Dragons still in play for #3 seed in next week’s region tournament

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — After a big win over White County on Friday, February 3rd, the Pickens Dragons found themselves in a tie for 2nd in the 7-AAA region standings. On Tuesday, February 7th the Dragons welcomed the #9 team in 3A, the Wesleyan Wolves for a big game in 7-AAA. The Wolves, who came in as the top team in the region, defeated the Dragons earlier in the season and the Dragons were looking to earn the in season split. After a back and forth first half, Wesleyan took over in the second half to pick up a 62-48 win.

 

The Dragons started the game off hot with two straight three pointers from Jaden Stewart and Caleb Lanford to go up 6-0 early. James McGriff, ended the run with a bucket to make it 6-2. Kadyn Hampton, then answered that with a basket to make it 8-2. McGriff, cut the Pickens lead in half with another make as it was now 8-4. Lanford, made his second three pointer of the quarter to stretch the lead out to 11-4.

Another McGriff basket made it 11-6. Josh Kavel, then added a pair of free throws to cut the Dragons lead down to 11-8. After a tough turnaround hook shot that Isaiah Williams banked in, Wesleyan went on a 6-0 run as Kavel, Thomas Chipman, and Brayden Tidwell put the Wolves on top for the first time at 14-13. Lanford, gave Pickens the lead back with a pair of free throws to close out the first quarter. Going to the second quarter, the Dragons led, 15-14.

 

The second quarter began with Henry Massie making a three pointer to give the Wolves a 17-14 lead. Camden Dunn, then tied the game with a basket. Massie, hit another three to give Wesleyan its biggest lead of the game up until this point at 20-17. The Dragons then went on a 4-0 run as Lanford and Nathan Wallace both got shots to drop and retake the lead, 21-20. McGriff, converted an and-1 play to give the Wolves a 23-21 lead.

Caleb Keith, made a bucket to tie things back up at 23 a piece. Kavel, made his first three pointer of the game to give Wesleyan a 26-23 lead. Dunn, then made back to back trips to the free throw line where he was able to tie the game back up at 26. Kavel, got into the lane and made the layup just before the second quarter buzzer to give the Wolves a 28-26 lead going into the break.

 

The third quarter, was not a kind one to the Dragons as Wesleyan took advantage. The Wolves started off the second half with a bucket from McGriff to make it 30-26. After a pair of free throws from Stewart, McGriff hit a three pointer to make it 33-28. Dunn, would split a pair of free throws to make it 33-29. Chipman, stretched the Wesleyan lead out to 35-29 with a bucket. Lanford, got the first field goal of the quarter for the Dragons as he made it 35-31.

The Wolves, closed the third quarter on an 11-0 run to open up their biggest lead of the game as they went to the fourth, 46-31.

 

McGriff, made a pair of free throws to begin the fourth quarter to give Wesleyan a 48-31 lead. Lanford, scored the forst points of the quarter for the Dragons to make it 48-33. Stewart, then hit a three pointer to cut it to 48-36. After the two teams went back and forth trading buckets, the Wolves led, 57-38. Keith, made a three pointer to make it 57-41. After a basket by Chipman, Keith hit another three and Hampton made a layup to make it 59-46.

Chipman made one free throw and Walker Huckaby made both free throws on back to back trips to make it 62-46. Hampton, got the final points of the game with a basket as Wesleyan came away with the 62-48 win.

 

Leading scorers for the Dragons:

Caleb Lanford: 14 points

Camden Dunn: 8 points

Caleb Keith: 8 points

Jaden Stewart: 8 points

Kadyn Hampton: 6 points

Nathan Wallace: 2 points

Isaiah Williams: 2 points

 

The Dragons, will be on the road on Friday, February 10th as they take on the West Hall Spartans in the final game of the regular season. It’s a big game for many reasons. One being that a win for the Dragons will make them the #3 seed in next week’s 7-AAA region tournament. The Dragons, could fall to the #5 spot with a loss so a lot is riding on this last regular season game. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.

Dragons move into a tie for 2nd with win over White County

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, were playing some of their best ball heading into their game against the White County Warriors on Friday, February 3rd as they found themselves winners of three of their last four games looking to make it four out of their last five. Back on January 10th, these two met at White County, with the Warriors escaping with a 53-52 win after a 19-0 run by the Dragons to come back. With a win and some help, the Dragons could find themselves tied for 2nd in 7-AAA. And that’s exactly what happened as they picked up a 71-53 win.

 

The Dragons, got off to a hot start to begin the ball game as they went on a 15-0 run. Pickens, got points from Caleb Lanford, Caleb Keith, Kadyn Hampton, and 3 three pointers from Jaden Stewart during the run. After a bucket by the Warriors ended the long scoring run by the Dragons, McCord Purdy hit his first three pointer of the ball game to make it 18-2. Dawson Bailey, got his first points of the game with a three to make it 18-5 Dragons going to the second.

 

Camden Dunn got the scoring started in the second quarter as he split a pair of free throws to make it 19-5. David Boman, cut the Pickens lead down to 11 with a three to make it 19-8. The Dragons, then went on a 5-0 run as again Dunn split a pair of free throws, Isaiah Williams got a layup to go, and Stewart continued his early scoring ways with a bucket to make it 24-8. A basket by Braxton Anderson cut the Pickens lead down to 24-10. Dunn, then made a layup and got fouled in the process. Dunn completed the and-1 and made it 27-10.

The Warriors, then went on a 5-0 run as Bailey completed an and-1 play of his own and Tripp Nix got his first points of the game with a bucket to make it 27-15. A basket by Nathan Wallace put an end to that White County run to make it 29-15 Dragons. The Warriors, then went on a big run of their own as they would score 10 straight points to cut the Pickens lead all the way down to 29-25. Parker Davis, ended the run as he made a layup to stretch the lead to 31-25. That would be your score as the game hit halftime.

 

After the buzzer sounded to end the first half, Pickens was assessed a technical foul. The third quarter began with White County shooting technical free throws, and getting possession. That ended up being a four point swing as the Warriors cut it to 31-29. Dunn, stretched it back out to four with a layup making it 33-29. A three pointer from Zach McCoy made it a one point game at 33-32. The Dragons, then went on a 14-0 run as they got points from Dunn, Williams, and Kadyn Hampton to make it 47-32.

A bucket by the Warriors would put an end to the run making it 47-34. McCord Purdy, hit a three to make it a 16-point lead at 50-34. After Anderson completed an and-1 play, Purdy hit another three to make it 53-37. Anderson, cut it to 53-39 with a layup. Dunn, who had made a living getting into the paint and getting points that way, hit a three to make it 56-39. Purdy, closed a productive quarter for him and the Dragons with a tough basket to make it 58-39 going to the fourth.

 

Purdy, split a pair of free throws to begin the fourth quarter to make it 59-39. Nix, hit both of his free throw shots to cut it down to 18, 59-41. After a bucket by Caleb Keith, Dawson Oliver went on a personal 4-0 run to make it 61-45 Dragons. Stewart and Anderson would then trade buckets to make it 63-47. Anderson, was then fouled by Stewart and he would make one of the free throws to make it 63-48. Pickens, then went on a 6-0 run getting baskets from Dunn and Stewart, and a pair of free throws from Lanford to make it 69-48.

White County, got a bucket and a free throw in a quick 3-0 run to make it 69-51. Wallace, saw an open lane and took advantage for the layup to make it 71-51. Anderson, got a late layup for the Warriors, but the DRagons came away with the win, 71-53.

 

Leading scorers for the Dragons:

Camden Dunn: 17 points

Jaden Stewart: 15 points

McCord Purdy: 12 points

Kadyn Hampton: 7 points

Isaiah Williams: 6 points

Caleb Keith: 4 points

Caleb Lanford: 4 points

Nathan Wallace: 4 points

Parker Davis: 2 points

 

The Dragons, will be back at it on Tuesday, February 7th as they welcome 3A #9 Wesleyan Wolves to the Dragons Den. The Wolves, beat the Dragons at their place earlier in the season and Pickens will look to split the regular season series. Tip off time is set for 7:30.

