Pickens Dragons fall to rival Gilmer Bobcats
PHS Basketball, Sports, Team FYN Sports January 22, 2020
The Pickens Dragons (16-6, 6-4) hosted the Gilmer Bobcats (9-8, 5-5) in 6-AAAA play for the final time for a while on Tuesday night. The first region match up saw Pickens come away winners after a pair of last second free throws. Gilmer, had other plans for this game as they picked up a 68-47 win.
In the first quarter, the Bobcats got off to a fast start with back to back three pointers to take a 6-0 lead. Owen Moss hit a jumper to make it 6-2, then Tucker Lowe hit a free throw to make it 6-3. Gilmer hit a jumper to make it 8-3, then Noah Sutton hit back to back shots to make it 8-7 Bobcats. From then on Gilmer outscored the Dragons 12-4 to take a 20-11 lead going to the second.
Owen Moss looking to inbound the ball for Pickens
The second quarter, saw the Bobcats break things open a bit as they began the frame with an 8-0 run to make it 28-11. The Dragons, outscored Gilmer 6-5 the rest of the quarter, however the Bobcats were able to take a 33-17 lead into the break.
Gilmer running a play in the second quarter
In the third quarter, Gilmer opened up the frame with a three pointer to make it 36-17. After trading a couple of buckets and free throws, the Dragons went on a 7-0 run after buckets by Ean Goodwin, Luke Rogers, and a three pointer by Lowe to cut the Bobcat lead down to 39-27. Gilmer ended that run with an 8-0 run to make it 47-27. Pickens went on a 4-0 run to close the quarter as the Bobcats took a 47-31 lead into the fourth.
Tucker Lowe making a move into the lane
The Dragons, continued the run they started at the end of the third quarter with three free throws to start the fourth to make it 47-34. The Bobcats used a 5-0 run to make it 52-34. Gilmer, came away with the win 68-47 and the region season split.
Leading the way for the Dragons were:
Tucker Lowe: 14 points
Noah Sutton: 13 points
Luke Rogers: 8 points
Ean Goodwin: 6 points
Leading the way for the Bobcats were:
Braddy Jenkins: 28 points
Brady Sanford: 14 points
Cade Carter: 13 points
Lewis Mulkey: 8 points
6-AAAA Boys Standings
Lafayetter: 19-2 (10-0)
Northwest Whitfield: 12-10 (8-2)
Pickens: 16-6 (6-4)
Gilmer: 9-8 (5-5)
Heritage: 9-14 (5-6)
Ridgeland: 6-16 (2-9)
Southeast Whitfield: 0-22 (0-10)
Pickens, will head to Northwest Whitfield on Friday to take on the Bruins in 6-AAAA action. A win for the Dragons would help create a little separation between them and Gilmer as you see in the standings above. Pickens does have sweeps of Heritage and Ridgeland on their side whereas Gilmer has been swept by Heritage. Tip off for the Dragons and Bruins is set for 8:30 pm.
Dragons Battle, Fall Short To War Eagles In Season Opener
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports November 15, 2017
Last night, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team headed down to Gainesville to take on the War Eagles of Chestatee in the season opener for the 2017-18 season. This one had a little of everything you want in sports. Excitement, drama, great plays.
In the 1st quarter, Chestatee got out to a quick lead, & built it up prior to the end of the frame. Heading to the 2nd, the War Eagles held a 21-8 lead after one. In the 2nd, Pickens got things going, and made a massive run. The Dragons, outscored Chestatee in the 2nd quarter, 25-16, to trim the War Eagle lead to 37-33, going into halftime.
In the 3rd, the Dragons kept the momentum built from the 2nd quarter, and used it to take the lead from Chestatee after a 26-19 quarter run. Going to the 4th, Pickens led the War Eagles, 59-56. In the 4th, the two teams took turns with the lead. Several players would foul out for both teams, & a couple of technicals were handed out as well. Chestatee would use a 26-21 run, & several late free throws to get the win, 85-77.
