Dragons get over .500 after defeating Rebels
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports November 29, 2023
Jasper, Ga — After a tough game against the Creekview Grizzlies last week, the Pickens Dragons came into their game against the Fannin Rebels on Tuesday, November 28th looking to get back over .500. The Rebels, were looking to get their season started off on the right foot with a road victory. The Dragons, were able to pull away in the second half to secure a 75-45 victory.
The first quarter started off as a turnover fest for both teams early on. Dodge Davis split a pair of free throws to give the Dragons a 1 point lead. The Rebels, took their first lead after a layup by Cole Gribble. After the two teams traded buckets, the Dragons would go on a small 4-0 run as McCord Purdy hit a three and Caleb Lanford made a basket to make it 15-11 Pickens. Ben Bloch, hit two free throws to cut the lead to two.
Just before the buzzer went off to end the first quarter, Purdy got off a corner jumper and got the kind home bounce to make it 17-13 Dragons going to the second.
Parker Davis, got the scoring started in the second quarter as his bucket made it 19-13. The Rebels would cut into the lead after Jordan Richardson split a pair of free throws and Gribble made a layup to make it 19-16. A 4-0 run by Parker Davis stretched the lead out to 23-16. Richardson, would hit a three to end the mini run and cut the lead to four. The Dragons, would then go on a 10-0 run as Dodge Davis, Hayden Jones, and Purdy all contributed to the run.
The Rebels, got another three from Richardson out of a time out and Bloch split a pair of free throws to make it 33-23. Jones would get the final bucket of the first half as the Dragons went into the break up 35-23.
To start the second half, Kolton Kaylor hit a three to cut the lead to nine. After both teams traded baskets, Purdy went on a 5-0 run to make it 42-28. Later on in the third, Lanford matched Purdy with a 5-0 run of his own. After Bloch ended the run with a three, Purdy again beat the buzzer as he nailed a three to make it 51-33 Dragons going to the fourth.
Dodge Davis got the scoring going for the Dragons in the fourth with a pair of free throws. After a bucket by Bloch, Nathan Wallace got his first points with a three to make it 56-35. Purdy and Lanford, hit back to back three pointers to make it 62-37. After Dodge and Parker Davis traded baskets, Jamin Martin got his name in the score book with a layup to make it 72-41. The Rebels, ended the Dragons run as Keaton Watkins and Matthew Ponton both made a pair of free throws to make it 72-45.
Montego Morgan closed out the scoring for the night as he hit a three to also get his name in the score book as the Dragons moved to 3-2 on the season winning 75-45.
Scoring for the Dragons:
McCord Purdy: 26 points
Caleb Lanford: 12 points
Dodge Davis: 12 points
Parker Davis: 10 points
Hayden Jones: 7 points
Montego Morgan: 3 points
Nathan Wallace: 3 points
Jamin Martin: 2 points
The Dragons, will be back in action on Tuesday, December 5th as they head up to Ellijay to take on the Gilmer Bobcats to begin 7-AAA play. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons come up short against Grizzlies
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports November 22, 2023
Jasper, Ga — After a nice 50-46 win over Sonoraville on Monday, the Pickens Dragons were back on the court to take on the Creekview Grizzlies on Tuesday, November 21st. The Dragons, came into the game at 2-1. The Grizzlies, came into the game 1-3. The game was close throughout, and it would be the away team coming away with the win, 63-58.
The first quarter started off fast as both teams came out ready to score points. Caleb Lanford, gave the Dragons their first lead of the game after a three pointer put them up 13-12. A 5-0 run by the Grizzlies gave them a 17-13 advantage. As the first quarter came to a close, McCord Purdy put up a three point attempt just before the buzzer sounded and got it to go to make it 17-16 going to the second quarter.
The Grizzlies started the second quarter on a 4-0 run to stretch their lead 21-16. After a three by Lanford, Creekview would go on a 6-0 run to make it 27-19. Dodge Davis, cut that lead down to 5 after a three to make it 27-22. The Grizzlies, would then hit a pair of free throws to make it a 7 point game. The Dragons, went on 8-0 run helped by three pointers from Purdy and Nathan Wallace. Wallace capped off the run with a steal and layup to give the Dragons a 30-29 lead.
The Grizzlies, used a 5-0 run to retake a 34-30 lead. Purdy, nailed another three to cut the lead down to one. Just as the half was about to end, the Grizzlies hit a three to make it 37-33 going to the break.
The Dragons started the third quarter out hot as Lanford, Purdy, and Wallace combined for a 7-0 run to give Pickens the 40-37 lead. The Grizzlies, would answer with a 5-0 run to retake the lead by 2. Montego Morgan split a pair of free throws to cut the lead to 1. Both teams traded three pointers to end the quarter and as they headed to the fourth, the Grizzlies led the Dragons, 45-44.