Dragons 4th quarter comeback attempt falls just short against Dawson

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — Much like the Dragonettes, the Pickens Dragons followed up a tough week with a very solid week defeating West Hall at home and outlasting Gilmer on the road in Ellijay. The Dragons, were back home on Thursday, January 26th hosting the Dawson Tigers in what was a huge 7-AAA region match up. The Tigers, took game one of the season series and looked to complete the sweep. Pickens, looked to split the series and retake 3rd place in the standings. The Dragons, made things interesting in the fourth, but fell to Dawson, 59-54.

 

The Tigers, got things going to begin the game with a three pointer by Trey Harvey. Isaiah Williams, tied things up with a three of his own to make it 3 a piece. Both teams then took turns scoring as Ethan Parker made a bucket for Dawson, followed by Camden Dunn for Pickens, then Harvey again to make it 7-5 Tigers. The Dragons then went on a mini 4-0 run as Williams and Kadyn Hampton each made layups to make it 9-7 Pickens.

The Tigers, then went on a 6-0 run as Caden Reed and Harvey both made baskets, and Tyler Mazzaferro hit a pair of free throws to make it 13-9 Dawson. Hampton ended the run with a tough bucket to make it 13-11. After a three pointer by Joshua Priest to make it 16-11, McCord Purdy made his first shot of the game answering back with a three to make it 16-14. Reed, made a layup to stretch it out to 18-14 Tigers going to the second.

Dragons on offense looking to take the lead

Reed, ended the first quarter scoring and began the second quarter scoring as he hit a three pointer to make it 21-14. Seth Cronic, got the scoring in the second quarter started for the Dragons with a layup to make it 21-16. That started what ended up being an 8-0 run for Pickens as Dunn and Jaden Stewart hit back to back three pointers to give the Dragons a 22-21 lead. After Harvey split a pair of free throws to tie it up at 22, he fouled Hampton on the way up for a layup. Hampton made the basket and converted the and-1 to make it 25-22 Pickens.

Dawson then went on a 4-0 run as both Mazzaferro and Reed both made buckets to make it 26-25 Tigers. Caleb Lanford, gave the Dragons the lead right back with a jumper to make it 27-26. Harvey and Reed combined to go on a 4-0 run to close the first half and give the Tigers a 30-27 lead going to the break.

Dragons defending a shot attempt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Much like the first two quarters, Dawson began the second half with a three pointer by Priest to make it 33-27. After a layup by Williams, Harvey hit a three to make it 36-29 Tigers. Dunn cut it to four with a three pointer as the Dragons looked to stay in it. The Tigers, then went on a 5-0 run as Reed made a basket, and Priest made another three to make it 41-32. A mad scramble for the ball led to Parker Davis coming up with it and making the layup to cut it to 41-34. Reed answered with a three pointer to make it 44-34 Dawson.

Lanford, got one to go as he made it 44-36. Priest, hit his third three pointer of the quarter as he stretched the Tiger lead out to 47-36. Hampton, closed the third quarter scoring with a bucket to make it 47-38 Dawson going to the fourth.

Dragons on offense in the second half

To start the fourth quarter, Hampton got fouled on a shot attempt and split the pair of free throws to make it 47-39. Dawson responded with a bucket by Reed and a three pointer by Mazzaferro to make it 52-39. Lanford, got fouled and made both free throws to cut it to 52-41. Stewart then followed with a three pointer. Dunn and Lanford both made tough baskets to cut the Tiger lead down to 52-48. Harvey, ended the 9-0 run with a three pointer to make it 55-48. Dunn, made another layup as he’d cut it to 55-50. Dawson then had trouble making their free throws.

Owen Walls, made one free throw, and that gave the Dragons a chance. Dunn and Hampton made back to back layups to cut the Tiger lead down to 56-54. After Reed split a pair of free throws, the Dragons drew up a play for a potential game tying three. The three point attempt was no good, and Reed would make a pair of free throws to seal the win for Dawson, 59-54.

 

Leading scorers for the Dragons:

Camden Dunn: 14 points

Kadyn Hampton: 12 points

Caleb Lanford: 8 points

Isaiah Williams: 7 points

Jaden Stewart: 6 points

McCord Purdy: 3 points

Seth Cronic: 2 points

Parker Davis: 2 points

 

The Dragons, will now look to bounce back as they will go back on the road on Tuesday, January 31st as they take on the Lumpkin Indians. Pickens, defeated the Indians earlier in the season in Jasper and will look to earn the season sweep and stay within the top four in the standings. Tip off set for 7:30.

Dragons earn region win on Senior Night

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It was time for the boys game on Tuesday, January 17th between the Pickens Dragons and the West Hall Spartans. Much like the Nettes, the Dragons had gone through a tough stretch losing to Northwest Whitfield, close 1-point games to Sonoraville and White County, and then to Wesleyan. The Dragons, turned things around in the second quarter and never looked back as they picked a big 70-55 win over the Spartans.

 

In the first quarter, the Spartans got things going with a layup by Quintavous Reid to make it 2-0. Camden Dunn tied it up as he made a cut to the basket for the lay in. Isaiah Holder and Andrew Malin both hit a pair of free throws to give West Hall a 6-2 lead. Dunn picked up his second basket of the game to cut it to 6-4. Zach Stephens, extended the Spartan lead back to four with a bucket to make it 8-4. After Caleb Keith split a pair of free throws to cut it to 8-5, the two teams traded three point makes to give West Hall an 11-8 lead going to the second.

Dragons on offense against the Spartans

 

Stephens, hit a pair of free throws to begin the scoring in the second quarter to give the Spartans a 13-8 lead. Senior Jaden Stewart, picked up his first points of the game as he hit a three pointer to make it 13-11. After West Hall got a bucket from Owen Jenkins, and a pair of free throws from Malin, the Dragons went on a 7-0 run sparked by a basket by Stewart, and 5 straight points from James Tilley to give the Dragons their first lead at 18-17. That first lead was short lived as the Spartans got back to back three pointers from Ethan Clifford and Ian Pardue to make it 23-18.

The Dragons responded with a three pointer from Caleb Lanford, a bucket by Stewart, and another three by Tilley to give Pickens a 26-23 lead. A basket by Holder to cut it to one, Dodge Davis, went on a 4-0 run to close out the first half to give the Dragons a 30-25 lead going into the break.

Dragons on defense in the second quarter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To begin the second half, the Dragons went on a 7-0 run. Lanford, got the scoring started with a three, McCord Purdy, made a layup, then Senior Kadyn Hampton, picked up his first points with a bucket to make it 37-25. Malin, ended the run with a basket to make it 37-27 Pickens. Later on in the third, with the Dragons up 43-33, Lanford and Tilley teamed up to hit back to back three pointers to close out the quarter to make it 49-33 Pickens going to the fourth.

Dragons talking it over in the third

 

The Spartans, went on a 5-0 run to to begin the fourth quarter to make it 49-38. Hampton, ended the run with a bucket to make it 51-38. The two teams then traded baskets with the lead getting as high as 18 for the Dragons. Pickens, picked up a big win in terms of the region standings as they defeat the West Hall Spartans, 70-55.

 

Leading Scorers For The Dragons:

Caleb Lanford: 15 points

Camden Dunn: 14 points

Jaden Stewart: 11 points

James Tilley: 11 points

Kadyn Hampton: 6 points

Dodge Davis: 4 points

McCord Purdy: 4 points

Seth Cronic: 2 points

Parker Davis: 2 points

Caleb Keith: 1 point

 

The Dragons, head back on the road on Friday, January 20th as they make the short drive up to Ellijay to take on the Gilmer Bobcats. The in season series is tied at one a piece, with this last game being the most important. Pickens sits just ahead of Gilmer in the region standings. It should be an action packed game as are the majority of these games. Tip off set for 8:30.