Leading the Dragons in points were:
Joseph Gossett: 26 (18 in the 2nd half)
Seth Bishop: 19
Keinyuan Hooks: 14
Pickens, will now look forward to the annual Thanksgiving Tip-Off Tournament that is starting on Saturday, & will be held in Ellijay this year. The tournament features Pickens, Gilmer, Fannin, & Hiwassee Dam. The Dragons, will start the tournament off with their rival, the Gilmer Bobcats on Saturday at 4:30 pm.
Dragons Start Tip-Off Tournament With Win Over Rival Bobcats
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports November 19, 2017
Yesterday afternoon, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team matched up with the Gilmer Bobcats in the first of three meetings during the season as they kicked off the annual Thanksgiving Tournament at Fannin High School. Pickens, was coming off a hard fought loss to Chestatee on Tuesday, while Gilmer looked to turn around a long week after tough defeats to Murray County & Union County.
The 1st quarter saw Pickens jump out to an early lead on their rival Bobcats. The Dragons held a 19-12 advantage over Gilmer going to the 2nd. In the 2nd quarter, Pickens used momentum gained in the opening frame, & carried it over to the 2nd. The Dragons would use a 20-12 quarter scoring advantage to take a 39-24 lead over the Bobcats going into the break.
In the 3rd, the Bobcat fans saw their team get back into it with a strong quarter performance. Gilmer would outscore the Dragons 12-6 in the 3rd to cut it down to 45-36 going to the 4th. However in the 4th, the Dragons were able to outscore the Bobcats 16-15, and close out any chance of a comeback, to get the win over their rival, 61-51.
Leading the way for the Dragons were:
Joseph Gossett: 20 points, 5 rebounds, & 1 steal
Zach Goss: 14 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds, & 2 steals
Seth Bishop: 12 points, 2 assists, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, & 1 block
Hunter Hermann: 4 points, 2 assists, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, & 1 block
Chase Simmons: 4 points, 4 assists, 5 rebounds, & 1 block
Tucker Lowe: 4 points, 1 assist, & 1 rebound
Hunter Fowler: 3 points, 1 assist, & 1 steal
Pickens will be back in Blue Ridge tomorrow as they will take on the Hiwassee Dam Eagles. Scheduled tip off time is 4:30.
Dragons Get First Region Win In Ellijay
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 14, 2017
Last night, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team made the trip up 515 to take on their bitter rivals, the Gilmer Bobcats in 6-AAAA region action. This was a big game for multiple reasons. Not only is it a rivalry game, Pickens came in still looking for it’s first region win of the season.
In the 1st, much like the girls game before it, both teams traded baskets. Gilmer held a 12-10 lead going to the 2nd, In the 2nd, both teams stayed very close offensively. The Bobcats outscored the Dragons 15-13 in the frame to take a 27-23 lead into the break.
In the 3rd, more scoring was to be had by both schools. After a 17-16 run, Gilmer still held the lead over Pickens going to the 4th, 44-39. In the 4th, the Dragons made their run using their defense. Pickens used a 20-10 4th quarter run to come from behind to beat their rival Bobcats and pick up their 1st region win, 59-54.
Leading the way for the Dragons were:
Joseph Gossett: 17 points, 2 rebounds, & 2 steals
Seth Bishop: 14 points, 2 assists, 11 rebounds, & 2 steals
Blake Gorth: 10 points, 2 assists, 6 rebounds, & 1 block
Keinyuan Hooks: 5 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, & 7 steals
Hunter Hermann: 3 points, 1 assist, & 3 rebounds
Avery Luke: 2 points, 1 assist, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, & 1 block
Chase Simmons: 2 points, 1 assist, & 4 rebounds
Jacob Brumby: 2 points, & 4 rebounds
Hunter Jordan: 2 points, & 1 rebound
Zach Goss: 2 points
The Dragons will be at home this afternoon as they host the Tigers of Adairsville in non region action. Tip off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
Bobcats Best Dragons In Emotional Rivalry Game
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports December 3, 2016
Tonight, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team hosted their rival, Gilmer Bobcats in the Dragons Den for 6-AAAA region play. Pickens, came into the game looking to extract a little revenge on their 515 counterpart after falling in the final seconds last week in Ellijay.
