Dragons win first State Tournament game since 2000
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 22, 2024
Jasper, Ga — It’s tournament time and the Pickens Dragons began their State Tournament journey on Wednesday, February 21st as they hosted the Coahulla Creek Colts for a first round match up in the AAA State Tournament. Coming into the game, the Dragons were the #2 seed out of region 7 and 20-8 overall. The Colts, came in as the #3 seed from region 6, and 19-8 overall. The Dragons, were able to pull away late in the game to pick up a 67-53 win.
Much like the girls game beforehand, the Colts won the opening tip and struck early as they found Andrew Russell cutting to the basket for the layup to make it 2-0. The Dragons, would tie things up with a basket by Parker Davis. A turnover by the Dragons led to Teagan Houser making a fast break layup to put the Colts back up, 4-2. After another near turnover, Dodge Davis was able to collect the ball and score to tie it up at 4.
The Colts, would then go on a 4-0 run as Russell and Cullen Marti would make back to back layups to give the Colts an 8-4 lead. After Parker Davis split a pair of free throws, Carter Quarles would make a tough turnaround fade away jumper to extend the lead to 10-5. The Dragons, would then go on an 8-0 run as Caleb Lanford hit a three, McCord Purdy would make a layup, and Dodge Davis would make a free throw and a layup to make it 13-10.
A pair of free throws from Greg Voyles would end the run and cut the Dragons lead to 1. Dodge Davis, would end the first quarter with a pair of free throws of his own to give the Dragons a 15-12 lead going to the second quarter.
The second quarter began with Waelyn Baliles getting inside for the bucket to make it 15-14. The Davis brothers would then go on a 4-0 run to stretch the Dragon lead out to 19-14. A 5-0 run by David Noll III would tie the game at 19. The Dragons, would respond with a 5-0 run of their own as Parker Davis would make a pair of free throws, and Lanford would hit a three to make it 24-19.
A three pointer by Quarles would cut the lead to 2. After both teams traded baskets, Parker Davis and Purdy would end the first half on a 4-0 run to give the Dragons a 30-24 lead going into the break.
The third quarter started with Lanford hitting a three to make it 33-24. After both teams went back and forth trading buckets, the Dragons would go on a 5-0 run as Purdy hit a three, and Lanford got a layup to go to make it 41-30. A three by Quarles would end the run and cut the lead to 8. After a basket by Dodge Davis, Quarles would hit another three to make it a 7-point game. Lanford would answer with a three to extend the lead to 46-36.
The Colts, would go on a 5-0 run to cut the lead in half. A big three from Freshman Jamin Martin, increased the lead back to 8. A 4-0 run by the Colts to end the third quarter cut the Dragons lead down to 49-47 going to the fourth.
The Dragons, began the fourth quarter by going on a 7-0 run to extend their lead to 56-47. Marti, would end the run with a turnaround hook shot to make it 56-49. A layup by Hayden Jones and a free throw and a big two-handed dunk from Dodge Davis made it 61-49 Dragons. Houser, would hit a three to cut the lead down to 9. He would then split a pair of free throws to make it 61-53.
After a steal on the in-bounds pass, Jones was left all alone for the jam to make it 63-53. With under a minute to go and the Colts now having to foul, Parker Davis would step to the line and sink two free throws to make it 65-53. The exclamation point came late in the game when Lanford stole the ball, passed it up to Purdy, who then bounced it off the back board for Parker Davis to finish the alley-oop slam. The Dragons would take this one, 67-53.
Scorers for the Dragons:
Dodge Davis: 19 points
Parker Davis: 17 points
Caleb Lanford: 17 points
Mccord Purdy: 7 points
Hayden Jones: 4 points
Jamin Martin: 3 points
The Dragons, will now take to the road on Saturday, February 24th as they head up to Hart County to take on the Bulldogs in the AAA Sweet 16. The Bulldogs, are the #1 seed out of region 8 and are 15-13 overall. Tip off is set for 6 pm.
Nettes advance to AAA Sweet 16
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 22, 2024
Jasper, Ga — It’s state tournament time in Georgia for basketball as the Pickens Dragonettes hosted the Coahulla Creek Lady Colts in the first round of the AAA State Tournament on Wednesday, February 21st. Coming into the game, the Nettes were the #2 seed out of region 7, and ranked 4th in AAA. The Lady Colts, were the #3 seed out of region 6, and came in with a record of 18-8. The Nettes, got 26 from Sophomore Ellison Steinhauer as they picked up a 71-46 win.
The Lady Colts, got the opening tip, and got fouled on their opening possession. Shea Poe, would split a pair of free throws to give the Lady Colts a 1-0 lead. Caroline Reed, would add to the lead after a nice cut to the basket for the layup to make it 3-0. With the shot clock winding down, Steinhauer, was fouled on a three point attempt. She would go 2-3 from the line to cut the Lady Colts lead down to 1.
After a steal on the defensive end by Caroline Mullins, she took the length of the floor for the layup to give the Nettes a 4-3 lead. Mullins, would get the defensive rebound after the Lady Colts possession and again sprint down the court for another layup to make it 6-3. A baseline drive by Reed for the lay in ended the 6-0 run for the Nettes and cut the lead down to 6-5.
Bella Hopkins, would get in on the action with her first points of the night as she nailed a three to make it 9-5. Steinhauer, would hit her first three of the night soon after, to push the lead to 12-5. Aubree Langley, would end the run with a pair of free throws to cut the lead to 12-7. A second three pointer by Hopkins would make it 15-7 Nettes going to the second quarter.
After a pair of fouls on the Lady Colts to begin the second quarter, Mullins, got the scoring started as she collected an offensive rebound and hit a jumper to make it 17-7. The Lady Colts, would then go on a 7-0 run with Poe, Lilah Brooker, and Karis Hurt all contributing to cut the lead down to 17-14. The Nettes, would respond with a 7-0 run of their own as Steinhauer and Mullins would make two free throws and Hopkins would hit her third three to make it 24-14. A three by Poe would cut the lead to 24-17.
Steinhauer, would head back to the line after she was hip checked while shooting a three. She would make all three free throws to increase the lead back to 10. A three by Brooker would make it 27-20. Mullins, would score the last points of the first half with a floater just inside the free throw line to give the Nettes a 29-20 lead at the half.
The third quarter started with Hopkins hitting her fourth three of the game to make it 32-20. After a three by Presley Denton cut the lead back to 9, Mullins would make a pair of free throws to extend the lead to 11. Poe and Steinhauer, would then exchange three point makes as the Nettes led, 37-26. A layup by Hurt would cut the lead back to single digits. A pair of free throws by Steinhauer would push the lead right back to 11.
After a little back and forth from both teams, the Nettes would go on an 8-0 run to close out the third quarter with Bella Martin, Mullins, and Steinhauer all contributing. Going to the fourth quarter, the Nettes led it, 55-34.