Dragons open Holiday Tournament with win over Cartersville

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — On Wednesday, December 28th, the Pickens Dragons were back on their home court as they took on the Cartersville Purple Hurricanes in Holiday Tournament action. The Dragons, were looking to bounce back after a of tough losses to North Murray and Southeast Whitfield last week. The Purple Hurricanes, were also looking to get back in the win column after being defeated by North Paulding on December 17th. In a game that had a lot of action, the Dragons were able to hold off a late rally and pick up the win, 74-68.

 

To begin the first quarter, Cartersville got on the board first with a three pointer by Parnel Gamble. Following that make, Pickens would go on an 8-0 run getting buckets from Jaden Stewart, Caleb Lanford, and James Tilley. The Purple Hurricanes ended the run with a basket to make it 8-5. The Dragons, responded with another 8-0 run getting buckets from Camden Dunn, Lanford, and Caleb Keith to make it 16-5. Cartersville went on a mini 4-0 run getting baskets from Romo Pace and Ced McClinic to make it 16-9. Stewart, made his first three of the game to make it 19-9 Dragons going to the second.

Dragons running a play on offense

The second quarter began with Pace completing a three point play the old fashioned way to cut the Pickens lead down to 19-12. Keith, made his second field goal of the game to push it out to 21-12. After Gamble split a pair of free throws, Keith, hit a three pointer to make it 24-13. The Caleb connection was real in the second quarter as Caleb Lanford hit a three as well to make it 27-13. Monte Tolbert, ended the 6-0 run by splitting a pair of free throws to make it 27-14. Keith, then stepped to the line and made both of his free throws to make it 29-14. The two teams then traded buckets as Kaden Baldwin would make one, then Isaiah Williams got on the board for Pickens, and then Jamauri Brice would score to make it 31-18.

Brice, then split a pair of free throws to cut it to 31-19. Dragons Freshman McCord Purdy, got the crowd buzzing as he caught his defender slipping and then hit a three pointer to make it 34-19. After a bucket by Baldwin to cut it to 34-21, Lanford answered back with a basket to make it 36-21. Coming out of a Cartersville timeout, Purdy hit his second three of the game to make it 39-21. Brice, came back with a three of his own to make it 39-24. Brice, then made both of his free throw attempts to cut it down to 39-26. Tilley and Purdy would split their free throw attempts to end the first half with the Dragons leading, 41-26.

Pickens defending Cartersville

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second half started with the Purple Hurricanes going on a 5-0 run as they got three free throws from Jaylen Scott, and a bucket from Pace to cut it to 41-31. The two teams then traded three point makes as Lanford made one for Pickens, and Baldwin made one for Cartersville to make it 44-34. Pace, made it a 6-0 run for the Purple Hurricanes as he connected on a three pointer to make it 44-37. Stewart, came right back with a three pointer of his own and he and Pace had a little playful banter back and forth as Pace then tried to answer that three, but wasn’t able to. He was however able to get a layup to go to make it 47-39. The Dragons then went on a 4-0 run as they got buckets from Dodge Davis and Stewart to make it 51-39. McClinic, split free throws to make it 51-40.

The Sophomore, Davis, who had to step up and play a big role with two of the Dragons big guys in foul trouble, went to the free throw line and made both attempts to make it 53-40. Pace, then went on a 5-0 run on his own to cut the Pickens lead down to 53-45. Davis, got another bucket to give him six points in the quarter and give the Dragons a 55-45 lead going to the fourth.

Dragons with the ball under their basket

The fourth quarter began with both teams trading baskets to make it 59-50 Pickens. Brice, cut the Dragons lead down to 59-52 with a bucket. Purdy, got those two points back as he made a pair of free throws and stretched the lead back out to nine. The two teams again went back and forth scoring bucket after bucket. Pickens, maintained its lead as Tilley went to the line and made one free throw to make it 66-59. Later on in the quarter, Stewart, made a pair of free throws to make it 72-65. A three pointer by Gamble cut the lead to 72-68. The closest the game had been since the first quarter when it was 8-5. After a late foul by Cartersville, Keith hit two free throws to seal it as the Dragons come away with the 74-68 win.

 

Leading scorers for the Dragons:

Jaden Stewart: 18 points

Caleb Lanford: 17 points

Caleb Keith: 11 points

McCord Purdy: 9 points

Dodge Davis: 8 points

Camden Dunn: 6 points

Isaiah Williams: 2 points

 

The Dragons, will be in action again on Thursday, December 29th for the second day of their Holiday Tournament as they take on the Savannah Christian Raiders. Tip off is set for 7 pm.

Dragons drop non-region game to Phoenix

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — Coming into their game against the 5-0 Sonoraville Phoenix on Friday, December 9th, the Pickens Dragons were off to a 3-1 start. Those three wins were against Fannin, Copper Basin, and most recently, Gilmer on Tuesday night. While the Dragons fought the entire game, a 19 point halftime deficit was too much to overcome as the Phoenix came away with the 71-56 win.

 

The Dragons, opened up with the first points of the ball game as Isaiah Williams made a layup to make it 2-0. Sonoraville tied it, with a Bryson Shellnutt bucket. Camden Dunn got the lead back for Pickens with a layup to make it 4-2 early. The Phoenix, then went on an 8-0 run getting a three by Blake Cole, a bucket and a free throw make from Shellnutt, and a bucket from Donovan McDaniel to make it 10-4. Dunn stopped the Sonoraville run with a basket to make it 10-6. The Phoenix went on a mini 4-0 run getting buckets from Jaxson Pate and Shellnutt to make it 14-6. Jaden Stewart got his first points of the night to make it 14-8. For the rest of the first it was 3-2 in favor of Sonoraville as they took a 17-10 lead into the second.

Dragons looking for a shot on offense

Freshman Mccord Purdy opened the scoring in the second quarter as he cut the Phoenix lead down to 5. Sonoraville, then went on a 7-0 run as Jordyn Stoney hit two free throws and a three pointer. Pate concluded the run with a bucket to make it 24-12. Kadyn Hampton, split a pair of free throws, but stayed with the ball and got a layup out of it to cut the lead down to 24-15. Purdy followed it up with a three pointer to make it 24-18. After McDaniel picked up 4 quick points, Caleb Lanford got a bucket to make it 29-20.

The Phoenix, then went on an 8-0 run to stretch their lead out to 37-20. Lanford again ended a Sonoraville run with a bucket to make it 37-22. Another 7-0 run by the Phoenix made it 44-22. Lanford hit a three just before the buzzer to make it 44-25 Sonoraville at the half.

Dragons on defense against the Phoenix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Camden Dunn opened up the second half with a three pointer to make it 44-28. Stoney answered with a three of his own making it 47-28. Dunn, not to be outdone, hit another three that started a nice run for the Dragons. Stewart and Williams both made buckets and James Tilley hit a three. All told it was a 10-0 run making it 47-38 Sonoraville. McDaniel, hit a pair of free throws to make it 49-38. Stewart hit a three to make it 49-41. The two teams then traded baskets and it was 51-43. A bucket by Pate got the Phoenix lead back to double digits at 53-43. Both teams then traded free throws, and it  would be 54-45. Hampton the made a basket to cut the lead down to 54-47. McDaniel hit a pair of free throws to make it 56-47 Sonoraville going to the fourth.

Dragons working the ball offensively

The Phoenix got things started in the fourth with a three pointer by Ethan Hibberts. Purdy answered with a three of his own to make it 59-50. Sonoraville then got a pair of threes from McDaniel and Stoney to stretch their lead out to 65-50. After a bucket by Lanford, the Phoenix again hit a pair of three pointers to make it 71-52. Purdy and Stewart picked up the final four points for the Dragons as Sonoraville got the win, 71-56.