Creekview opened up the fourth with a three to stretch their lead to 4. Morgan, was at the right place at the right time as Purdy slipped on his way to the basket and Morgan was there to grab it and lay it in. a 5-0 run by the Grizzlies made it 53-46. Lanford would cut into the lead with a bucket to make it 53-48. Later on in the quarter, Lanford would hit a three to cut the Grizzlies lead down to 59-55.
Lanford would hit another three with about 9 seconds remaining, but the Grizzlies would hold on to get the win, 63-58.
All-Tournament Team:
Caleb Lanford
McCord Purdy
The Dragons, will get the rest of the week off as they will be back on the court on Tuesday, November 28th when they take on the Fannin Rebels. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons defeat Phoenix to move to 2-1
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports November 21, 2023
Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons came into the 2023-24 basketball with some familiar faces, some fresh faces, and under a new direction. Head coach Bob Martin is now the captain running the ship at PHS. The Dragons started off the season with a big 53-30 win over LFO on the road on Saturday, November 11th. The following Saturday saw the Dragons drop a tough one to Lassiter on the first day of the Pickens Thanksgiving Tournament 60-53 in overtime.
On Monday, November 20th, the Dragons were back on the court taking on the Sonoraville Phoenix for the second day of the Pickens Thanksgiving Tournament. In a tightly contested game, the Dragons were able to come out on top, 50-46.
In the first quarter, the Phoenix got on the board first for an early 2-0 lead. Dodge Davis tied things up for the Dragons with his first bucket of the night. The Dragons, took their first lead of the night as Dodge Davis and Caleb Landford hit back to back three pointers to make it 8-5. The Phoenix, then went on a 5-0 run to retake the lead, 10-8. Pickens, cut the lead to 1 after Dodge Davis split a pair of free throws to make it 10-9.
After both teams traded three point makes, Nathan Wallace picked the ball off and scored to make it 16-14 Phoenix going to the second quarter.
After four consecutive fouls were called to begin the second quarter, three of them on Sonoraville, Parker Davis got the scoring going with a free throw. Dodge Davis, continued his hot start and gave the Dragons the lead back with a bucket. Wallace, added to the lead with a three to make it 20-16 Pickens. Wallace, would extend the lead out to 7 as he was hit in the act of shooting a three and made all of them. Montego Morgan got into the scorebook as he hit a nice jumper after using a nifty move to get open.
After both teams traded a couple of baskets, the Phoenix went on a 4-0 run to close out the first half. Going into the break, the Dragons led, 29-24.
The third quarter began with Lanford going on a personal 5-0 run to make it 34-24. A 5-0 run by the Phoenix cut the lead down to 34-29. After a bucket by Lanford, the rest of the quarter turned into fouls and free throws. As the teams headed to the fourth, the Dragons led it, 37-33.
The Phoenix, started the fourth quarter scoring early as a 5-0 run gave them the lead for the first time since the first half. Hayden Jones would split a pair of free throws to tie the game up at 38. Jones would then give the Dragons the lead with a basket to make it 40-38. After a three was hit by Sonoraville to give them the 1 point lead, Parker Davis stepped to the line and made both to once again, put the Dragons ahead.
The lead kept changing hands every few seconds it seemed as a floater by the Phoenix gave them a 1 point advantage. Huge back to back three pointers from Parker Davis and McCord Purdy gave the Dragons a 48-43 lead. A three pointer by the Phoenix cut the lead down to just two with well under a minute to go. Purdy, headed to the line looking to seal for the Dragons and the Sophomore did just that. Dragons hold on and take this one, 50-46.
Scoring for the Dragons:
Caleb Lanford: 13 points
Dodge Davis: 9 points
Nathan Wallace: 8 points
McCord Purdy: 7 points
Parker Davis: 6 points
Hayden Jones: 5 points
Montego Morgan: 2 points
The Dragons, will be back in action on Tuesday, November 21st to close out the Pickens Thanksgiving Tournament as they play host to the Creekview Grizzlies. Tip off set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons come up just short of making the playoffs
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports November 4, 2023
Peachtree Corners, Ga — The first Friday of November was a cold one as the Pickens Dragons made the trip down to Peachtree Corners to take on the Wesleyan Wolves for just the second time ever. While the Wolves had the #2 seed out of 7-AAA locked up coming into the game, the Dragons needed a win and some help from their friends from Gilmer to make it into the playoffs. The Wolves, led by ’24 4-star Syracuse commit, Jamie Tremble, were able to pull away and get the win over the Dragons, 42-20.
The Dragons, got the ball first to begin the ball game. After their opening drive stalled, they would be forced to punt. The Wolves, would block the punt and return it to the Dragon 20-yd line. The next play, Wolves QB Ben Brown found Tremble for a 20-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 10:31 left in the first quarter, Wesleyan led Pickens, 7-0. The Dragons, saw some success with their second drive of the game as they drove into Wolves territory.