The fourth quarter began with a 5-0 run from Poe and Hurt to cut the lead to 55-39. After a three by Reagan Ludington, Poe would make another three to cut the lead to 58-42. The Nettes, would then go on a 7-0 run as Mullins would make back to back layups and Steinhauer would make three straight free throws to extend the lead to 65-42. A basket by Langley would end the run and make it 65-44.
The Bella’s, would then hit back to back threes as Bella Martin made her second three of the game and Bella Hopkins would make her fifth three of the game to increase the lead to 71-44. A late bucket by Kayden Stuckey would make it 71-46. The Nettes would run out the rest of the clock and they would advance to the AAA Sweet 16 with a 71-46 victory.
Scorers for the Nettes:
Ellison Steinhauer: 26 points (4 threes, 12-13 from the free throw line)
Caroline Mullins: 21 points (5-6 from the free throw line)
Bella Hopkins: 15 points (5 threes)
Bella Martin: 6 points (2 threes)
Reagan Ludington: 3 points (1 three)
The Nettes, will now look ahead to their match up in the Sweet 16 as they will take on the Hebron Christian Lady Lions. The Lady Lions, are 26-2 on the season, ranked as the #1 team in AAA, and the #11 team in the nation. Tip off is set for Friday, February 23rd at 6 pm.
Dragons set to battle Bobcats for 7-AAA Championship
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 16, 2024
Dahlonega, Ga — A trip to the 7-AAA Region Championship was up for grabs as the Pickens Dragons took on the Lumpkin Indians on Thursday, February 15th. The Dragons, defeated Lumpkin in both match ups in the regular season. Defeating a team three times in one season is a tough feat, but the Dragons were able to get by the Indians, 51-35.
The Indians, started off hot offensively to begin the ball game as Cal Faulkner would hit back to back threes to put them up 6-0 early on. The Dragons, would answer with an 8-0 run as both Dodge and Parker Davis, as well as Caleb Lanford helped give Pickens its first lead of the night. Stephen Sherrill, ended the Dragons run with a three to put the Indians ahead, 9-8.
Lanford and McCord Purdy would hit back to back threes to put the Dragons on top, 14-9. A layup by Faulkner would end the first quarter as the Dragons would take a 14-11 lead into the second quarter.
The Dragons, began the second quarter by going on a 9-0 run as Dodge Davis, Lanford, and Purdy all contributed to the run to put Pickens up, 23-11. The Indians, responded with a 7-0 run as Landon Pierce hit a three, and Faulkner and Preston Cox made back to back baskets to cut the lead to 23-18. Parker Davis, would then go on a 4-0 run to stretch the lead back out to 27-18.
Faulkner and Purdy would trade buckets to end the first half as the Dragons would go into the locker room with a 29-20 lead.
The second half scoring started with a 5-0 run by Dodge Davis to make it 34-20 Dragons. A three by T.J. Gaddis would end the run and cut the lead to 34-23. Both teams would then trade baskets to end the third quarter as Hayden Jones would get into the score book with a layup, Faulkner would add to his total, and Nathan Wallace would score on a layup to make it 38-26 Dragons going to the fourth.
Parker Davis and Purdy would split free throws to make it 40-26 to begin the fourth quarter. A bucket by Sherrill would cut the lead back to 12. A three by Lanford and a pair of split free throws by the Davis Brothers would make it 45-28. A three by Faulkner would cut the lead down to 15. After Purdy split a pair of free throws, Cox was able to make the layup and the free throw to cut the lead to 46-33.
A 5-0 run by Purdy and Lanford would extend the lead to 51-33. A late basket by Gaddis, would make it 51-35 as the Pickens Dragons would advance to the 7-AAA Region Championship game.
Scorers for the Dragons:
Dodge Davis: 14 points
Caleb Lanford: 14 points (4 threes)
McCord Purdy: 11 points
Parker Davis: 8 points
Hayden Jones: 2 points
Nathan Wallace: 2 points
The Dragons, will now turn their attention to the 7-AAA Region Championship game on Saturday, February 17th as they take on their 515 rivals, the Gilmer Bobcats. The Bobcats, defeated the Dawson Tigers 74-60 in the other region semifinal game to advance to Saturday. The Dragons and Bobcats split their regular season meetings with each team winning on their home floor. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.
Nettes to face Lady Wolves in 7-AAA Region Championship
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 16, 2024
Dahlonega, Ga — It was semifinal Thursday on February 15th as the Pickens Dragonettes took on the Dawson Lady Tigers for a spot in the 7-AAA Region Championship game. These two teams split their two regular season meetings with the home team getting the win on those occasions. Behind big games from Bella Hopkins and Caroline Mullins, the Nettes picked up a 67-45 win over the Lady Tigers.
The Lady Tigers, got things going to start the ball game with a three from Kindra Coker to give them an early lead. After a tough layup by Hopkins to cut the lead to 1, Morgan Chester and Abby Samples-Slaton would make back to back layups to stretch the lead to 7-2. A three by Hopkins would cut the lead to 7-5. After a bucket by Eva Bishop, the Nettes would go on an 8-0 run with Hopkins and Mullins to take the lead, 13-9.
A three by Samples-Slaton would cut the lead down to 1. The Nettes, would end the first quarter with a 5-0 run as Mullins made a layup, and Hopkins hit her second three to make it 18-12 going to the second quarter.
Hopkins, continued her offensive onslaught to begin the second quarter as she hit a three, and completed an and-1 play to make it 24-12. Bishop, broke what ended up being an 11-0 run by the Nettes with a basket to cut the lead to 10. The Nettes, would answer with an 8-0 run as Bella Martin would hit a three, then Ellison Steinhauer would make back to back layups and a free throw to make it 32-14.
A 4-0 run by Bishop and Chester would cut the lead down to 32-18. After a basket by Steinhauer, Chester would go on a 4-0 run to make it 34-22. Back to back threes from Hopkins closed out the first half as the Nettes took a 40-22 lead into the break.
Bishop, started the second half with a bucket to make it 40-24. Mullins would answer back with a layup of her own. After Steinhauer split a pair of free throws, Ava Roberson would get her name into the score book with a layup to make it 43-26. Hopkins, would then score her first points of the second half to make it a 19-point game. The two teams would then trade baskets as Martin would hit her second three to make it 52-32.
The Lady Tigers, would end the third quarter on a 6-0 run as Chester, Anna Ayers, and Heather Burt would help cut the lead down to 52-38 going to the fourth.
After a couple of fouls and turnovers by both teams, Steinhauer began the fourth quarter scoring with a three to make it 55-38. Hopkins, would then complete an and-1 to make it 58-38. Samples-Slaton, would end the 5-0 run with a bucket to make it 58-40. A 5-0 run from Martin would give the Nettes a 63-40 lead. A three by Coker would cut the lead to 63-43.
Mullins, would make back to back layups to make it 67-43. Chester, would score the final points of the game with a layup as the Nettes come away with the 67-45 victory.