 

Dragons leading scorers:

Camden Dunn: 12 points

Jaden Stewart: 11 points

McCord Purdy: 10 points

Caleb Lanford: 9 points

Kadyn Hampton: 7 points

Isaiah Williams: 4 points

James Tilley: 3 points

 

The Dragons, will be right back at it on Saturday, December 10th as they head to Tunnel Hill to take on the Northwest Whitfield Bruins in another non-region contest. Tip off is set for 4:30 pm.

Dragons begin 2022-23 season with win over Fannin

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Ellijay, Ga — After the Nettes picked up their second win on the early season, the Pickens Dragons looked to open their season with a win of their own as they took on the Fannin Rebels on the first day of the annual Thanksgiving Tournament on Saturday, November 19th. The Dragons, did not have a scrimmage game while the Rebels did. The Rebels, won their scrimmage game earlier in the week after a nice come back. After a big shooting night for the Dragons, who were led by Caleb Lanford, who had 33, Pickens came away with an 84-53 victory.

 

The Dragons got on the board early with a corner three by Lanford to make it 3-0. The Rebels beat the press shown by Pickens and Luke Davenport hit a mid range jumper to make it 3-2. Nice passing by the Dragons led to an open three point attempt by Lanford and he connected to make it 6-2. The three pointers were flying early and often for Pickens in the first quarter as James Tilley made his first attempt to make it 9-2 Dragons. After a foul on the floor by Pickens, Fannin ran an inbounds play to perfection as Ben Bloch was cutting wide open underneath the basket for the layup. That made it 9-4. The Rebels, then went 1-2 from the line to cut the lead to 9-5.

Lanford, then hit his third three in the first quarter to push the lead to 12-5. After beating the press again, Jordan Richardson drove into the lane and connected on a floater to make it 12-7. Bloch, went to the line for three shots after being fouled on a three point attempt. Bloch would go 2-3 to cut the Dragons lead down to 12-9. On their next possession, Lanford used a good pump fake move to set up an open mid range shot. Lanford made that bucket to make it 14-9. Lucas Hanson would get fouled and make a pair of free throws to cut the Pickens lead to 14-11.

On the next Dragons possession, there went that man again as Lanford hit his fourth three of the quarter. Fresh off the football field, Isaiah Williams picked up a block on the defensive end, then grabbed an offensive rebound on the other end leading to a foul. Williams would go 1-2 from the line to make it 18-11. After the Rebels beat the press, Cole Gribble got a layup to go to make it 18-13. After a steal by Mccord Purdy, Purdy found that man again and Lanford hit his fifth three of the quarter to make it 21-13. On the next Pickens possession, Camden Dunn made a great pass to a cutting Jaden Stewart to make it 23-13. Stewart then got an offensive rebound and made the put back to give the Dragons a 25-13 lead after one.

 

After Pickens forced a turnover to begin the second quarter, Lanford knocked down his sixth three pointer of the first half to make it 28-13. Stewart then stole the ball at mid-court and took it the distance for the layup to make it 30-13. Gribble, got the Rebels on the board with a mid-range shot to make it 30-15. Richardson, then connected on another floater to make it 30-17. Fannin then got a steal and Bryson Wright finished it off with a layup to make it 30-19. The run for the Rebels continued as Bloch drove into the lane for the layup to cut the Dragons lead down to 30-21. A turnover by Pickens led to another layup by Bloch to make it 30-23.

The Dragons, finally ended the 10-0 run by Fannin after Stewart made a great lob pass to Williams, who made the layup to make it 32-23. Bloch, finding himself in trouble under the basket, passed it out to Wright who connected on the three to make it 32-26. Nathan Wallace, did a great job of following his shot as he gathered his own rebound and made the layup to make it 34-26. Bloch, then went 1-2 from the line to make it 34-27. Dunn, made a nice move on the baseline and finished with a reverse layup to make it 36-27. Lanford, then drove then lane and got fouled. He would go 1-2 from the line to make it 37-27. Bloch, using his quickness, got to the lane for two to make it 37-29.

Hanson, used a pump fake to drive the baseline for a layup to make it 37-31. Wallace, finished the bucket through contact and made the and-1 to stretch the Dragon lead out to 40-31. After a turnover, Dunn found Lanford cutting to the basket and he made the hook shot. Lanford got fouled on the shot and he made the and-1 to make it 43-31. At the half, Pickens led Fannin by a score of 43-31.

 

Lanford, kept his hot shooting from the first half going into the second half as he opened the third quarter with his seventh three pointer of the game to make it 46-31. After a turnover by the Rebels, the Dragons took advantage as Dunn found Seth Cronic under the basket for his first points of the ball game to make it 48-31. Fannin, was able to end the mini run with a floater by Bloch to make it 48-33. Dunn, had a nice series of plays as he had a block on defense, drove down the court and got fouled. Dunn would go 1-2 from the line to make it 49-33. Wright, did a nice job of following his shot as he missed the reverse layup, got the rebound, then made the layup to make it 49-35.

Bloch, fought for and got a pair of offensive rebounds, and then got fouled. He went 1-2 from the line to make it 49-36. Bloch again made some nice moves to make the layup and cut the Pickens lead down to 49-38. Wright then drove into the lane and made the layup against contact. He completed the and-1 to make it 49-41. The Dragons, needing a bucket, got one as Tilley hit his second three of the game to make it 52-41. A steal by Pickens led to a put back bucket by Dunn to make it 54-41. On the other end, Gribble got a bucket to make it 54-43.

Late in the shot clock, Dunn drove into the lane, made the layup, and got fouled. Dunn would miss the free throw, but hustled down the court to gather the rebound and threw the lead pass to Tilley, who finished the play with the layup. Wright, made another nice drive to the basket and finished the layup to make it 58-45. Just before the third quarter buzzer, Tilley made a tough layup to make it 60-45 Dragons going to the fourth.

 

To start the fourth, Lanford made a tough turnaround jumper to make it 62-45. A steal by Lanford led to another three by Tilley. His third of the game made it 65-45 Pickens. A great inbounds play by the Dragons led Stewart to finding Lanford under the basket to make it 67-45. Another steal by the Dragons led to a fourth three pointer by Tilley to make it 70-45. Bloch, ended the Pickens 10-0 run to begin the fourth as he drove in for the layup to make it 70-47. Lanford did a good job of getting the rebound off of Stewart’s miss and got the put back to make it 72-47.

A nice look by Stewart led to a bucket by Dunn. Dunn completed the and-1 and that made it 75-47. After a steal by Williams, he found Lanford on the outlet pass, who then found Purdy for the three to make it 78-47. Parker Davis, had a nice pump fake move that led to a floater for the Sophomore to make it 80-47. A nice pass led to a nice inside basket from Isaiah Angel to make it 80-49. Parker Davis, again made some nice moves on his way to the basket as he made his second bucket to make it 82-49. After the Rebels went 1-2 from the line, they collected the rebound and Hanson made a three to make it 82-53.

Just before the end of the game, Dodge Davis, grabbed his own rebound and made the put back to give us a final score of 84-53 in favor of the Dragons.

 

On Monday, these two teams will be back in Ellijay for the second day of the Thanksgiving Tournament. Pickens, will take on the Copper Basin Cougars at 4:30, and Fannin will take on the hosting Gilmer Bobcats at 7:30.

Dragons will be the #4 seed in next week’s region tournament

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — After the girls game was over, we were set for a big time battle between the Pickens Dragons and the visiting Cedartown Bulldogs. Coming into the game, the Dragons were 11-13 overall and 5-6 in 7-AAAA play. The Bulldogs, came in at 10-11 overall and 7-4 in 7-AAAA play. Cedartown defeated Pickens earlier in the season on December 7th in a close game, 55-52. In what was a physical game played by both teams, the Dragons came away with a 52-48 win.