The Dragons, would go for it on fourth down, but would not be able to convert. The Wolves, would add to their lead on their following possession as Brown would keep it and score from 20 yards out. The PAT was good and with 5:35 left in the first quarter, Wesleyan led Pickens, 14-0. The Dragons, got on the board as Senior QB Sam Streicher found the receiving touchdown leader in 3A, McCord Purdy for a 26-yd touchdown. The PAT from Senior Charlie Gibbons was good and they’d head to the second quarter with Wesleyan leading, 14-7.
The Wolves, who started their latest drive towards the tail end of the first quarter, found the end zone on the second play of the second quarter as Brown found Tremble for a 9-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 11:12 left in the first half, Wesleyan now led, 21-7. The Wolves, added to their lead as Brown tossed the ball to Townes Hardy as Brown was being dragged down for a 2-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 3:55 left in the first half, Wesleyan led 28-7.
The Dragons, found the end zone after Streicher hit Landon Poole with the screen pass and Poole broke several tackles and ran 44-yds for the touchdown. The PAT was no good and the two teams would go into the half with Wesleyan leading, 28-13.
The Wolves, got the ball first to start the second half. Wesleyan would score on their first possession of the second half as Brown found Tremble for a 53-yd touchdown. The PAT was partially blocked, but just still barely made it through. With 11:08 left in the third quarter, the Wolves led the Dragons, 35-13. The Wolves, would add a 35-yd touchdown near the end of the third quarter as Brown hit Carter Hayes. The PAT was good and as they headed to the fourth, Wesleyan led, 42-13.
The lone score in the fourth quarter came from the Dragons as Streicher hit Purdy for a 35-yd touchdown. The PAT was good from Gibbons and that would give us the final score of Wesleyan 42 Pickens 20.
Region 7 matches up with region 6 in the first round of the playoffs. The four teams representing region 7 in the AAA football playoffs will be Lumpkin, Wesleyan, White County, and Gilmer. Lumpkin, will host Gordon Lee, Wesleyan will host Ringgold, White County will travel to Bremen, and Gilmer will travel to Adairsville.
Dragons defeat Warriors to keep playoff hopes alive
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 28, 2023
Cleveland, Ga — It was a beautiful night for football on Friday, October, 27th as the Pickens Dragons made their way up to Cleveland to take on the White County Warriors. Coming into the game, the Dragons looked to build off of a nice win over West Hall at home last week. The Warriors, looked to bounce back after a high scoring, 4 overtime affair with Lumpkin. In an action packed, intense, back and forth game, the Dragons came away with the 39-37 win to keep their playoff chances alive.
The Dragons, got the ball first to start the ball game and moved down the field pretty effectively. As the drive looked like it was possibly about to stall, QB Sam Streicher tossed the ball to Landon Poole on a screen play and Poole took it 32 yards for the touchdown. The PAT was blocked and with 8:40 left in the first quarter, Pickens led White County, 6-0. The Warriors, would answer nearly two minutes later as QB Tripp Nix took it in from 15-yds out. The PAT would be good and with 6:41 left in the first quarter, the Warriors led the Dragons, 7-6.
The Warrior defense, then created a turnover on the Dragons next possession as a pass was tipped and intercepted. The Warriors, would cash in on the turnover and score a 1-yd touchdown. The PAT would be blocked and with 5:26 left in the first quarter, White County led Pickens, 13-6. The Dragons, turned to the run game with their next possession as RB Miguel Salto took the handoff and ran 66-yds for the touchdown. The PAT from Charlie Gibbons was good and as they headed to the second quarter, the game would be tied at 13.
Streicher looking down field to throw
The Dragons, began the second quarter by capping off a drive that started towards the end of the first quarter as Streicher found WR McCord Purdy for an 8-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 10:39 left in the first half, Pickens led White County, 20-13. The Dragons, then caught the Warriors by surprise as Gibbons executed a picture perfect onside kick that landed right into Poole’s arms. The defense for White County, was able to get a stop and their offense responded with a drive that led to a 9-yd touchdown run by Nix. The PAT was no good and with 3:52 left in the first half, the Dragons led the Warriors, 20-19.
Just before the end of the half, Streicher connected with Purdy again from 8-yds out for the score. The PAT was good and Pickens went into the break leading White County, 27-19.
Dragons looking to stop a running play
The Warriors, got the ball first in the second half looking to cut into the Dragons lead or possibly tie it. RB Ryan Fowler, capped off the drive with a 4-yd touchdown. The 2-point conversion attempt was no good and with 8:23 left in the third quarter, the Dragons led the Warriors, 27-25. Later on in the quarter, Streicher found Purdy for the 3rd time as Purdy got in from 7-yds out. The PAT was no good. Going to the fourth quarter, Pickens led White County, 33-25.
Dragons set to run a play inside the 10-yd line
Almost three minutes into the fourth quarter, the Warriors scored after the third rushing touchdown from Nix. This one from 5-yds out. White County, tried going for two, but the pass was batted down. With 9:02 left in the game, Pickens held on to a 33-31. The next drive for the Dragons saw WR Hayden Jones come up with some massive catches including a one handed catch.
