davis PHS Basketball Sports

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