 

Both teams struggled a bit to start the first quarter until Junior Kadyn Hampton broke the scoreless streak with a layup to make it 2-0 Pickens. Cedartown got it’s first points of the game after a three pointer to take their first lead, 3-2. The Dragons answered with a 7-0 run as Senior Luke Rogers and Sophomore Caleb Keith made layups and Sophomore Camden Dunn hit a three to make it 9-3. After the Bulldogs split a pair of free throws, the Dragons went on a little 3-0 run as Dunn hit a jumper and Rogers split a pair of free throws to make it 12-4. Cedartown made a bucket to make it 12-6 Pickens going to the second quarter.

Jaden Stewart with the ball for Pickens

 

The Bulldogs started the second quarter off on a 10-0 run to retake the lead, 16-12. A three pointer by Sophomore Marcus Pike cut the lead down to 16-15. After the two teams traded free throw makes, Pike made a layup plus the free throw after being fouled to give the Dragons a 20-18 lead. After Cedartown went down and tied the game up at 20, Pickens went on a 7-0 run Rogers made a layup, Junior Jaden Stewart hit a three, and Pike continued his hot quarter with another layup to make it 27-20. The Bulldogs countered that with a 14-0 run to reclaim the lead, 34-27. Stewart made a layup to make it 34-29 going into the break.

Dragons on defense in the second quarter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The third quarter was a low scoring frame for both teams and that would end up benefiting the Dragons. Senior Caleb Bryant got things going by splitting a pair of free throws, Hampton, who had been battling foul trouble, made a layup to cut the Bulldog lead down to 34-32. Cedartown ended the mini 3-0 run with a three pointer to make it 37-32. Those would be the only points for the Bulldogs in the third as Pickens went on a 7-0 run to end the quarter capped off by Stewart beating the clock with a layup to give the Dragons a 39-37 lead going to the fourth.

Dragons on offense in the third

 

The fourth quarter began with the Dragons continuing their run from the third quarter as Stewart and Bryant made back to back layups to give Pickens a 43-37 lead. Cedartown came right back with a pair of three pointers to tie the game up at 43 a piece. Rogers then gave the Dragons the lead back with a pair of free throws to make it 45-43. After a technical foul was called on Pickens, the Bulldogs split the technical free throws and made a layup to give Cedartown a 46-45 lead. On the next trip down, Dunn hit a massive three pointer to give the Dragons a 48-46 lead. The Bulldogs, came right back down the floor and tied the ball game back up at 48. Rogers, came up clutch with another layup to give Pickens a 50-48 lead. Cedartown, then went to the line for a pair of free throws. The first one was no good. With little time left, the second one had to be missed intentionally. In a scramble for the ball, it went out of bounds last touched by the Bulldogs. Rogers would receive the in-bounds pass and was fouled. The Dragons big man went to the line and hit both free throws to give Pickens the 52-48 win.

 

Leading Scorers For The Dragons:

Jaden Stewart: 14 points

Luke Rogers: 13 points

Camden Dunn: 8 points

Marcus Pike: 8 points

Kadyn Hampton: 4 points

Caleb Bryant: 3 points

Caleb Keith: 2 points

 

7-AAAA Boys Region Standings:

Central-Carroll: 16-8 (10-2) #1 seed in region tournament

Northwest Whitfield: 21-3 (9-3) #2 seed in region tournament

Cedartown: 10-12 (7-5) #3 seed in region tournament

Pickens: 12-13 (6-6) #4 seed in region tournament

Heritage: 9-13 (5-7) #5 seed in region tournament

SE Whitfield: 11-14 (4-8) #6 seed in region tournament

Ridgeland: 8-16 (1-11) #7 seed in region tournament

 

With the win, the Dragons secured the #4 seed in next week’s 7-AAAA Region Tournament. They will take on the #5 seed Heritage Generals on Tuesday, February 15th in the first round. Heritage defeated the Dragons in both regular season match ups with the game in Jasper being very close. This game, and every other Region Tournament game next week will be played at Northwest Whitfield.

Dragons pick up big region win against Raiders

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — After the girls game, the Senior Night festivities began as Seniors from both the Nettes and Dragons basketball teams, the dance team, and the cheerleading squad were recognized. As for the boys game, this was a must win for both the Dragons and the Raiders as both came in with identical 10-13 overall records, but Pickens came in with a better region record at 4-6 while Southeast Whitfield came in with a 4-7 region record. The Dragons, defeated the Raiders in Dalton on January 14th, 64-51 and were looking for the in season sweep. After a good, hard fought back and forth, Pickens came away with a 65-60 win.

 

Southeast Whitfield started the game off with a bucket to make it 2-0 early. Senior Collin Kellogg tied things up a 2 a piece, then fellow Senior Caleb Bryant gave the Dragons their first lead of the night with a layup to make it 4-2. Kellogg made a shot and hit the free throw to make it 7-2 Pickens. After a 5-0 run by the Raiders to tie things up at 7, Senior Luke Rogers gave the Dragons the lead back with a bucket to make it 9-7. Bryant extended the lead after splitting a pair of free throws to make it 10-7. A bucket by the Raiders cut the lead down to 10-9. Caleb Keith, then made two free throws to make it 12-9. After a bucket and a free throw make, Southeast Whitfield tied the game back up at 12. They would then retake the lead with a bucket to make it 14-12. Camden Dunn responded with a three pointer to give the Dragons a 15-14 lead. The Raiders then reclaimed the lead after a bucket to make it 16-15. Kellogg closed out the quarter with a bucket to give Pickens a 17-16 lead going to the second quarter.

Dragons looking for a stop defensively

 

Keith got things going in the second quarter as he hit a three pointer to make it 20-16 Dragons. The Raiders responded with an 8-0 run to take a 24-20 lead. Both teams then traded buckets until Southeast Whitfield went on a 5-0 run to make it 31-24. Pickens closed the first half on a 7-0 run as Marcus Pike got a tough layup to fall, Bryant got another bucket, and Jaden Stewart hit a three to tie things up at 31 going to the half.

Dragons looking for offense in the second

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The third quarter started off much like the first quarter did with the Raiders getting the opening bucket to retake the lead, 33-31. A quick 4-0 run from Kellogg and Kadyn Hampton gave the Dragons a 35-33 lead. After Southeast Whitfield split a pair of free throw attempts, Rogers extended the Pickens lead to 37-34 after a bucket. After the Raiders made a three pointer to again tie the ball game up, the Dragons went on a 6-0 run as Rogers made a pair of free throws and made a shot, and Bryant also made a shot to make it 43-37. A three by Southeast Whitfield put an end to the run and cut the lead down to 43-40. The two teams then again traded buckets as Stewart got the last points of the quarter with a three to make it 48-42 Dragons going to the fourth.

Dragons with the ball in the second half

 

The fourth quarter began with the Raiders getting a bucket to make it 48-44. Hampton answered with a bucket to make it 50-44. After Southeast Whitfield connected on a bucket and the free throw attempt, Rogers made a bucket to make it 52-47. After both teams made shots, the Raiders went on a 4-0 run to cut the Dragons lead down to 54-53. Hampton then made another tough bucket to make it 56-53. A pair of free throws by the Raiders made it 56-55. After a Stewart layup, Southeast Whitfield responded with a bucket to make it 58-57. Pickens answered that with a 5-0 run as Stewart made a three pointer and Hampton made a bucket to make it 63-57. A three pointer by the Raiders then cut the lead to 63-60. After a turnover by the Dragons, Bryant came up big with a steal and a layup at the other end to give the Dragons a 65-60 win.