In the 1st quarter both teams traded buckets going back and forth. The 1st quarter ended the way it began with both teams tied up up at 11 a piece. In the 2nd, things looked almost dead even between the two schools. Gilmer made a mini run to end the 1st half with the lead, 27-23.
In the 3rd, the Dragons got things going and fought back into the game. Pickens outscored the Bobcats 20-15 to take a slim 43-42 lead going into the 4th. In the 4th, the game could have gone either way with both teams momentum hanging in the balance. Gilmer made a big run to end the game aided by a lot of points coming from the free throw line giving them the win, 65-53.
Leading the way for the Dragons were:
Seth Bishop: 13 points, 1 assist, 9 rebounds, & 3 blocks
Hunter Hermann: 11 points, 5 rebounds, & 2 steals
Joseph Gossett: 8 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, & 2 steals
Blake Gorth: 8 points, 4 assists, & 8 rebounds
Avery Luke: 5 points, 1 assist, 1 rebound, & 2 steals
Matthew Stewart: 3 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound, 2 steals, & 1 block
Hunter Jordan: 3 points, 1 assist, 4 rebounds, & 1 steal
Pickens cannot dwell on this tough loss too much as they will be back in action tomorrow afternoon as they travel to take on the Bulldogs of Forsyth Central in an out of region contest. Tip off is scheduled for 4 p.m.
Dragons Fall To LaFayette In Region Opener, Host Bobcats Friday
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports November 30, 2016
Last night, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team opened up 6-AAAA region play on the road as they took on the Ramblers of LaFayette. Both teams looked to start the region schedule off with a win.
In the 1st, LaFayette began to score early. Using the three ball, the Ramblers raced out to a 26-10 1st quarter lead. In the 2nd, Pickens got a little something going, but the LaFayette offense stayed hot. The Ramblers led the Dragons at the break, 42-18.
The 3rd quarter, saw LaFayette continue their damage from beyond the arc. A 26-13 quarter run gave the Ramblers a 68-31 lead going to the 4th. The Dragons best offensive & defensive quarter would be the 4th. Pickens outscored LaFayette 15-3 in the frame, however, it would not be enough as the Ramblers took this one, 71-46.
Leading the way for the Dragons were:
Seth Bishop: 12 points, & 5 rebounds
Avery Luke: 8 points, 1 assist, & 3 rebounds
Zach Goss: 6 points, 1 assist, & 6 rebounds
Avonta Johnson: 6 points
Hunter Hermann: 4 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound, & 2 steals
Blake Gorth: 3 points, 7 rebounds, & 2 blocks
Matthew Stewart: 3 points, assists, 1 rebound, & 1 steal
Joseph Gossett: 2 points, 2 assists, & 2 rebounds
Hunter Jordan: 2 points, & 2 rebounds
Pickens, will look to rebound when they host their rival, the Gilmer Bobcats Friday in the Dragons Den. The Dragons will be looking for a bit of revenge after the way things ended in their match up in the Thanksgiving Tournament & get that 1st region win. Tip off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.
Dragons Fall To Rival Bobcats After Buzzer Beater, Gearing Up For Region Play
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports November 23, 2016
Yesterday, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team took to 515 again for the final day of the annual Thanksgiving Tournament to take on their bitter rival, the Gilmer Bobcats. Earlier in the day, the Fannin Rebels cliched the championship with their win over Hiwassee Dam, so the winner of the Pickens/Gilmer game, found themselves runner up.