Scorers for the Nettes:
Bella Hopkins: 27 points (5 threes)
Caroline Mullins: 16 points
Ellison Steinhauer: 13 points
Bella Martin: 11 points
The Nettes, will now turn their focus to Saturday, February 17th as they face off against the Wesleyan Lady Wolves for the 7-AAA Region Championship. Wesleyan defeated the White County Lady Warriors 87-55 to advance to the region title game. Tip off is set for 6 pm and will be played at Lumpkin.
Nettes advance to AAA State Tournament
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 14, 2024
Jasper, Ga — It was the ladies turn on Tuesday, February 13th for the first round of the 7-AAA Region Tournament. Just like the Dragons, by virtue of being the #2 seed, the Nettes were the host school for the first round. Earlier games saw White County defeat Lumpkin at the buzzer 45-43, and Dawson hold off a very game Gilmer team, 36-30. The Nettes, were able to join those two as they defeated the West Hall Lady Spartans, 74-12.
The first quarter started with the Nettes going on a 10-0 run. Caroline Mullins, would score 8 of the 10 points with Brylee Deering scoring the other 2 points with a layup. Yatsar Matos, ended the run with a bucket to make it 10-2. The Nettes, would then go on a 9-0 run with Ellison Steinhauer hitting back to back threes, then Bella Martin connected on a three to make it 19-2. The Lady Spartans, ended that run with a three of their own to make it 19-5.
The Nettes, would close out the first quarter with another 9-0 run as Emery Steinhauer hit a three, Caleigh Hoffard made a layup, and Mullins made back to back layups. Going to the second quarter, the Nettes led the Lady Spartans, 28-5.
That run, continued to begin the second quarter as Mullins made another layup, and Deering completed the and-1 to make it 33-5. After a bucket by Matos to make it 33-7, the Nettes would go on an 11-0 run as Martin hit back to back threes, Ellie Hollis would make a layup, and Bella Hopkins would hit a three to stretch the lead to 44-7. The two teams would trade baskets for the rest of the first half as they went into halftime with the Nettes leading, 49-12.
The third quarter saw the Nettes go on a 13-0 run throughout the entire quarter as Reagan Ludington started it off with back to back threes. Brylee Deering, would add 5 more points to her total in the quarter as she made two layups and a free throw. Mullins, would make a layup during the run to push the Nettes lead out to 62-12 going to the fourth.
It was more of the same in the fourth quarter as the Nettes would go on a 12-0 run throughout the frame. Bree Jewell, would make three threes in the fourth while Martin would make her fourth of the game during the shortened fourth quarter. The Nettes, would come away with a 74-12 win.
Scorers for the Nettes:
Caroline Mullins: 16 points
Bella Martin: 12 points (4 threes)
Brylee Deering: 10 points
Bree Jewell: 9 points (3 threes)
Bella Hopkins: 6 points (2 threes)
Reagan Ludington: 6 points (2 threes)
Ellison Stienhauer: 6 points (2 threes)
Ellie Hollis: 4 points
Emery Steinhauer: 3 points (1 three)
Caleigh Hoffard: 2 points
With the win, the Nettes have earned a spot in the AAA State Tournament. They have also advanced to the 7-AAA Region Tournament Semifinals where they will take on the Dawson Lady Tigers at Lumpkin on Thursday, February 15th. Tip off is scheduled for 4 pm.
Dragons punch ticket to AAA State Tournament
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 13, 2024
Jasper, Ga — It’s region tournament time as the 7-AAA region tournament started on Monday, February 12th. By virtue of being the #2 seed, Pickens hosted the first round of the tournament. Earlier games saw Dawson defeat Wesleyan, and Lumpkin defeat White County. The Dragons, with the home crowd watching, picked up a 66-36 win over the Spartans to advance to the State Tournament and the semifinals of the region tournament.
The first quarter began with the Dragons going on an 11-0 run. Nathan Wallace, Dodge Davis, Caleb Lanford, and McCord Purdy all contributed to the run. A basket just outside the free throw line by the Spartans ended the run and made it 11-2. The Dragons, would answer with a 5-0 run to make it 16-2. a bucket by the Spartans just as the shot clock was about to go off would make it 16-4 going to the second quarter.
The second quarter began with a three by Lanford. His third of the first half. After a basket by the Spartans to make it 19-6, West Hall followed it up with a three pointer to cut the lead to 19-9. The Spartans would add to their run with a free throw line jumper to make it 19-11. The Dragons, would put an end to the 7-0 run with a three by Purdy to stretch the lead to 22-11.
Jamin Martin, would then hit his first three of the ball game to make it 25-11. The run would continue for the Dragons as Parker Davis got the layup to go to make it 27-11. The 8-0 run would come to an end as the Spartans hit a jumper to make it 27-13. After a cold streak by both teams, Lanford would find Parker Davis underneath for the layup to make it 29-13. Hayden Jones, would somehow split a double team for the layup to make it 31-13.
A long three by the Spartans would make it 31-16. Parker Davis, would collect an offensive rebound and get the put back amidst the contact. He would make the free throw to give the Dragons a 34-16 lead. Just before the end of the first half, a foul on a three point attempt was called. The Spartans, would make two of the three free throws and going into the half, the Dragons led, 34-18.
The third quarter started with Lanford hitting his fourth three pointer of the game to stretch the lead to 37-18. After a defensive rebound by the Dragons, Purdy found Jones with an outlet pass who then found a cutting Dodge Davis, who threw down the two-handed dunk to make it 39-18. The Spartans, would end the 5-0 run with a tough layup to cut the lead to 39-20. The fifth three of the evening by Lanford gave the Dragons a 42-20 lead.
Parker Davis, would then use a nice head fake to drive in for the layup to make it 44-20. Dodge Davis, would then split a pair of free throws to make it 45-20. The Spartans, would get the hook shot to fall and make the free throw to cut the lead to 45-23. Dodge Davis, would get by his man for the layup to make it 47-23. After a turnover by the Spartans, Martin, would hit his second three of the night to make it 50-23.
Marin, would continue his hot shooting as he hit another three to make it 53-23. The Spartans, would end the run with a turnaround jumper to cut the lead to 53-25. A lay in by the Spartans would make it 53-27. Purdy, would then split a pair of free throws to make it 54-27. A steal by Montego Morgan would lead to Martin’s third three of the quarter and his fourth of the game. A running hook shot by the Spartans would make it 57-29.
A nice find from Parker Davis to Hayden Jones for the layup made it 59-29. After a defensive rebound by the Dragons, Martin hit Jones with a great lead pass from the other end of the court for the layup to make it 61-29. The Spartans, used a nice jump stop move for the layup to make it 61-31 going to the fourth.
The shortened fourth quarter would begin with the Spartans making a layup after a nice pass to cut the lead to 61-33. The Spartans, would then collect a defensive rebound and turn it into a three pointer to make it 61-36. The Dragons, would end the 5-0 run by the Spartans as Jones got into the lane for the layup and the foul. Jones, would make the free throw to put the Dragons up, 64-36. Camden Jones, would make the layup after a nice pass to make it 66-36.