 

Leading Scorers For The Dragons:

Jaden Stewart: 13 points

Caleb Bryant: 11 points

Kadyn Hampton: 10 points

Luke Rogers: 10 points

Collin Kellogg: 9 points

Caleb Keith: 7 points

Camden Dunn: 3 points

Marcus Pike: 2 points

 

7-AAAA Boys Region Standings:

Central-Carroll: 16-8 (10-2) will be the #1 seed in the region tournament

Northwest Whitfield: 21-3 (9-3) will be the #2 seed in the region tournament

Cedartown: 10-11 (7-4) will be the #3 seed in the region tournament

Pickens: 11-13 (5-6) will be either the #4 or #5 seed in the region tournament

Heritage: 9-13 (5-7) will be either the #$ or #5 seed in the region tournament

Southeast Whitfield: 10-14 (4-8) will be the #6 seed in the region tournament

Ridgeland: 8-16 (1-11) will be the #7 seed in the region tournament

 

One more game to go in the regular season as the Dragons will host the Cedartown Bulldogs on Thursday, February 10th in a big time region game. This is the make up game from a few weeks back as the original game could not be played due to weather. A win for the Dragons will make them the #4 seed in the upcoming region tournament. Tip off set for 7:30.

Generals defeat Dragons in tough region contest

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — After the game between the Nettes and Lady Generals was over, it was time for the Pickens Dragons and the Heritage Generals to take the floor. Coming into the game, the Dragons held a record of 9-11 (3-4) while the Generals came in at 8-9 (4-4). Both teams were looking for a win to stay in the thick of the 7-AAAA standings race with only a couple weeks left until the region tournament. The first meeting between these two in December went the way of the Generals as they defeated the Dragons 56-31 at Heritage. In what was a very physical game, a tough fourth quarter led to the Generals coming away with a 49-46 win.

 

The first quarter got off to a very rough start for both teams as turnovers and missed shots were the theme to begin the game. Heritage, finally broke the drought and went on a 4-0 run to give them the lead. A bucket by Collin Kellogg got the Dragons on the board and cut the Generals lead in half. Heritage would respond by going on a 6-0 run to make it 10-2. A free throw make by Luke Rogers made it 10-3 Generals going to the second.

Luke Rogers looking for a teammate

 

To start the second quarter, Rogers again split a pair of free throws to make it 10-4. After a three pointer by the Generals, the Dragons went on a 9-0 run powered by two three pointers from Jaden Stewart, and Rogers converting an and-1 to tie things up at 13. The tie didn’t last long as the Generals got an and-1 of their own to retake the lead, 16-13. The Dragons ended the first half on a 5-0 run as Stewart hit his third three pointer of the quarter and Caleb Keith made a layup just before the buzzer to give Pickens an 18-16 lead at the break.

Dragons defending the Generals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The third quarter began with Caleb Bryant hitting two free throws to make it 20-16. Caleb Keith kept the run going with a three pointer to make it 23-16. All together, the Dragons went on a 10-0 run to take the first lead of the game. Heritage answered with a 4-0 run to make it 23-20. After the two teams traded buckets, Pickens went on a 7-0 run as Kadyn Hampton contributed 4 points, and Camden Dunn hit a three to make it 37-25 Dragons. The Generals then got a bucket to cut the lead down to 37-27. Rogers got a bucket to drop as Pickens took a 39-27 lead over Heritage into the fourth.

Dragons with the ball in the third

 

The Generals started the fourth quarter on a 7-0 run to cut the Dragons lead down to 39-34. Rogers then countered with a 5-0 run on his own as he made two field goals and made a free throw to make it 44-34. A 13-0 run from Heritage would flip the game and give the Generals their first lead since the second quarter at 47-44. Rogers and Hampton both split a pair of free throws to make it 47-46. A pair of free throws from Heritage made it 49-46. The Dragons had a couple final chances for a game tying three pointer, but they would fall short and the Generals would come away with the win, 49-46.

 

7-AAAA Region Standings:

Central-Carroll: 13-6 (7-1)

Northwest Whitfield: 17-3 (6-3)

Cedartown: 7-9 (5-3)

Heritage: 9-9 (5-4)

Pickens: 9-12 (3-5)

Southeast Whitfield: 8-12 (2-6)

Ridgeland: 7-12 (1-7)

 

A two game road trip for the Dragons starts on Friday, January 28th as they will travel up to Rossville to take on the Ridgeland Panthers. Earlier this month, the Dragons came away with a 61-58 win over the Panthers in Jasper. Tip off for this one is set for 7:30.

Dragons fall to Bobcats in physical rivalry game

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — After the girls game, it was time for the Dragons and Bobcats to take the floor. The Dragons, were coming off of a 64-51 win over Southeast Whitfield on the road to run their win streak to 5 games in a row. The Bobcats, came into the game having won a tough back and forth game with West Hall on the road, 54-51. Gilmer, won the first two meetings of the season against Pickens by scores of 60-53, and 66-56. Pickens, got on the board with a 59-46 win last month. After much back and forth and very physical play from both sides, the Bobcats came away with a 53-46 win.

 

To open the ball game, the Bobcats got on the board first with a bucket to give themselves a 2-0 lead. Jaden Stewart answered for the Dragons with a three pointer to make it 3-2. After a bucket by Gilmer, Pickens went on a 5-0 run as Luke Rogers made a bucket and Collin Kellogg hit a three to make it 8-5. After a Bobcat bucket made it 8-7, the Dragons went on a 7-0 run with 5 of those 7 points coming from Kellogg to make it 15-7. Gilmer would then go 1 for 2 from the free throw line to make it 15-8. Marcus Pike hit a shot to give Pickens a 17-8 lead going to the second quarter.

Dragons on offense

Just like the first quarter, the second quarter began with a bucket by Cade Carter of the Bobcats. Caleb Keith quickly answered with a bucket of his own to make it 19-10 Dragons. After a pair of free throws from Gilmer, Rogers made a bucket to again keep the Pickens lead at 9. A free throw make and a bucket by the Bobcats cut the lead down to 21-15. A pair of free throws from Chanler Dunn made it 23-15 Dragons. Gilmer, would then close the first half on an 8-0 run to tie this game up at 23 heading to the break.

Dragons on defense in the second quarter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To start the second half, Gilmer again put the first points on the board as they hit a three pointer to make it 26-23. Caleb Bryant would then hit a pair of free throws and Rogers made a bucket to give the Dragons a 27-26 lead. After a bucket and an and-one conversion by the Bobcats, Rogers made another bucket to tie it up at 29. After a three pointer gave Gilmer the lead back, Rogers hit another shot to cut it to 32-31. An Ethan Banks bucket made it 34-31. Rogers, continued his scoring surge in the third as he again made another bucket to make it 34-33. A 4-0 run from the Bobcats to close out the third made it 38-33 going to the fourth.

Dragons with the ball in the second half

The scoring run from the third quarter carried over to the fourth quarter for Gilmer as they opened with a three pointer to make it 41-33. Keith then answered with a three to make it 41-36. After a bucket by the Bobcats, Kadyn Hampton made two free throws to make it 43-38. A Mark Tyson bucket made it 45-38. Hampton, got the hoop and the harm as he would complete the three point play to make it 45-41. After a free throw from Banks, Kellogg hit a three pointer to make it 46-44. From then on it would become a free throw game as the Bobcats scored 5 of their last 7 points from the charity stripe, while the Dragons could only manage a late Stewart bucket in the late stages of this one. The final in this one, 53-46 Gilmer.

 

Leading Scorers For Gilmer:

Ethan Banks: 17 points

Mark Tyson: 13 points

Lewis Mulkey: 6 points

Will Kiker: 6 points

Christian Somner: 6 points

 

Leading Scorers For Pickens:

Luke Rogers: 14 points

Collin Kellogg: 11 points

Jaden Stewart: 5 points

Caleb Keith: 5 points

Kadyn Hampton: 5 points

 

7-AAAA Boys Region Standings:

Central-Carroll: 11-5 (6-0)

Heritage: 8-7 (4-2)

Northwest Whitfield: 13-3 (3-3)

Cedartown: 5-8 (3-3)

Pickens: 9-10 (3-3)

Southeast Whitfield: 7-10 (2-4)

Ridgeland: 6-10 (0-6)

 

Weather permitting the Dragons will be back in action on Tuesday, January 18th as they host the Cedartown Bulldogs in a key 7-AAAA match up. As you can see from the standings above, both teams are tied for third in the region currently. Pickens holds a win over Northwest Whitfield, Northwest Whitfield holds a win over Cedartown, and Cedartown holds a win over Pickens. The Dragons will look to earn a season split with Cedartown after the Bulldogs survived after a late rally to beat Pickens 55-52 earlier this season. Tip off set for 7:30.