That incredible catch help set up a 2-yd touchdown run by Streicher. The PAT was no good and with 6:40 left in the game, Pickens led White County, 39-31. The Warriors, once again found the end zone as their guy, Nix, ran it in from 6-yds out for his fourth rushing score of the game. The ensuing 2-point conversion attempt was almost complete, but the ball fell out of the receivers hands as he went to the ground. The Dragons, held onto a 39-37 lead with 3:40 left in the game. The Dragons offense, behind Streicher making a couple of clutch throws to Jones and getting some tough yards with his legs, was able to run out the remaining time and pick up a massive road win, 39-37.
7-AAA Football Standings:
Lumpkin: 9-0 (5-0) Region Champions
Wesleyan: 5-3 (4-1) #2 seed (regardless of outcomes next week)
Gilmer: 6-3 (3-2)
Pickens: 3-6 (2-3)
White County: 4-5 (2-3)
Dawson County: 2-8 (2-4)
West Hall: 1-8 (0-5)
The Dragons, will once again be on the road to finish out the 2023 regular season as they head to Wesleyan to take on the Wolves on Friday, November, 3rd. There will be some scoreboard watching going on that night. A win by the Dragons, plus a win by their friends to the north, Gilmer (play at White County), will put the Dragons into the playoffs. Kick off against Wesleyan is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons fall to Dawson after tough second half
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports October 7, 2023
Jasper, Ga — On a somewhat rainy and much cooler evening, the Pickens Dragons welcomed the Dawson County Tigers to Jasper for a 7-AAA region ball game. The Dragons, were looking to rebound after a tough stretch of games including falling in their first region game to Lumpkin. The Tigers, were kind of in the same boat as the Dragons were coming into the game with only one win, but that one win came against West Hall to begin 7-AAA play. The Tigers, would use a 28-0 second half to pull away from the Dragons and pick up the 42-7 win.
The Dragons, got the ball first to start the game and were forced to punt close to their own end zone. Dragons punter Hayden Jones, just did get the punt off and the Tigers had good field position for their first possession. The Dragons defense, did a great job backed up into their own territory and kept the Tigers out of the end zone. The Dragons, thought they found points after an 80-yd run by QB Sam Streicher, but that was called back due to a penalty. The Dragons, would get across midfield during the drive, but would turn it over on downs to end the drive. The Tigers, used a double pass to score the first points of the game as Sawyer Bearden found Dom LeBlanc for a 55-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and the Tigers held a 7-0 lead going to the second quarter.
Sam Streicher with the QB run
The Dragons, would tie things up in the second quarter as Streicher connected with WR McCord Purdy for a 79-yd touchdown. The PAT from Charlie Gibbons was good and with 8:35 left in the first half, Pickens and Dawson were tied at 7. The Tigers, were able to retake the lead at the 3:17 mark of the second quarter after a 5-yd touchdown run from Bearden. Going into halftime, the Tigers led the Dragons, 14-7.
Dragons defense looking to make a play
The Tigers, got the ball first to start the third quarter and and were set up with good field position after a kick returned out to the 50-yd line. Dawson, added to their lead with a 27-yd touchdown pass from QB Preston Bannister to LeBlanc. LeBlanc’s second touchdown of the game. His PAT was good and with 8:45 left in the third, the Tigers now led the Dragons, 21-7. Both teams had chances the rest of the quarter, but neither team could find points. Going to the fourth, Dawson led Pickens, 21-7.
Dragons on offense in the third quarter
A little over a minute into the fourth quarter, the Tigers capped off a drive that began in the late stages of the third quarter with a 1-yd touchdown run from Blake Arp. The PAT was good and with 10:55 left in the game, the Tigers led the Dragons, 28-7. Dawson, added to that lead shortly after as Alex Stewart picked off a pass attempt and took it for a 30-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and the Tigers now led, 35-7. After a fumble recovery by the Tigers, Bearden would get in for his second rushing touchdown of the night. The PAT was good and Dawson led, 42-7. The final score from Jasper, Dawson 42 Pickens 7.
7-AAA Region Standings:
Lumpkin: 7-0 (3-0)
Wesleyan: 4-3 (2-1)
Dawson: 2-5 (2-1)
White County: 3-3 (1-1)
Gilmer: 4-3 (1-2)
Pickens: 1-5 (0-2)
West Hall: 1-5 (0-2)
The Dragons, will be back on the road next week as they make the short drive up 515 to Ellijay to take on the Gilmer Bobcats. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons drop region opener to Lumpkin
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports September 23, 2023
Jasper, Ga — 7-AAA region play began on Friday, September 22nd as the Pickens Dragons took on the Lumpkin County Indians. The Dragons, came into the game with a 1-3 record after a couple of tough games to close out their non-region schedule. The Indians, came into the game undefeated at 4-0 and ranked inside the top 10 in AAA in several polls. While the Dragons had several chances to make something happen, the Indians were able to pick up the win to begin region play, 49-14.