That would be the final as the Dragons defeated the West Hall Spartans for the third time this season to advance to the AAA State Basketball Tournament and to the semifinals of the 7-AAA region tournament.
Scorers for the Dragons:
Caleb Lanford: 17 points (5 threes)
Jamin Martin: 12 points (4 threes)
Dodge Davis: 9 points
Parker Davis: 9 points
Hayden Jones: 9 points
McCord Purdy: 6 points
Camden Jones: 2 points
Nathan Wallace: 2 points
The Dragons, will now get ready for Thursday, February 15th as they head to Lumpkin to take on the Indians in one of the semifinal games of the 7-AAA region tournament. Tip off is set for 5:30 pm.
Dragons lock up #2 seed for next week’s Region Tournament
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 10, 2024
Jasper, Ga — On Friday, February 9th, the Pickens Dragons hosted the West Hall Spartans for the final regular season game of the 2023-24 season. The Dragons, were also celebrating their two Seniors, Caymen Morgan and Nathan Wallace. Coming into the game, the Dragons were 17-7, and 8-3 in region play. The Spartans, were 6-17, and 2-9 in region play. Four Dragons scored in double figures as Pickens defeated the Spartans, 80-24.
The Dragons, began the ball game on a 14-0 run as Dodge Davis, Caleb Ledford, Parker Davis, and Senior Nathan Wallace all contributed to the run. Troy Smith, would end the run and get the Spartans on the board with a jumper just inside the free throw line. After Ledford split a pair of free throws, Teryk Tilley hit a three to make it 15-5. Ethan Clippard then drove the baseline for a layup to make it 15-7.
The Dragons, would close the first quarter with an 8-0 run as Parker Davis made a layup, and Hayden Jones and Ledford hit back to back threes. Going to the second quarter, the Dragons led the Spartans, 23-7.
The run that ended the first quarter, would continue into the second quarter as Dodge Davis 7 straight points to put the Dragons up, 30-7. Smith, would go on a 4-0 run to make it 30-11. A three by Dodge Davis would make it 33-11. That would kick off a 15-0 run to end the first half as Dodge Davis would hit another three, then Jamin Martin would connect on a three, then Wallace would hit his second three, then Martin would hit another one. Going into halftime, the Dragons were leading the West Hall Spartans, 45-11.
The Dragons, kept the threes flying to start the second half as McCord Purdy got in the score book with his first three of the game to make it 48-11. The Dragons, would go on to score 21 points in the third while holding the Spartans to just 4 points to increase their lead to 66-15 going to the fourth.
The fourth quarter began with Parker Davis making a layup to stretch the lead to 68-15. A layup by Karter Shields would make it 68-17. After a pair of free throws by Dodge Davis, Glenn Matiba, would make a layup to make it 70-19. The teams then traded threes as Purdy hit his 2nd three, then Landon Bennett answered with a three to make it 73-22. A 5-0 run by Dodge Davis and Martin would make it 78-22.
Another layup by Matiba would end the run and make it 78-24. A layup from Aiden Mumaw would be the final bucket of the game as the Dragons defeated the Spartans, 80-24.
Scorers for the Dragons:
Dodge Davis: 22 points
Caleb Lanford: 14 points
Parker Davis: 13 points
Jamin Martin: 12 points
McCord Purdy: 6 points
Nathan Wallace: 6 points
Hayden Jones: 5 points
Aiden Mumaw: 2 points
Final 7-AAA Boys Basketball Standings:
Gilmer: 16-8 (10-2) #1 seed
Pickens: 18 -7 (9-3) #2 seed
Lumpkin: 13-12 (6-6) #3 seed
Wesleyan: 11-14 (6-6) #4 seed
Dawson: 14-11 (6-6) #5 seed
White County: 7-18 (3-9) #6 seed
West Hall: 6-18 (2-10) #7 seed
The Gilmer Bobcats, by virtue of being the #1 seed, will get a bye and automatically earn a spot in the AAA State Tournament. The first round of the 7-AAA Region Tournament will take place at Pickens High School on Monday, February 12th. Wesleyan will take on Dawson at 4:30, Lumpkin will take on White County at 6, and Pickens will take on West Hall at 7:30.
Nettes secure #2 seed in next week’s region tournament
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 10, 2024
Jasper, Ga — Friday, February 9th was the final day of the 2023-24 regular season as the Pickens Dragonettes hosted the West Hall Lady Spartans for Senior Night. Coming into the game, the Nettes were 21-3, 8-3 in region play, and ranked 4th in AAA. The Lady Spartans, were 1-20, and 0-11 in region play coming into the game. All 5 Nettes Seniors would start and score as the Nettes defeated the Lady Spartans, 81-11.
To begin the ball game, Yatsar Matos scored with a layup to put the Lady Spartans up 2-0. The Nettes, quickly tied things up as Senior Emery Bryant, who had been out with an injury, got to suit up and she score the first points of the night for the Nettes. That layup would lead to a 17-0 run by the Nettes as Senior Caroline Mullins, Ellison Steinhauer, Senior Emery Steinhauer, and Seniors Bella Hopkins and Ashaela Buchanan all contributed to the run.
After a bucket by Heidi Zuniga ended the run, the Nettes would close the first quarter making 5 straight threes. Ellison Steinhauer and Reagan Ludington would make the first two, then Hopkins would make three straight to make it 32-4 going to the second quarter.
Bree Jewell, would start the second quarter with a pair of free throws to make it 34-4. That would begin what would end up being another 17-0 run to begin the quarter. The run ended up being a 32-0 run across the end of the first quarter and through the second quarter. Matos, ended the long run with a three to make it 49-7. A layup by Hopkins closed out the second quarter scoring to give the Nettes a 51-7 lead at the half.
Hopkins, would begin the second half with her 5th three of the night to make it 54-7. After Cayla Radich hit a jumper to make it 54-9, Hopkins, would hit her 6th three of the night as she became the 22nd Nettes player in history to eclipse 1,000 career points. That three would lead to a 15-0 run by the Nettes as Brylee Deering would hit a three, Bella Martin would make 7 straight points and find a wide open Deering for a layup to make it 69-9 going to the fourth.
The fourth quarter began with Radich making a basket to make it 69-11. From there, the Nettes would close out the shortened quarter on a 12-0 run as Ludington, Caleigh Hoffard, Buchanan, and Jewell contributed to the run as the Nettes picked up their 22nd win of the season with an 81-11 victory over the West Hall Lady Spartans.