Dragons pick up big region win over Northwest Whitfield

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — After the Nettes thrilling win over the Lady Bruins, it was time for the Pickens Dragons and the Northwest Whitfield Bruins to take the floor. Coming into the game, the Dragons had won two straight, and came in with a record of 7-9 (1-3). The Bruins, came into the game with a record of 10-2 (2-2). During halftime of the girls game, Pickens High School recognized Dragons head boys basketball coach Mike Duffie on achieving 500 wins in his career. Duffie accomplished the feet on the road at North Murray during a Christmas Tournament in December. The ball was painted by PHS Art teacher Nikki Towery. The ball featured every school that Duffie has coached throughout the years as well as the trademark cowboy boots he wears during games.

500 win ball presented to coach Mike Duffie

As for the game, the Dragons got off to a fast start in the first quarter as Luke Rogers went on a 4-0 run to give Pickens the early lead. After a pair of free throws from the Bruins, Rogers made a third bucket of the first quarter to make it 6-2. Northwest Whitfield would cut the lead to 6-4, but Rogers and Collin Kellogg would respond with a 4-0 run to make it 10-4. A bucket and a free throw by the Bruins made it 10-7. Rogers, stayed hot as he went on a 3-0 run to make it 13-7. Northwest Whitfield chipped away at the Dragons lead again with a pair of free throws to make it 13-9. There went that man again as Rogers made a bucket and the free throw to make it 16-9. After a bucket by the Bruins, Jaden Stewart hit a three and Caleb Keith made a bucket to make it 21-11 Dragons going to the second.

Dragons on offense in the first quarter

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the second quarter, the Bruins started off on an 8-0 run to cut the Pickens lead down to 21-19. Kellogg and Isaiah Williams made back to back buckets to make it 25-19. A 5-0 run by Northwest Whitfield cut the lead to 25-24. The pair of Williams and Kellogg again stretched the lead out for the Dragons as the 4-0 run closed the first half, giving the Dragons a 29-24 lead going into the break.

Dragons defending the Bruins

The 4-0 run to close the first half by the Dragons turned into a 9-0 run overall as Stewart hit a three and Kellogg made a bucket to start the third quarter with a 5-0 run, and make it, 34-24. After a three pointer by the Bruins, Kadyn Hampton hit a pair of free throws to make it 36-27. A 5-0 run by Northwest Whitfield then cut the Dragons lead to 36-32. Pickens, answered with a 9-0 run with 6 of those 9 points coming off of three straight Hampton buckets. Caleb Bryant capped off the run with a three pointer to make it 45-32. After a bucket by the Bruins ended that run, the Dragons started a new one as they went on a 7-0 run with 6 of those 7 points coming from Bryant as he made two baskets and two free throws. Rogers also made a free throw during the run to make it 52-34. The Bruins made a free throw to close out the scoring in the third and we’d head to the fourth quarter with Pickens ahead, 52-35.

Dragons on offense in the second half

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the fourth quarter, the Bruins got the scoring started with a bucket to make it 52-37. A bucket by Stewart and a pair of free throws from Rogers made it 56-37. After a three by Northwest Whitfield, the Caleb’s (Keith and Bryant), combined for a 5-0 run as Caleb Keith hit a three and Caleb Bryant made a bucket to make it 61-40. Following a bucket by the Bruins, Hampton made a pair of free throws to make it 63-42. A 5-0 run from Northwest Whitfield made it 63-47. A pair of free throws by Stewart closed this one out as the Dragons came away with a 65-47 win.

 

Leading scorers for the Dragons:

Luke Rogers: 17 points, 12 rebounds

Kadyn Hampton: 12 points, 12 rebounds

Jaden Stewart: 10 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists

Caleb Bryant: 9 points

Collin Kellogg: 8 points, 7 rebounds

Caleb Keith: 5 points

Isaiah Williams: 4 points

 

7-AAAA Region Standings:

Central-Carroll: 9-5 (4-0)

Heritage: 7-5 (4-0)

Cedartown: 4-6 (2-2)

Pickens: 8-9 (2-3)

Northwest Whitfield: 10-3 (2-3)

Southeast Whitfield: 5-9 (1-3)

Ridgeland: 5-8 (0-4)

 

The Dragons, will carry a 2 game region winning streak and a 3 game overall winning streak into next Friday as they head to Southeast Whitfield to take on the Raiders. Tip off for that one is scheduled for 8:30.

Dragons pick up first region win of the season

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — The Dragons came into their game against the Ridgeland Panthers with some momentum after defeating their rivals, the Gilmer Bobcats last Thursday and looked to carry that momentum over into 2022. These two teams had similar records coming into the game with the Dragons at 6-9 and the Panthers at 5-6. Both teams were looking for their first win in 7-AAAA play as well. Even after their fourth quarter lead fell apart, the Dragons were able to brush that aside and defeat the Panthers 61-57.

 

In the first quarter, both teams went back and forth as it looked to be one of those games that was going to be tightly contested. Pickens, got two late three pointers to end the first quarter and take a 15-12 lead over Ridgeland going to the second.

Dragons setting up offensively

The second quarter was much like the first quarter with both teams finding success offensively. Also like the first quarter, the Dragons went on a late run to close out the first half with a 31-24 lead over the Panthers.

Dragons on defense in the second

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the third quarter, the Dragons used a great mixture of offense and defense to push their lead out to 17 at one point in the frame. Ridgeland was able to cut it down to 51-37 as we headed to the fourth quarter.

Jaden Stewart with the three attempt

The fourth quarter, well the fourth quarter was just plain nutty. The Panthers, who started the quarter down 14, came all the way back to take a 1 point lead. That lead for Ridgeland wouldn’t last long as the Dragons were able to retake the lead with a bucket to make it a 1 point lead for them. With the lead, the Dragons went to the free throw line to try to extend their advantage. After a miss, players from both teams had a grasp on the ball. Ridgeland called a timeout. However, it was a timeout that they didn’t have. After going 1 for 2 on the technical free throw shots, the Dragons were again fouled to go to the line shooting the 1 and 1. After a miss on the front end of the free throw shots, Kadyn Hampton came away with the ball after a scramble, and was fouled. Hampton, made both free throws as the Dragons came away with a 61-57 win.

 

Leading Scorers For The Dragons:

Caleb Keith: 23 points

Luke Rogers: 14 points

Jaden Stewart: 9 points

Caleb Bryant: 5 points

Kadyn Hampton: 4 points

Collin Kellogg: 3 points

Isaiah Williams: 3 points

 

7-AAAA Region Standings:

Central-Carroll: 8-5 (3-0)

Heritage: 6-5 (3-0)

Northwest Whitfield: 10-2 (2-2)

Cedartown: 4-6 (2-2)

Southeast Whitfield: 5-8 (1-2)

Pickens: 7-9 (1-3)

Ridgeland: 5-7 (0-3)

 

The Dragons, will be back at it on Friday night as they welcome the Northwest Whitfield Bruins to the Dragons Den. A win for the Dragons could move them up from 6th place, to that 3rd-5th place spot depending on how other games go across the region. Tip off for this one is set for 8:30.

Dragons end 2021 with win over Bobcats

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — What better way to close out 2021 than with some 515 rivalry action am I right? That’s what we got in Jasper on Thursday, December 30th as the Pickens Dragons took on the Gilmer Bobcats in the final day of the Pickens Holiday Tournament. For the Bobcats, they came into this game having fell to Creekview on Tuesday, and having beaten Lassiter on Wednesday. For the Dragons, they came into the game looking to end their 2021 on a high note after tough losses to Lassiter and Sonoraville on Tuesday and Wednesday. After jumping on them quickly in the first quarter, the Dragons came away with a big 59-46 win over the Bobcats.