In the 1st, we got a physical match up as expected when you have a Pickens & Gilmer game going. The Bobcats took a slim 13-12 lead into the 2nd. In the 2nd quarter, the Dragons found a rhythm on offense. Pickens outscored Gilmer in the frame 20-17, to take a 32-30 lead into the break.
Both teams would get their shot working in 3rd, going back and forth. The Dragons held a 15-13 scoring advantage in the frame to take a 47-43 lead going to the 4th and final quarter. The 4th is where it got very interesting. During the 4th, a foul, & technical foul would be called on Gilmer. However, Pickens could not convert on those free throw attempts. With the clock under ten seconds and the scored tied, the Dragons got a wide open dunk to take a 2 point lead. The Bobcats, took the ball down the court and threw up a running three that banked in off the glass with 1.2 seconds left. The ensuing pass in bounds went out of play but stayed with Pickens, giving them 0.9 to work with. A prayer hit the back of the rim as time expired to give Gilmer the 55-54 win.
Leading the way for the Dragons were:
Chase Simmons: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, & 1 block
Joseph Gossett: 11 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, & 2 steals
Seth Bishop: 10 points, 2 assists, 6 rebounds, & 1 steal
Blake Gorth: 6 points, 3 assists, 4 rebounds, & 1 steal
Matthew Stewart: 6 points, & 3 assists
Zach Goss: 3 points, 1 assist, & 4 rebounds
Hunter Hermann: 2 points, 2 assists, & 4 rebounds
The Dragons will now look to regroup as they prepare for the start of region play next week. Pickens will be traveling to LaFayette to take on the Ramblers on Tuesday. Tip off scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Dragons Get 1st Win In Big Way, Face Bobcats This Evening
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports November 22, 2016
Yesterday, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team found themselves once again in Ellijay for the 2nd day of the annual Thanksgiving Tournament. Their opponent, the Hiwassee Dam Eagles out of North Carolina. Both of these teams were coming off of tough losses on Saturday.
In the opening quarter, much like the game against Fannin, Pickens got off to a quick start. The Eagles made a mini run before the end of the quarter, as the Dragons took a 24-16 lead to the 2nd. In the 2nd, both teams found balance on offense. Pickens outscored Hiwassee Dam 17-15, to take a 41-31 lead into the break.
The defense got going along with the offense in the 3rd for the Dragons. Pickens went on a 19-9 run in the frame to take a 60-40 lead heading to the 4th and final quarter. The Dragons finished the game off on a 25-12 run to secure their first win of the young season, 85-52.
Leading the way for the Dragons were:
Seth Bishop: 20 points, 1 assist, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, & 1 block
Hunter Hermann: 14 points, 6 assists, 10 rebounds, & 2 steals
Joseph Gossett: 12 points, 1 assist, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, & 2 blocks
Blake Gorth: 11 points, 4 assists, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, & 1 block
Matthew Stewart: 8 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, & 2 steals
Avonta Johnson: 6 points, 1 assist, 1 rebound, & 1 steal
Hunter Fowler: 5 points, 1 assist, 2 rebounds, & 1 steal
Zach Goss: 2 points, 1 assist, 2 rebounds, & 2 steals
Hunter Jordan: 2 points, & 1 rebound
Chase Simmons: 1 point, 1 rebound, & 2 steals
Tonight, the Dragons will head to Ellijay for the third and final day of the Thanksgiving Tournament where they will take on the host team, & rival, Gilmer Bobcats. Tip off for this tilt is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Dragons Defeat Bobcats For The Fourth Time This Season
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 12, 2016
Yesterday, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team traveled to Southeast Whitfield looking to do something practically unheard of: win two games in one day to make it to the state tournament.
Due to the snow storm, Games were pushed back two days. Forcing four boys teams, (Pickens, Gilmer, Ridgeland, & LaFayette), the challenge of possibly playing two games in one day. For Pickens to get to that second game, they had to get past a familiar foe, the Gilmer Bobcats.