The Indians, won the toss and elected to receive to begin the ball game. The Indians, were able to drive down the field using mainly their run game. Their first drive ended after QB Cal Faulkner tossed a pop pass to Nolan Matthews on a sweep and he took it 18 yards for the touchdown. The PAT was good and with 9:04 left in the first quarter, the Indians led the Dragons, 7-0. The Indians, added to their lead after Mason Sullens scored on a 60-yd touchdown run to make it 14-0. Going to the second quarter, Lumpkin held a 14-0 lead over Pickens.
Dragons on defense in the 1st quarter
Nearly halfway into the second quarter, the Indians added to their lead with a 14-yd touchdown run by Faulkner. With 6:45 left in the first half, the Indians now led, 21-0. Sullens, punched in his 2nd touchdown of the night with a 3-yd run to give Lumpkin a 28-0 lead over Pickens heading into the break.
Sam Streicher dropping back for a pass
The Dragons, got the ball to start the second half. This drive, would be the most successful drive for the Dragons up to this point as QB Sam Streicher found WR McCord Purdy in the corner of the end zone for a 10-yd touchdown. the PAT from Charlie Gibbons was good and with 6:45 left in the third quarter, the Indians led the Dragons, 28-7. The Indians, were able to answer that score as Sullens scored his 3rd rushing touchdown of the game with another 3-yd run. Going to the fourth quarter, Lumpkin led Pickens, 35-7.
Dragons on offense in the second half
The Indians, opened up the scoring in the fourth quarter as Faulkner ran it in from 8-yds out for his 2nd rushing touchdown of the game to make it 42-7 Indians with 9:54 left in the game. Streicher and Purdy, connected for the second time in the game as Streicher found Purdy for a 53-yd touchdown. The PAT by Gibbons was good and with 8:58 left in the game, Lumpkin led Pickens, 42-14. The Indians, found the end zone one last time as Jackson Bell scored after a 2-yd run. The final in Jasper, Lumpkin 49 Pickens 14.
7-AAA Football Standings:
Lumpkin: 5-0 (1-0)
Wesleyan: 3-2 (1-0)
Dawson: 1-4 (1-0)
White Co.: 2-2 (0-0)
Gilmer: 3-2 (0-1)
Pickens: 1-4 (0-1)
West Hall: 1-4 (0-1)
The Dragons, will be on a bye week next week as they will have two weeks to get ready for the Dawson Tigers. That game will be at Dragons Stadium on Friday, October 6th. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons fall short against Lions; prepare for region play next week
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports September 16, 2023
Dalton, Ga — After having last week off, the Pickens Dragons were back on the field on Friday, September 15th as they took to the road for the first time during the 2023 season as they faced the Christian Heritage Lions in the final tune up before region play begins. An interesting part with these two teams playing is the head coach of the Lions, Frank Barden, used to coach the Dragons from 94-95. This was just the second ever meeting between these two schools in football as the Dragons came away with a 24-22 win in Jasper last year. This year, it was the Lions coming away with the win as they were able to hold onto a 29-24 victory.
The Dragons, much like they’ve done throughout the season so far, won the toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff. Pickens, couldn’t get anything on their opening drive, and had to punt it away to the Lions. The Lions, saw their first possession of the game stall out as well and they would have to punt it back to the Dragons. It wasn’t until the 2:36 mark of the opening quarter when we saw the first points being scored as the Lions connected on an 8-yd touchdown pass. The snap on the PAT attempt was high, but it helped the Lions pick up a 2-point conversion to make it8-0. The Dragons, wasted little time answering as McCord Purdy took the ensuing kickoff back 80+ yards for the touchdown. The PAT attempt would be blocked and as they headed to the second quarter, the Lions led the Dragons, 8-6.
Dragons defending the Lions early on
Scoring in the second quarter was hard to come by for both teams as Christian Heritage would add to their lead with a 4-yd touchdown pass. The PAT attempt was good and with 4:12 remaining in the first half, the Lions now led the Dragons, 15-6. The Dragons, were then able to sustain their first big offensive drive of the game and answer with points of their own as Miguel Salto, with a little help from his buddies up front on the offensive line, powered in for a 7-yd touchdown run. Pickens, then went for two to try to make it a 1-point game, but they were stopped short and with 1:18 left in the first half, the Lions lead was cut down to 15-12. After getting a stop on defense, the Dragons had a chance to tie or take the lead late in the first half. After picking up one first down, Sam Streicher’s pass into the end zone as time expired would be tipped away and as they went into the half, Christian Heritage led Pickens, 15-12.
Miguel Salto with a touchdown run
There was not a lot of scoring in the third quarter for both teams, but the lone points in the quarter came from the Lions as they were able to score on a 54-yd touchdown on a screen pass. The PAT would be good and as they headed into the fourth quarter, Christian Heritage held a 22-12 lead over Pickens.