 

In the first quarter, the Dragons used a good balance of defense and offense to jump out to a quick 12-6 lead. Pickens would then go on an 8-0 run getting three pointers from Jaden Stewart and Caleb Keith, as well as a bucket from Luke Rogers to make it 20-6. After a free throw make from the Bobcats’ Britt Taylor, Keith hit three to make it 23-7 Dragons going to the second quarter.

Dragons on offense late in the 1st

The second quarter started out with several runs as Rogers went on a 3-0 run to make it 26-7, then Luke Wimpey of Gilmer made three free throws to make it 26-10. After another Rogers free throw and an Isaiah Williams bucket, Pickens went up 29-10. The Bobcats then went on a 6-0 run to cut the lead down to 29-16. Stewart would then make a free throw and Collin Kellogg would hit a three pointer to make it 33-16. Gilmer closed out the first half on a 6-0 run to make it 33-22 Dragons going into the break.

Dragons defending the painted area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After getting the final bucket of the first half, Mark Tyson of Gilmer began the second half by getting a bucket and cutting the lead to 33-24. Stewart then countered with a three pointer to make it 36-24. Taylor, then made a bucket to make it 36-26. The Dragons then went on an 11-0 run as Stewart hit a three and two layups during the run. Kellogg and Rogers got the run started with a pair of buckets. After a three pointer from Wimpey, Keith and Stewart made back to back buckets to make it 51-29 Pickens going to the fourth.

Dragons looking for an open shot

Keith, continued his hot shooting as he opened up the fourth quarter with a three pointer to make it 54-29. Back to back three pointers from Christian Sumner and Ethan Banks cut the lead to 54-35. After a bucket by Rogers, Banks and Keith would trade three point field goals. The Bobcats ended the game on an 8-0 run, but the Dragons came away with the win, 59-46.

 

Leading Scorers For Gilmer:

Ethan Banks: 14 points

Britt Taylor: 6 points

Will Kiker: 6 points

Mark Tyson: 4 points

 

Leading Scorers For Pickens:

Luke Rogers: 19 points

Jaden Stewart: 16 points

Caleb Keith: 14 points

Collin Kellogg: 5 points

 

The Dragons finish the 2021 part of their schedule at 6-9. They will look to get on the board in region play on Tuesday, January 4th as they welcome the Ridgeland Panthers to the Dragons Den for a 7-AAAA match up. Tip off for that one is set for 7:30 pm.

Dragons drop tough game to Phoenix

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons welcomed the Sonoraville Phoenix to the Dragons Den for the second day of the Pickens Holiday Tournament. After a hard fought game against Lassiter on Tuesday, the Dragons looked to get back on track against a Phoenix team that was also looking to string together some wins. After some back and forth, the Phoenix used a big fourth quarter to come away with a 62-47 win.

 

In the first quarter, the Dragons got things started with an opening bucket from Jaden Stewart to make it 2-0. From there, the Phoenix went on an 8-0 run to make it 8-2. After both Pickens and Sonoraville traded buckets, Luke Rogers hit a pair of free throws and Stewart hit a three pointer to make it 10-9. The Phoenix, were able  to get a bucket just before the quarter ended to make it 12-9 going to the second quarter.

Dragons on offense to start the game

Sonoraville, started the second quarter on a 10-0 run, including 3 three pointers to make it 22-9. All together, the Phoenix went on a 12-0 run going back to the end of the first quarter before Rogers made a bucket to cut it to 22-11. After a foul call sent Rogers to the free throw line, Sonoraville’s coach was called for a technical for arguing that it was a blocking foul on Rogers instead of a charging call on his player. Rogers would split his pair of free throws, and Stewart hit both technical free throws to make 22-14. After a back and forth, Caleb Lanford hit a three to make it 26-20. Again, the Phoenix got the final bucket as they took a 28-20 lead into the break.

Dragons on defense in the 1st half

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Phoenix again started of quick as they opened the third quarter with a 4-0 run to make it 32-20. A three from Caleb Keith made it 32-23. The rest of the quarter was played very closely as Sonoraville just outscored Pickens 13-9 to make it 45-32 going to the fourth.

Dragons in-bounding the ball

In the fourth quarter, the Phoenix opened things up with an 11-0 run to make it 56-32. After the tough start to the quarter, the Dragons closed the game on a 15-6 run. Sonoraville, came away with the win, 62-47.

 

Leading Scorers For Pickens:

Jaden Stewart: 14 points

Luke Rogers: 13 points

Caleb Keith: 9 points

Caleb Lanford: 3 points

Isaiah Williams: 3 points

 

Later today, the Dragons will be back on the court for the final time in 2021 as they host the Gilmer Bobcats for the final day of the Pickens Holiday Tournament. The first two games between these two have gone the way of the Bobcats as the Dragons will look to grab some momentum heading into 2022. Tip off is set for 6 pm.

Short-handed Dragons fall to Lassiter

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It was the first day of the Pickens Holiday Tournament as Southeast Whitfield took on Sonoraville, Creekview took on Gilmer, and the host team, the Pickens Dragons, took on Lassiter. After a nice showing last week at a tournament at North Murray, which saw the Dragons go 2-1, the Dragons came into this tournament with some confidence and looked to close out the 2021 portion of their schedule. Pickens, playing short-handed, were unable to complete multiple comeback attempts as the Lassiter Trojans picked up the win, 64-53.

 

In the first quarter, Lassiter got things going with an early bucket. After the Dragons got a bucket from Caleb Keith to tie it up, the Trojans went on a 4-0 run to make it 6-2. The two teams then traded buckets to make it 10-6 Lassiter. Another Trojan 4-0 run made it 14-6. After a Collin Kellogg bucket cut it to 14-8, Lassiter once again countered with a 4-0 run to make it 18-8. Two free throws by Luke Rogers would make it 18-10 Trojans, going to the second quarter.

Dragons in-bounding the ball

To start the second quarter, Pickens would go on a 5-0 run as they got a bucket from Jaden Stewart, and a three pointer from James Tilly to cut the Lassiter lead to 18-15. The Trojans, would then make two free throws and get a bucket to make it 22-15. An Isaiah Williams bucket then cut it to 22-17. After a pair of Trojan free throws, Kellogg connected with a bucket to make it 24-19. Rogers then made another pair of free throws to make it 24-21. After a bit of back and forth between the two teams, the Dragons closed the half on a 4-0 run as Stewart and Kadyn Hampton cut the Trojan lead  down to 28-27 going to the break.

Dragons defending Lassiter

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the third quarter, the Trojans got out to a 6-0 run to make it 34-27. A Rogers bucket stopped the run and cut the lead to 34-29. After both teams again traded buckets, Lassiter built their lead up to 44-33 late in the third. Pickens got back to back three pointers from Stewart and Nathan Wallace to make it 44-39 Trojans going to the fourth.

Dragons on offense in the third

Pickens kept the run from the end of the third going to start the fourth quarter as Rogers and Williams both made buckets to make it 44-43. After a 4-0 Trojan run, Williams made another bucket to make it 48-45. After a quick back and forth, Stewart hit a three pointer to make it 53-50. From there, Lassiter went on an 11-0 run aided by 7 made free throws to make it 64-50. Stewart would make one more three pointer, but the Trojans would get the win, 64-53.

 

Leading Scorers For Pickens:

Jaden Stewart: 17 points

Luke Rogers: 12 points

Collin Kellogg: 8 points

Isaiah Williams: 6 points

Kadyn Hampton: 4 points

James Tilley: 3 points

Nathan Wallace: 3 points

 

The Dragons, will be back at it this afternoon as they take on the Sonoraville Phoenix for the second day of the Pickens Holiday Tournament. Tip off is set for 6 pm.

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