In the opening quarter, Pickens struggled getting things going as Gilmer raced out to an eight-point lead going to the second, 20-12. In the second quarter, the Dragons were able to outscore the Bobcats 14-10. Gilmer still held a 30-26 lead heading into halftime.
In the third, Pickens turned the intensity up on offense and defense. The Dragons outscored the Bobcats in the quarter, 14-5, to take a 40-35 lead going to the fourth and final quarter. In the fourth, both teams went back and forth trading bucket after bucket, Pickens was able to hold off Gilmer late, and come away with the win, 62-55. With that win, the Dragons now had to focus on their next opponent, the #4 seed in the tournament, and host school, Southeast Whitfield.
Leading the way for the Dragons were:
Tyler Garner: 16 points, three assists, 12 rebounds and four steals
Holden Roop: 14 points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals
Trent Rizoti: 12 points, one assist, eight rebounds and one steal
Blake Gorth: Eight points, two rebounds and one steal
Avery Luke: Four points, three rebounds and two steals
Walker Lawrence: Four points and one steal
Sam Davis: Two points, four assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block
Dragons Best Bobcats Rematch Set For Tuesday In Region Tournament
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 5, 2016
Last night, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team hosted rival, the Gilmer Bobcats, in a make up game. The original game was unable to be played due to a power outage. Pickens needed a win and a Ridgeland loss to Heritage to secure the #5 seed in the region tournament next week.
In the opening frame, things started off slow for the team in green. Gilmer was able to pounce on a 12-8 lead going to the 2nd quarter. In the 2nd, it was back and forth high paced action. A late foul coupled with a technical foul on the Bobcats, sent Holden Roop to the line for a chance at four points plus the ball. Roop hit all of the free throws, but nothing came of the possession. Gilmer held a slim lead at the break, 24-22.
In the 3rd, both teams again came away fairly even. Both the Dragons and Bobcats each had 13 points in the quarter and Gilmer still ahead going to the 4th, 37-35. In the 4th, Pickens made a furious comeback. Outscoring the Bobcats 19-7 in the final frame, the Dragons got a monster win, 54-44.
Leading the way for the Dragons were:
Holden Roop: 16 points, 3 assists, 1 rebound, & 2 steals
Trent Rizoti: 14 points, 1 assist, & 16 rebounds
Tyler Garner: 11 points, 3 assists, 9 rebounds, 1 steal, & 1 block
Avery Luke: 9 points, 1 assist, 1 rebound, & 2 steals
Blake Gorth: 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal, & 1 block
With the win, and Ridgeland loss, the Dragons are officially the #5 seed in the 7-AAAA region tournament taking place at Southeast Whitfield next week. For the 4th time this season, Pickens will play, you guessed it, the #8 seeded Gilmer Bobcats. The game will be on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
Dragons Fall To Panthers On Senior Night Host Gilmer On Thursday
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 3, 2016
Earlier tonight, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team hosted the Panthers of Ridgeland in the most important region game of the season. Coming into the ball game, Pickens held the 5th spot in the standings at 4-8 while the Panthers came in a game behind at 3-9. Prior to the game, seniors Mgr. Tucker Green, D.J. Walden, Sam Davis, Tyler Garner, Holden Roop, Trent Rizoti, & Walker Lawrence were honored.
In the opening quarter, things did not get off on the right foot for Pickens as Ridgeland shot out to and 8-0 lead. The Dragons however got back into it as the quarter progressed and found themselves down 5 going to the 2nd, 22-17. In the 2nd, both teams traded buckets back and forth. Both teams tied in the quarter with 13 a piece and Ridgeland led it going to the half, 35-30.
In the 3rd, both teams again remained tight. Both teams scored 12 points and we headed to the 4th with the Panthers still in front, 47-42. The 4th and final quarter saw crazy action. Ridgeland held an 11 point lead late in the game, but Pickens did not give up. with less than ten seconds left, and down 2, the Dragons thought they caused a turnover but would be called for a foul instead and the Panthers knocked down two free throws to seal a win, 67-63.