Dragons looking to stop a Lions run play
In the fourth quarter, the Lions added to their lead as their QB Carter Triplett scrambled for a 22-yd touchdown to make it 29-12 Lions with 10:09 left in the ball game. The Dragons, were able to cut into the lead as Streicher found Purdy for a 7-yd touchdown. The PAT attempt was no good and with 8:38 left in the game, the Lions now led the Dragons, 29-18. The Dragons, after getting a stop, looked to again cut into the lead. On fourth down, the Dragons Streicher rolled to his left, and his pass would be tipped by a Lions defender right into the waiting arms of Ezra Faber, who took it the rest of the way for a 44-yd touchdown. The 2-point conversion attempt was no good and with 1:54 left in the game the Lions lead was down to 29-24. The Dragons, then went for the onside kick attempt and nearly came up with it, but the Lions were able to fall on it. Christian Heritage would then run out the clock to get the win, 29-24.
After a tough stretch to end their non-region schedule, the Dragons will now turn to 7-AAA play as they will host a team in who many believe are the region favorites, the Lumpkin County Indians next Friday. Kickoff is set for 7:30.
Dragons fall in heartbreaking shootout with North Murray
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports August 26, 2023
Jasper, Ga — It was a hot night on Friday, August 25th as the Pickens Dragons welcomed the North Murray Mountaineers to Dragons Stadium for a non-region contest. Last season, these two teams met in Chatsworth, where 104 total points were scored between the two teams as the Mountaineers took that one, 54-50. This one, started off slow, but the fourth quarter was action packed as it gets. The Mountaineers, were able to hold off the Dragons at the last second as North Murray got the win, 44-37.
The Dragons, won the toss and elected to receive the opening kick. Driving down the field, the Dragons, got on the board first as RB Miguel Salto ran it in from 18 yards out. The PAT attempt from Charlie Gibbons was blocked and with 8:02 left in the first quarter, the Dragons held a 6-0 lead. The Mountaineers, wasted little time answering as QB Skyler Williams found RB Judson Petty for a 69-yd touchdown pass. Much like the Dragons first PAT attempt, the Mountaineers first PAT attempt was blocked and with 6:54 left in the first quarter, the game was all tied at 6. Gibbons, would give the Dragons the lead with a 22-yd field goal to make it 9-6 Pickens with 2:22 left in the first quarter.
The Dragons would extend their lead just before the end of the first quarter as QB Sam Streicher found WR Landon Poole for a 21-yd touchdown. The PAT from Gibbons was good and as they headed to the second quarter, the Dragons led the Mountaineers, 16-6.
Miguel Salto receives the hand off from Streicher
In the second quarter, the Mountaineers got back into the game. A 14-yd field goal from Juan Martinez cut the Dragons lead down to 16-9 with 7:47 left in the first half. Right as the first half was about to end, Willams found Petty from 5-yds out for their second touchdown of the half. The PAT was good and as they hit halftime, Pickens and North Murray were once again tied. This time, at 16 a piece.
Dragons defense going against the Mountaineers
In the third quarter, the Mountaineers would take the lead for the first time in the ball game as Williams ran it in from 5 yards out to make it 23-16 North Murray with 9:16 left in the third. The Mountaineers, extended their lead as Williams found Petty, his favorite target, for a 24-yd touchdown. The PAT was good from Martinez and heading to the fourth quarter, North Murray led the Dragons, 30-16.
Dragons running to the near side of the field
In the fourth quarter, the Dragons got the scoring started as Salto punched it in from 6 yards out for his second score of the game. The PAT from Gibbons was good and with 10:50 to go in the game, the Dragons cut the Mountaineers lead down to 30-23. North Murray, stretched their lead out to 14 again as Williams and Petty connected for the fourth time after a 32-yd screen pass. With 9:15 left in the fourth, Pickens now trailed 37-23. Streicher, found Hayden Jones streaking down the left sideline and Jones was able to take it to the house for a 69-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and it was now, 37-30 North Murray with 8:18 left.
The Dragons, then set up for an onside attempt as McCord Purdy placed it beautifully and Pickens would recover. After the Dragons drove down field, Streicher, was scrambling around looking for an open receiver and found Senior TE Isaiah Williams for a 6-yd touchdown. The PAT from Gibbons was good and just like that, Pickens and North Murray were tied at 37 with 6:05 left in the game. On their next possession, the Mountaineers would be forced to punt as Gibbons made an impact defensively and took down Williams for the sack. Pickens, needing a big play on a third and long, drew up a TE screen for Williams who barreled his was past the first down marker.
The drive for the Dragons ended up stalling and they would have to punt. During the punt, the Mountaineers fumbled the catch and the Dragons almost came up with it, but North Murray got it back. After a long pass down field to start the drive, the Mountaineers were able to take the lead after a 5-yd TD run by Williams to make it 44-37 with 29 seconds left. On the ensuing kickoff, Martinez squibbed it, and Poole had to go pick it up. He proceeded to take the kick all the way back for a touchdown, but a holding penalty was called. Pickens, went for the hook and ladder to try to make something happen, but the Mountaineers were able to hold on to come away with the 44-37 win.