Scorers for the Nettes:
Bella Hopkins: 23 points (Senior)
Caroline Mullins: 10 points (Senior)
Reagan Ludington: 10 points
Bree Jewell: 8 points
Bella Martin: 7 points
Ashaela Buchanan: 5 points (Senior)
Brylee Deering: 5 points
Ellsion Steinhauer: 5 points
Caleigh Hoffard: 4 points
Emery Bryant: 2 points (Senior)
Emery Steinhauer: 2 points (Senior)
Final 7-AAA Girls Basketball Standings:
Wesleyan: 21-3 (12-0) #1 seed
Pickens: 22-3 (9-3) #2 seed
Dawson: 16-9 (8-4) #3 seed
White County: 18-7 (6-6) #4 seed
Lumpkin: 9-16 (4-8) #5 seed
Gilmer: 8-15 (3-9) #6 seed
West Hall: 1-21 (0-12) #7 seed
By being the #1 seed, Wesleyan has earned a first round bye and have already clinched a spot in the AAA State Basketball Tournament. The first round of the 7-AAA Region Tournament will take place on Tuesday, February 13th at Pickens High School. The White County Lady Warriors will take on the Lumpkin County Lady Indians at 4:30, the Dawson Lady Tigers will take on the Gilmer Lady Cats at 6, and the Nettes, will take on the West Hall Lady Spartans at 7:30.
Dragons and Warriors split season series
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 3, 2024
Cleveland, Ga — The Pickens Dragons were once again on the road as they traveled to take on the White County Warriors in 7-AAA action on Friday, February 2nd. Coming into the game, the Dragons were 16-6, and 7-2 in 7-AAA. The Warriors, were 6-16, and 2-7 in 7-AAA. The Warriors, would outscore the Dragons 27-14 in the fourth quarter to come away with a 64-47 victory.
McCord Purdy, got the scoring started in the first quarter as he put the Dragons up, 3-0. After David Boman split a pair of free throws and Dawson Oliver made a layup to tie it up, the Dragons would go on a 7-0 run as Parker Davis made a layup, and Hayden Jones would make back to back baskets with a layup and a three to make it 10-3. An and-1 play by Noah Futch would cut the lead down to 4.
After both teams split free throw makes, Jamin Martin would hit a three to make it 14-7 Dragons. Blayne Gunter, would answer with a three to make it 14-10. After a layup by Parker Davis, Futch would split a pair of free throws and the Dragons would take a 16-11 lead into the second quarter.
The Warriors, began the second quarter on a 9-0 run as Boman would hit a three, then Cohen Michaud would hit back to back threes to give the Warriors a 20-16 lead. Purdy, would stop the run with a basket, but that would be the only field goal the Dragons would make in the quarter. After Oliver split a pair of free throws, Boman, would hit a bucket to make it 23-18.
It would be a free throw contest to end the first half as the Dragons would make 5 and the Warriors would make 1. Heading into the break, the Warriors led the Dragons, 24-23.
Oliver, would begin the second half by making a pair of free throws to stretch the lead out to 3. After Parker Davis and Gunter traded baskets, the Dragons would go on a 5-0 run as Caleb Lanford hit a jumper and Purdy would connect on a three to give the Dragons a 30-28 lead. The Warriors, would answer with a 7-0 run to retake the lead, 35-30. A three by Martin would cut the lead to 2. Boman, would make a layup just before the buzzer to make it 37-33 going to the fourth.
Gunter, began the fourth with a basket to make it 39-33. A three from Lanford would cut the lead to 3. Boman responded with a three to make it a 6 point game again. Purdy, answered with a three on the other end to make it 42-39. After Reid Tanner split a pair of free throws and Oliver made a layup, Parker Davis would make a layup to cut it to 45-41. The Warriors, would then go on a 13-0 run to break the game open, 58-41.
Parker Davis, ended the run with a basket to make it 58-43. After a jumper from Braxton Anderson, Jones would come back with a bucket to make it 60-45. Boman, would make a pair of free throws to bring it to 62-45. After a basket by Purdy, Anderson would make a pair of late free throws to give the Warriors a 64-47 win.
Scorers for the Dragons:
Parker Davis: 14 points
McCord Purdy: 13 points
Hayden Jones: 7 points
Jamin Martin: 6 points
Caleb Lanford: 5 points
Dodge Davis: 2 points
7-AAA Basketball Standings:
Gilmer: 15-8 (9-2)
Pickens: 16-7 (7-3)
Dawson: 13-10 (5-5)
Wesleyan: 10-13 (5-5)
Lumpkin: 12-12 (5-6)
White County: 7-16 (3-7)
West Hall: 6-16 (2-8)
The Dragons, will end their four game road trip on Tuesday, February 6th as they head to Wesleyan to take on the Wolves. The Dragons, were able to come away with a win over Wesleyan in Jasper a couple of weeks ago. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 pm.
Steinhauer scores 31 as Nettes sweep Lady Warriors
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports February 3, 2024
Cleveland, Ga — It was game 3 of a 4 game region road trip on Friday, February 2nd as the Pickens Dragonettes, traveled up to Cleveland, Georgia to take on the White County Lady Warriors in another massive game in 7-AAA. Coming into the game, the Nettes were 20-2. 7-2 in 7-AAA, and ranked #4 in AAA. The Lady Warriors, came into the game 16-6, 5-4 in 7-AAA, and ranked #5th in AAA. Sophomore Ellison Steinhauer, led the way with a game high 31 points to help the Nettes secure a 78-54 win.
To begin the first quarter, Kylie Watkins would hit a long two pointer to put the Lady Warriors up 2-0. A lay in by Caroline Mullins, would tie things up. Aaliyah Anderson and Steinhauer would trade baskets as the game would remain tied. After a pair of free throws by Mya Yeh, the Nettes, would go on an 8-0 run to take a 12-6 lead. A bucket by Aubrey Free would end the run and cut the lead down to 4.
The Nettes, would close out the first quarter with an 11-0 run. Included in that run was a three pointer by a debuting Bella Martin, who was returning from a knee injury. Going to the second quarter, the Nettes led the Lady Warriors, 23-8.
The second quarter started with Emma Lightsey hitting a three to cut the lead to 12. Both teams spent the majority of the second quarter trading baskets as both squads weren’t able to string any runs together. That was until the end of the first half as Watkins outscored the Nettes 6-2 to close out the second quarter. Going to halftime, the Nettes led the Lady Warriors, 38-24.
Much like the start of the second quarter, the third quarter began with a three pointer from Lightsey to cut the lead to 11. The Nettes, would counter with a 5-0 run as Steinhauer hit a three, and Mullins made a bucket to stretch the lead out to 16. Watkins, would end the run with a basket to cut it to 14. After Mullins split a pair of free throws, the Lady Warriors would go on a 7-0 run to cut the Nettes lead down to 8.
The Nettes, would close out the third quarter on a 5-0 run to stretch the lead back up to 13. Going to the fourth quarter, Pickens led White County, 49-36.
Steinhauer, started the fourth quarter by extending the run the Nettes were on to close out the third quarter as it ended up being a 9-0 run as that pushed the lead up to 53-36. Bree Burkett, would end the run with a bucket to make it 53-38. The Nettes, would then go on a 4-0 run to make it 57-38. After both teams traded three pointers, the Nettes would go on a 7-0 run to stretch the lead to 67-44. A three by Lightsey would make it a 20 point game.