Leading the way for the Dragons were:
Holden Roop: 31 points, 4 assists, & 2 rebounds
Trent Rizoti: 11 points, 1 assist, 4 rebounds, & 1 steal
Avery Luke: 10 points, 3 assists, 5 rebounds, & 1 steal
Tyler Garner: 6 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, & 1 steal
Joseph Gossett: 3 points, 1 assist, & 1 rebound
Walker Lawrence had 2 points, & 1 rebound, & Blake Gorth had 1 assist & 4 rebounds.
With the loss, the Dragons and Panthers are now tied for the 5th spot in the region standings at 4-9. Both teams have a game on Thursday where Ridgeland will take on the Heritage Generals on the road while the Dragons will host 515 rival Gilmer Bobcats in a make up game. Tip off scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Dragons Get A Big Win In The Cage
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 31, 2016
Yesterday, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team made the journey up 515 to battle their longtime bitter rival, the Gilmer Bobcats. As important as the rivalry is, adding in the region standing implications that came with this game made it that much more crucial for both teams.
In the opening frame, both teams got off to a slow start trying to find success on offense. Gilmer got out to a 5-0 start until the Dragons were able to get things going. Pickens went on to outscore the Bobcats 14-3 the remainder of the period to take a 14-8 lead to the 2nd. In the 2nd, Gilmer got things going from beyond the arc. A 16-10 quarter run for the Bobcats helped them tie things up at 24 as we’d go to halftime.
Pickens, looking for a little early momentum, used the opening possession of the 2nd half to do so. Holden Roop tossed a perfect lob pass to a leaping Tyler Garner who then threw down a monster two handed slam to the delight of the away side. The Dragons used that momentum to carry them to a 13-11 quarter run and take a 37-35 lead after three. In the 4th, Pickens sealed the win with a 15-8 run to take it, 52-43.
Leading the way for the Dragons were:
Holden Roop: 18 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, & 2 steals
Joseph Gossett: 10 points, 2 assists, & 4 rebounds
Trent Rizoti: 9 points, 2 assists, 8 rebounds, & a block
Tyler Garner: 7 points, & 3 rebounds
DJ Walden: 4 points, 1 asssit, & 6 rebounds
Pickens currently sits in the 5th spot in the standings and will look for a good week next week to try and improve on that standing before the region tournament. The Dragons will honor their Seniors on Tuesday night as they host the Ridgeland Panthers. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Dragons Comeback Attempt Falls Just Short Set To Meet Cats In The Cage
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 30, 2016
Last night, the PHS Dragons basketball team make the trip to Dalton to take on the Raiders of Southeast Whitfield. Coming into this game, both teams were vying for 5th place in the region. Pickens came in, having already won against the Raiders at home earlier in the season.
The first quarter saw both teams trade buckets for the majority of the frame. Southeast Whitfield took control towards the end of the quarter, leading it, 19-11. In the 2nd, the Raiders stretched out their lead with a 24-10 run. Southeast Whitfield led the Dragons at the break, 43-21.
Pickens however, did not go down without a fight. In the 3rd, the dragons outscored the Raiders 16-7, to trim the lead down to 50-37 heading to the 4th and final quarter. Pickens even cut the Southeast Whitfield lead down to 7, but the Raiders pulled away late and came away with a 65-52 win.
Leading the way for the Dragons were:
Trent Rizoti: 20 points, 1 assist, 11 rebounds, & 1 steal
Holden Roop: 19 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, & 3 steals
Tyler Garner: 10 points, 9 rebounds, & 1 steal
The Dragons will have to put this game behind them as they travel up 515 to battle their bitter rival, the Gilmer Bobcats. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Dragons Lose Heart Breaker To Heritage
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 20, 2016
Yesterday, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team hosted the Generals of Heritage in a 7-AAAA game. Pickens, came into the game in 5th place in the region and looking for a big win going down the stretch of the regular season.