The Dragons, will be back at it next week as they host the Fannin Rebels on Friday, September 1st. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons open 2023 season with big win over Sonoraville
PHS Football, Team FYN Sports August 19, 2023
Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons began their 2023 campaign on Friday, August 18th as they welcomed the Sonoraville Phoenix to Dragon Stadium. The Dragons also recognized their Seniors on the football team and cheerleading squad before the ball game. Behind a great offensive showing and a physical defensive outing, the Dragons came away with an impressive 38-21 win over the Phoenix.
The Dragons won the opening coin toss and elected to receive. During their first drive of the season, the Dragons used a good mix of the run and pass game as they drove down the field 80 yards and capped off the drive with a 1-yd touchdown run by Senior Miguel Salto. The PAT from Senior Charlie Gibbons was good and with 8:30 left in the first quarter, the Dragons led the Phoenix, 7-0. The Phoenix wasted little time answering as a quick 3-play drive saw QB Jaxson Pate find Keegan Townsend for a 69-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and we were all tied at 7.
The Dragons had an answer of their own as Senior QB Sam Streicher found Sophomore WR McCord Purdy in the right corner of the end zone for an 18-yd touchdown. The PAT was once again successful and the Dragons retook the lead, 14-7.
Miguel Salto would score on the drive
We head to the second quarter now as the Dragons would extend their lead as Junior RB Canaan Denson punched it in from 1-yd out to make 21-7 with 8:57 left in the first half. The final score of the first half came when the Phoenix got their own 1-yd touchdown run from Ty Brown to cut the Dragons lead in half, 21-14.
Dragons defense during a timeout
Halfway through the third quarter, Streicher found Sophomore WR Hayden Jones in the left corner of the end zone for a 22-yd touchdown. With the PAT, the Dragons now led Sonoraville 28-14 with 6:06 left in the third. The Phoenix once again cut it to a one score game as Pate had to chase down a high snap and run around a bit until he found Langston Butler in the left corner of the end zone to make it 28-21 Pickens as they headed to the fourth quarter.
QB Sam Streicher drops back for a pass attempt
In the fourth quarter, the Dragons defense came up big as a big sack on Pate led to a fumble recovery by Sophomore Jacob Watkins, who took it 40 yards for a touchdown to make it 35-21. On the next series for the Phoenix, the Dragons defense again came away with a turnover as Junior Oscar Rivera recovered the fumble to give Pickens the ball right back. That drive ended with Gibbons connecting on a 27-yd field goal to make it 38-21. The Dragons, open the season with a 38-21 victory.
The Dragons will be back in action next Friday as they welcome the North Murray Mountaineers to Jasper. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.
Dragons move into a tie for 2nd with win over White County
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 4, 2023
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 January 27, 2023
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 January 18, 2023
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 hold off Savannah Christian to pick up win
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports December 30, 2022
Jasper, Ga — On Thursday, December 29th, the Pickens Dragons took on the Savannah Christian Raiders on day two of the Pickens Holiday Tournament. On Wednesday, the Raiders were defeated by the Sonoraville Phoenix, while the Dragons held on to defeat the Cartersville Purple Hurricanes. In earlier action on Thursday, Lassiter defeated Sonoraville, and Cartersville defeated the Gilmer Bobcats. Much like Wednesday night, Pickens held off a late rally by the Raiders to pick up a 52-46 win.
After a slow start to begin the game for both teams, Caleb Lanford got the scoring started as he put the Dragons up with a three pointer. That started what ended up being an 11-0 run as McCord Purdy hit a three and a layup, and Lanford hit another three to make it 11-0. Jamari McIvory got the Raiders on the board with a bucket to make it 11-2. James Tilley, then went on a 5-0 self run with a bucket and a three pointer to make it 16-2. Blake Hall, ended that run with a three pointer to make it 16-5. After another three by Tilley, Savannah Christian, ended the first quarter with a 4-0 run as Logan Lee and Hall made two baskets to make it 19-9 Pickens going to the second.
McCord Purdy looking to pass the ball
To begin the second quarter, Seth Cronic added to the Dragons lead with a layup to make it 21-9. The Raiders, went on another 4-0 run as Braden Bindenagel and Hall both made buckets to cut the Pickens lead down to 21-13. The Dragons, countered that as Tilley went on a 4-0 run to stretch the lead out to 25-13. Much like the first quarter, Savannah Christian ended the second quarter on a run as their 8-0 run to close the first half cut the Dragons lead down to 25-21.
Dragons looking to defend the Raiders
Lanford, got things going in the second half with a three pointer to extend the Pickens lead out to 28-21. After the Raiders cut the lead down to three with a bucket and two free throws, Purdy pushed the lead up to six with a three pointer. Dalton Bunch, cut it back to four with a bucket, Purdy hit another three to make it 34-27. The Dragons would hit another three to stretch the lead out to 37-27. Savannah Christian, would not go away as they went on a 7-0 run to cut the Pickens lead down back to 37-34. Nathan Wallace, hit a big corner three to close out the quarter and give the Dragons a 40-34 lead going to the fourth.