Steinhauer and Watkins, would trade baskets, then Steinhauer would hit a pair of free throws to make it 71-49. After a bucket by Anderson, Steinhauer would split a pair of free throws and Martin would sink both to make it 74-51. Another three by Lightsey would make it a 20 point game. The Nettes, would close out the game with a 4-0 run as Brylee Deering turned a steal into points and Ashaela Buchanan would add a pair of late free throws as the Nettes won it, 78-54.
Scorers for the Nettes:
Ellison Steinhauer: 31 points
Caroline Mullins: 19 points
Bella Hopkins: 14 points
Bella Martin: 5 points
Brylee Deering: 4 points
Reagan Ludington: 3 points
Ashaela Buchanan: 2 points
7-AAA Region Standings:
#2 Wesleyan: 18-3 (10-0)
#4 Pickens: 21-2 (8-2)
#7 Dawson: 15-8 (7-3)
#5 White County: 17-6 (5-5)
Lumpkin County: 9-15 (4-7)
Gilmer: 7-15 (2-9)
West Hall: 1-19 (0-10)
The Nettes, will be back on the road on Tuesday, February 6th as they end their four game road trip with a stop at Wesleyan to take on the Lady Wolves. This was a close one the last time these two met in Jasper a couple of weeks ago. Tip off set for 6 pm.
Dragons hit 18 threes in road win at Lumpkin
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 31, 2024
Dahlonega, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, made the trek to Dahlonega on Tuesday, January 30th as they took on the Lumpkin County Indians in a battle of two of the hotter teams in 7-AAA. Coming into the game, the Dragons, were 15-6, 6-2 in 7-AAA, and winners of 7 out of their last 8. The Indians, were 11-11, 4-5 in 7-AAA, and winners of 8 out of their last 9. The Dragons, hit 17 threes during the game including 6 from freshman Jamin Martin en route to a 70-50 win.
The ball game started with Hayden Jones knocking down the first three of the night to make it 3-0. T.J. Gaddis, would cut the lead to 1 as he got his first shot to drop. A lay in by Parker Davis would put the Dragons back up by 3. Caleb Lanford, would follow with a pair of free throws and Dodge Davis would hit his first three of the game to make it 10-2. Gaddis, would cut the lead in half as he made the layup and the foul shot.
After a bucket by Parker Davis, Gaddis again answered with a basket to make it 12-7. The Davis brothers, would then hit back to back threes to make it 18-7. Cal Faulkner, would be the first Indian other than Gaddis to score as he made it 18-9 as they would go to the second quarter.
The Dragons, began the second quarter with a 5-0 run as Dodge Davis made a basket and Jones hit his 2nd three to make it 23-9. Gaddis, then completed his 2nd and-1 of the game as that made it 23-12. After a three by Jamin Martin, Faulkner would go on a 6-0 run to make it 26-18. The Dragons, would then go on a 10-0 run as Martin hit two more threes, Dodge Davis hit a three, and Montego Morgan split a pair of free throws to make it 36-18.
Jac Chambers, would end the run with a three to make it 36-21. Morgan, would connect on a three just before the end of the first half to put the Dragons up, 39-21 going to the break.
The second half began with the Indians going on a 7-0 run as Landon Pierce hit a three, then Preston Cox and Chambers made back to back buckets to cut the lead to 39-28. Martin, ended the run by sinking his 4th three of the game. Faulkner responded with a three of his own. Martin, came right back and nailed his 5th three. After another three by Pierce, Lanford and Martin made back to back threes to make it 51-34.
Faulkner and Pierce would end the third quarter by making back to back threes of their own to cut the Pickens lead down to 51-40 going to the fourth.
Gaddis, would start the fourth quarter by making a pair of free throws to cut the lead down to 51-42. Back to back threes by Lanford stretched the Dragons lead back out to 57-42. After a three by the Indians, the Dragons would go on a 9-0 run to make it 66-45. A bucket by Faulkner would end the run to make it 66-47. McCord Purdy, would then hit a three to make it 69-47.
After a three by Jackson Pulley, Lanford would split a pair of free throws to end the ball game as the Dragons came away with the 70-50 win.
Scorers for the Dragons:
Jamin Martin: 18 points (6 threes)
Caleb Lanford: 12 points (3 threes)
Dodge Davis: 11 points (3 threes)
Parker Davis: 11 points (1 three)
Hayden Jones: 8 points (2 threes)
McCord Purdy: 6 points (2 threes)
Montego Morgan: 4 points (1 three)
7-AAA Basketball Standings:
Gilmer: 15-7 (9-1)
Pickens: 16-6 (7-2)
Dawson: 13-9 (5-4)
Wesleyan: 9-13 (4-5)
Lumpkin: 11-12 (4-6)
White County: 6-16 (2-7)
West Hall: 5-16 (2-8)
The Dragons, will once again be on the road as they head to Cleveland, Ga on Friday, February 2nd to take on the White County Warriors. The Dragons, defeated the Warriors back on January 9th. Tip off set for 8:30.
Nettes sweep in season series against Lady Indians
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 31, 2024
Dahlonega, Ga — The Pickens Dragonettes, were on the road again on Tuesday, January 30th as they traveled to Dahlonega to take on the Lumpkin County Lady Indians in an important 7-AAA match up. The Nettes, came into the game, 19-2, 6-2 in 7-AAA play, and ranked 4th in AAA. The Lady Indians, came into the game 9-13 overall, and 4-5 in 7-AAA play. The Nettes, got 20 point games from both Caroline Mullins and Bella Hopkins as they came away with a 56-36 win.
The first quarter began with Ellison Steinhauer hitting a three to put the Nettes up early. The Lady Indians, would then respond with a 5-0 run as Averie Jones would hit a three and Ciera Brooks would make a basket to give the Lady Indians a 5-3 lead. Mullins and Hopkins would then spark a 9-0 run for the Nettes as they retook the lead, 12-5. Maddie Lee, would end the run with a three to make it 12-8.
Mullins and Reagan Richardson would trade buckets to end the first quarter as they would head into the second quarter with the Nettes ahead, 14-10.
Brooks, started the second quarter with a basket to cut the lead down to 2. Hopkins, Brylee Deering, Steinhauer, and Mullins would combine to go on a 16-0 run to stretch the lead out to 30-12. A 6-0 run by Richardson, Brooks, and Lee to close out the first half, cut the lead down to 30-18 heading into the half.
Jones, would begin the second half by continuing the run the Lady Indians started in the second quarter to cut the lead down to 10. Hopkins, would then hit back to back threes to make it 36-20. Jones answered with a three of her own to make it 36-23. The Nettes, would then go on a 7-0 run sparked by Mullins and Steinhauer to make it 43-23. After Richardson split a pair of free throws, Hopkins would hit another three to make it 46-24.