In the opening quarter, the Dragons got off to a good start with the help of Holden Roop & Tyler Garner. Pickens led the Generals after one, 15-10. In the 2nd, both teams went back and forth trading buckets. The Dragons outscored Heritage 11-10 in the quarter to take a 26-20 lead into the break.
In the 3rd, it was again closely contested much like the 1st half. The Generals outscored Pickens 14-13 to trim the Dragons lead down to 39-34, heading to the 4th and final quarter. After both teams traded the lead in the 4th, Trent Rizoti tipped in the go ahead bucket for the Dragons putting them ahead 48-47 with 7.5 seconds left. The dramatics were not over with however as Heritage drove down the court and hit the game winning layup with 1.5 seconds left to get the win, 49-48 over Pickens.
Leading the way for the Dragons were:
Holden Roop: 28 points, 2 assists, & 5 steals
Tyler Garner: 9 points, 1 assist, & 5 rebounds
Trent Rizoti: 7 points, & 8 rebounds
Joseph Gossett: 4 points, & 1 rebound
Sam Davis had 1 assist, 1 rebound, & 2 steals
The Dragons now will look to regroup and get ready for their 515 rival as they travel to Ellijay to take on the Gilmer Bobcats on Friday. Tip off scheduled for 8:30 p.m.
Dragons Early Struggles Lead To Loss At Heritage
Team FYN Sports December 9, 2015
Earlier this evening, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team took on the Heritage Generals in 7-AAAA region action. Pickens came into the game with a season record of 2-3 and a region record of 0-1 looking to get things back on track.
Much like the 1st quarter in the Nettes’ game, the Dragons got off to a slow start. The Generals took a 20-9 lead going to the 2nd frame. In the 2nd quarter, Heritage caught fire and could not miss. The Generals outscored the Dragons in the quarter, 22-9 to take a 42-18 lead into the break.
The 3rd quarter was more closely contested. Heritage barely outscored Pickens in the quarter, 16-11, but still held a lead of 58-29 going into the 4th. The 4th and final quarter was the best quarter for the Dragons on the night. Pickens outscored the Generals 17-12, but it was Heritage coming away with the win, 70-47. With the tough loss, Pickens is now 2-4 on the season and 0-2 in region play.
Leaders for the Dragons were:
Seth Bishop: 15 points, & 1 assist
D.J. Walden: 7 points, 1 assist, & 5 rebounds
Avery Luke: 7 points, 1 assist, & 1 rebound
Tyler Garner added 3 points, 6 rebounds, & a steal, while Holden Roop finished with 2 points, 4 assists, & 3 rebounds.
The Dragons will be home this Friday night as they host their bitter rival, the Gilmer Bobcats as Pickens looks to get their first win in region play. Tip off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.
Dragons Open Tournament With Win Over Bobcats
Team FYN Sports November 23, 2015
This past Saturday afternoon, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team went up to Blue Ridge to take part in the first day of the annual Thanksgiving Tournament. Pickens matched up with their arch rival, the Gilmer Bobcats.
In the first quarter, it went back and forth between the two teams as the opening stanza ended with the score tied at 13. The 2nd quarter nearly mirrored the 1st as both teams found offense. The Bobcats used a slight 22-19 quarter advantage over the Dragons to take a 35-32 lead into the half.
In the 3rd quarter, Pickens used a combination of offense (16-9 run) and press defense to take the from Gilmer, 48-44 going to the 4th. With just over 3 minutes left in the game, both teams were tied at 58. The Dragons from that point used timely offense and clutch free throws to seal the win, 69-63.
Leading the way for the Dragons were:
Joseph Gossett: 21 points, 4 rebounds, & a steal
Trent Rizoti: 16 points, & 11 rebounds
Holden Roop: 10 points (all 2nd half), 4 assists, & 1 rebound
The Dragons will head back to Blue Ridge tonight for Day 2 of the Tournament for a match up with the host team, the Fannin County Rebels. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.