Dragons with the ball early in the third
The Raiders, started the scoring in the fourth quarter with a bucket by McIvory to make it 40-36. Dodge Davis and Caleb Keith would combine to make three free throws to make it 43-36. Wallace, then split a pair of free throws to make it 44-36. After another bucket by McIvory, Lanford went on a 4-0 run to make it 48-38 Pickens. Much like they’ve done throughout the entire game, the Raiders would mount a comeback. Savannah Christian, went on an 8-0 run to cut the Dragons lead down to 48-46. From then on it would become a free throw game as Keith made a pair, and then Lanford and Keith split a pair to give Pickens the 52-46 win.
Leading scorers for the Dragons:
James Tilley: 15 points
Caleb Lanford: 14 points
McCord Purdy: 11 points
Caleb Keith: 5 points
Nathan Wallace: 4 points
Seth Cronic: 2 points
Dodge Davis: 1 point
The Dragons, will be back in action again for the final time in 2022 as they take on the Lassiter Trojans on Friday, December 30th. Both teams have won their first two games of this round robin tournament and will look to cap off 2022 with a win. Tip off is set for 7 pm.
Dragons open Holiday Tournament with win over Cartersville
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports December 29, 2022
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 defeat Lumpkin to earn second region win
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports December 17, 2022
Jasper, Ga — After the battle that happened between two excellent girls teams, it was the boys turn to take the court as the Pickens Dragons hosted the Lumpkin Indians on Friday, December 16th. On Tuesday, December 13th, Pickens fell in tough fashion to the Dawson Tigers. The Indians, lost a home region game to Gilmer. Lumpkin, came in looking to snap a three game losing streak and also pick up their first region win. The Dragons, came in looking to stay near the top of the region with a win. Pickens, used a good team effort to pick up the 65-48 win.
To begin the first quarter, the Dragons picked up an early foul that sent Cal Faulkner to the line. Faulkner, made both free throws to give Lumpkin a 2-0 lead. Camden Dunn, tied it up with a layup. Clayton Woodham, split a pair of free throws to give the Indians a 3-2 lead. Pickens, then went on a 5-0 run as James Tilley hit a three and Dunn made a basket to give the Dragons a 7-3 lead. A broken play paid off for Lumpkin as Cooper Scott got a wide open layup to cut the Pickens lead to 7-5. Pickens, then went on a 6-0 run as Tilley hit his second three of the quarter and Caleb Lanford hit his first three to make it 13-5.
Faulkner, picked up his first field goal of the game with a bucket to make it 13-7. McCord Purdy, answered with his first field goal to make it 15-7. Stephen Sherrill, made his first basket of the game to make it 15-9 Pickens after one quarter of play.
Dragons defending the Indians
After many fouls calls on both teams, Faulkner got the first points of the second quarter as he split a pair of free throws to make it 15-10. Isaiah Williams, got his first points of the ball game as he split free throw attempts to bring the Pickens lead to 16-10. After a Faulkner layup, The Dragons went on another 6-0 run as both Williams and Purdy hit a pair of threes. Woodham, stopped the run with a basket to make it 22-14 Dragons. Purdy, then went on a 5-0 run by himself to stretch the Pickens lead to 27-14. A bucket by Jack Carroll made it 27-16. Williams and Faulkner both split a pair of free throws to make it 28-17.
Faulkner followed it up with a basket to make it 28-19. Caleb Keith, got the final points of the first half and the Dragons took a 30-19 lead into the break.
Dragons with the ball
To begin the third quarter, Hunter Cooper and Faulkner split a pair of free throws to cut the Pickens lead to 30-21. Lanford, made it an 11 point game with a bucket and the Dragons now led, 32-21. As both teams kept trading baskets, Pickens maintained its moderate lead. Lumpkin, would cut it down to 7 at one point, but a 5-0 run by Tilley to close the quarter made it 44-32 Dragons.
Faulkner, began the fourth with a bucket to make it a 10 point game. Lanford and Williams, then combined for a 4-0 run to make it 48-34. The lead, would not get any lower than 11 during the fourth quarter as the Dragons kept the Indians at bay. Final score from Jasper, Pickens 65 Lumpkin 48.
Leading scorers for Pickens:
James Tilley: 14 points
Isaiah Williams: 13 points (10 rebounds)
Caleb Lanford: 13 points
McCord Purdy: 13 points
Caleb Keith: 6 points
Camden Dunn: 4 points
Seth Cronic: 2 points
The Dragons, will be back in action on Tuesday as they take part in a similar tournament that they took part in last season. The tournament, features North Murray, Southeast Whitfield, and Murray County. The tournament will take place from December 20th, 22nd, and 23rd. First up for Pickens, North Murray on Tuesday. Tip off is set for 8:30.