A 4-0 run by Richardson and Lee, would make it 46-28. After a couple pf free throws by Mullins, Lee would close the third quarter with a basket to send it to the fourth quarter with the Nettes leading, 48-30.
Mullins, started the fourth quarter by scoring 6 straight points. Hopkins, would put a bow on the 8-0 run that began the quarter with a layup to make it 56-30. Jones and Lee, would close out the ball game by going on a 6-0 run as the Nettes picked up a nice win on the road, 56-36.
Scorers for the Nettes:
Bella Hopkins: 22 points (6 threes)
Caroline Mullins: 21 points
Ellison: Steinhauer: 11 points
Brylee Deering: 2 points
Scorers for the Lady Indians:
Maddie Lee: 13 points
Averie: Jones: 10 points
Reagan Richardson: 7 points
Ciera Brooks: 6 points
7-AAA Basketball Standings:
#2 Wesleyan: 17-3 (9-0)
#4 Pickens: 20-2 (7-2)
#6 Dawson: 14-8 (6-3)
#5 White County: 17-5 (5-4)
Lumpkin: 9-14 (4-6)
Gilmer: 7-14 (2-8)
West Hall: 1-18 (0-10)
The Nettes, will once again be on the road as they head up to Cleveland, Georgia to take on the 5th ranked White County Lady Warriors in a crucial 7-AAA match up on Friday, February 2nd. The Nettes, defeated the Lady Warriors back on January 9th in Jasper. Tip off for this one set for 7 pm.
Last second free throws sink Dragons seven game win streak
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 27, 2024
Dawsonville, Ga — On Friday, January 26th, the Pickens Dragons began a four game road trip inside region play as they headed to Dawson County to take on the Dawson Tigers. Coming into the game, the Dragons were 15-5, 6-1 in 7-AAA play, and riding a 7 game winning streak. The Tigers, came into the game 11-9, 4-4 in 7-AAA play, and looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Gilmer on Tuesday. On Friday, late game free throws from Trey Harvey and Caden Reed, helped propel the Tigers to a 50-48 win.
The first quarter began with McCord Purdy hitting a corner three to make it 3-0 Dragons. Parker Davis, followed with a lay up to make it 5-0. The Tigers got on the board after Reed drove the baseline and laid it in for the score. After another Parker Davis layup, Joshua Priest hit a three to make it 7-5. Harvey, would then split a pair of free throws to make it 7-6 Dragons.
Back to back buckets by the Davis brothers and a pair of free throws by Purdy, gave the Dragons a 13-6 lead. A basket by Ethan Parker, would put an end to the 6-0 run and make it 13-8. Hayden Jones, would then hit a three to make it 16-8. A bucket by Samuel Glover would cut the Dragons lead down to 16-10 going to the second quarter.
Harvey, got things going in the second quarter with a basket to cut the lead to 4. Back to back buckets from Purdy and Dodge Davis, stretched the lead out to 20-12. After a timeout by Dawson, the Tigers would go on a 5-0 run as Parker made a basket and Reed hit a three pointer to make it 20-17. A three pointer by Caleb Lanford would make it a 6 point game. Back to back three pointers from Reed and Parker would tie the game at 23.
The Tigers, would close the first half on an 8-0 run as Harvey and Priest would help Dawson take a 31-26 lead into the break over Pickens.
The third quarter started with Dodge Davis making a layup, and Lanford hitting a pair of free throws to cut the lead down to 1. Both Harvey and Jones would then split free throws as the Tigers led, 32-31. After a three pointer by Reed, Lanford would get three the hard way as he made the lay up and the free throw to cut it back to 1. A three pointer by Priest would again make it a 4 point game. A layup by Parker Davis would then cut that in half.
After a pair of free throws from Harvey, the Dragons would close out the third quarter on a 7-0 run as Purdy, the Davis brothers, and Jones all contributed to the run. Going to the fourth quarter, the Dragons led the Tigers, 43-40.
The fourth quarter began with Harvey making two free throws to cut the lead to 1. A layup by Dodge Davis, would bring it back to a 3 point lead. Reed, would get the basket and the foul as he tied things up at 45 after the free throw. Purdy, would give the lead back to the Dragons with a three to put them up 48-45. Harvey, after getting fouled, would step to the line and hit both free throws to make it a 1 point game.
After a missed three point attempt by the Dragons, the Tigers put the ball in Harvey’s hands as he drove the lane with the seconds ticking down. Harvey would go up for a shot attempt, and would be fouled. Harvey, would make both free throws to put the Tigers up, 49-48. Purdy, looking to push the ball up the floor, passed it ahead to Jones. The ball was tipped out of bounds, which stopped the clock.
After it was called Dragon ball, the two closest officials to the play discussed it further and changed the call to Tiger ball. The Dragons, were then forced to intentionally foul as Reed would go to the line for two shots. Reed, would split the free throws to make it 50-48. A last second attempt from half court by Purdy wouldn’t fall and the Tigers would come away with the 50-48 win.
Scorers for the Dragons:
McCord Purdy: 15 points
Parker Davis: 10 points
Dodge Davis: 10 points
Caleb Lanford: 8 points
Hayden Jones: 5 points
Scorers for the Tigers:
Trey Harvey: 17 points
Caden Reed: 15 points
Joshua Priest: 9 points
Ethan Parker: 7 points
Samuel Glover: 2 points
7-AAA Standings:
Gilmer: 14-6 (8-1)
Pickens: 15 -6 (6-2)
Dawson: 12-9 (5-4)
Lumpkin: 10-11: (4-5)
Wesleyan: 8-13 (3-5)
White County: 6-15 (2-6)
West Hall: 5-15 (2-7)
The Dragons, will be back in action on Tuesday, January 30th as they take on the Lumpkin Indians in what will be an interesting match up in 7-AAA. Both teams are coming off having 7 game win streaks snapped. The Dragons, defeated the Indians in Jasper on December 15th, but the Indians have been playing much better since that game. Tip off is set for 7:30.
Nettes road trip begins with tough loss at Dawson
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 27, 2024
Dawsonville, Ga — The Pickens Dragonettes began a four game road trip in region play on Friday, January 26th as they traveled to Dawsonville to take on the Dawson Lady Tigers. Coming into the game, the Nettes were 19-1, 6-1 in 7-AAA, and ranked 3rd in 3A. The Lady Tigers, came into the game 12-8, 5-3 in 7-AAA, and ranked 7th in 3A. The Lady Tigers, were able to earn an in season split as they picked up the win, 53-46.
The ball game began with Ellison Steinhauer putting the Nettes on top with a three pointer. The Lady Tigers, responded with a 9-0 run as Kindra Coker, and Abby Samples-Slaton contrubuted to the run to make it 9-3. Steinhauer, ended the run with her second three pointer of the quarter to cut the lead to 3. Caroline Mullins, would then make a pair of free throws to cut the lead down to 9-8.
A 7-0 combined run by Eva Bishop and Ava Roberson, stretched the Lady Tiger lead to 16-8. A basket by Steinhauer put a stop to the second Lady Tiger run as they would head to the second quarter with Dawson leading, 16-10.
The second quarter started with Steinhauer splitting a pair of free throws and Mullins hitting a shot to make it 16-13. The Lady Tigers would then go on a 5-0 run as Coker made a basket and a pair of free throws. Morgan Chester got in on the action with a bucket to make it 21-13. Mullins, would then cut the lead down to 4 after making four straight free throws. Slaton, Steinhauer, and Maddie Siuta would trade baskets to end the first half as the Lady Tigers led it, 27-21.
The third quarter began with both teams trading buckets as the Lady Tigers continued to lead it, 33-25. The Nettes, would cut it to 5 after Bella Hopkins split a pair of free throws and Mullins connected on a shot to make it 33-28. back to back three pointers from Siuta and Slaton stretched the lead to 39-28. A three by Steinhauer cut it back down to single digits. Mullins would follow with a lay in to cut the lead back to 6.
Bishop, got a layup to go to make it an 8 point game. A pair of free throw makes by Hopkins would again cut the lead to 41-35 as they would head to the fourth quarter.
Mullins, started the fourth quarter with a bucket to make it 41-37. After several fouls, Bishop would make two straight trips to the free throw line. She connected on all four shots to make it 45-37. Hopkins, then split a pair of free throws to make it 45-38. Siuta, would hit a three to make it a 10 point game. After a lay up by Hopkins, Bishop, answered with her own lay up to make it 50-40. Mullins and Slaton would then trade baskets as that made it 52-42.
The Nettes, would cut the lead down to 6 as both Mullins and Steinhauer made a pair of free throws to make it 52-46. A free throw make by Siuta would help seal the win for the Lady Tigers, 53-46.
Scorers for the Nettes:
Caroline Mullins: 20 points
Ellison Steinhauer: 20 points
Bella Hopkins: 6 points
Scorers for the Lady Tigers:
Eva Bishop: 17 points
Kindra Coker: 12 points
Abby Samples-Slaton: 12 points
7-AAA Region Standings:
#2 Wesleyan: 16-2 (8-0)
#3 Pickens: 19-2: (6-2)
#7 Dawson: 13-8 (6-3)
#6 White County: 16-5 (4-4)
Lumpkin: 9-12 (4-5)
Gilmer: 7-12 (2-7)
West Hall: 1-17 (0-9)
The Nettes, will be back on the road for the second game of their four game road trip as they take on the Lumpkin County Lady Indians on Tuesday, January 30th. The Nettes, defeated the Lady Indians back on December 15th and will look to stay in 2nd place in 7-AAA. Tip off is set for 6 pm.
Coach Martin wins 100th game as Dragons defeat Gilmer
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 20, 2024
Jasper, Ga — The Dragons Den was filled to the brim on Friday, January 19th as the Pickens Dragons hosted their rivals, the Gilmer Bobcats in a big time 7-AAA match up. Coming into the game, the Dragons were 14-5, 5-1 in 7-AAA play, and riding a 6 game win streak. The Bobcats, came into the game 12-6, and in first place in 7-AAA at 6-0. After a close first quarter, the Dragons outscored the Bobcats, 50-26 the rest of the way to pick up a 65-38 win.
The Bobcats, got things going early as they dumped it inside to their guy in the middle, Jackson McVey, for the first two points of the game. After several missed shots from both teams, the Dragons were able to tie the game up with a jumper by McCord Purdy. McVey, put the Bobcats back in front with a layup. He was then able to convert the free throw to make it 5-2. A nice pass from Parker Davis found a cutting Caleb Lanford, who would score to cut the lead down to one.
A corner three ball by Lanford gave the Dragons their first lead of the night at 7-5. The Bobcats, were able to find an open Kohan Davis under the basket on a fast break and he tied the game up at 7. Parker Davis, hit his first three of the game to make it 10-7. Ryder Wofford, would split a pair of free throws to cut the Dragons lead down to two. A jumper by JD Taylor would tie things up at 10.
A second three pointer by Lanford put the Dragons right back in front, 13-10. A nice drive by Davis, led to a layup that cut the Dragons lead down to one. A nice pass from Lanford found Hayden Jones cutting to the basket for the layup to make it 15-12 as they went to the second quarter.
The second quarter began with good ball movement by the Dragons that led to a second three pointer from Parker Davis that made it 18-12. Keegan Bryant, then drove to the basket, and scored the layup to make it 18-14. After a bit of a scoring drought, Purdy found Jones on an in-bounds play for the layup to make it 20-14. With the shot clock about to expire, Purdy, was able to hit a long three to make it 23-14. McVey, put an end to the run with a layup to make it 23-16.
A missed shot by the Dragons led to an opportunity for the Bobcats to find McVey for his first dunk of the evening to cut the lead down to 23-18. Lanford, kept his hot shooting going as he hit his third three pointer of the first half to make it 26-18. Dodge Davis, followed that up with a three of his own to make it 29-18. Wofford, would then split a pair of free throws to make it 29-19. Montego Morgan, grabbed a missed shot from the Bobcats, drove down the court, and found Dodge Davis for the layup to make it 31-19.
After another great passing display by the Dragons, Lanford would hit his fourth three of the first half to make it 34-19. McVey, would then make a layup to cut it to 34-21. That would be the score heading into the half.
The second half started with Wofford splitting a pair of free throws to cut the lead down to 12. After a missed shot by the Dragons, Wofford, was able to split a pair of defenders to sink the floater to cut the lead to 10. The Dragons, who are always lethal on the fast break, pushed the lead back to 12 after a layup from Jones. After Dodge Davis was able to draw a foul on McVey, he would split the free throws to make it 37-24. A turnover by the Bobcats on the other end, led to a three by Dodge Davis that made it 40-24.
Again, on another fast break chance, Purdy found Lanford driving to the basket for a layup to make it 42-24. A little while later, Purdy made a nice move as he drove to the basket and laid the ball up using an up and under move to avoid McVey’s block attempt to make it 44-24. McVey, put an end to the run with a layup to make it 44-26. Dodge Davis, was at the right place at the right time as he was able to rebound the missed three point attempt from Jones to lay it in and make it 46-26.
McVey, was able to collect a missed shot and dunk it in to make it 46-28. The Dragons, once again took advantage of getting back quickly as Purdy found Parker Davis in the lane for the layup to make it 48-28. After a block by Parker Davis on the other end of the court, Jones found Lanford in transition for the layup to make it 50-28 going to the fourth quarter.
A nice feed from Parker Davis to his brother Dodge for the layup started the scoring in the fourth quarter to make it 52-28. After a pair of turnovers, Bryant, made a layup to cut it to 52-30. A nice drive by Morgan led to a foul. While he was hurt on the drive, Morgan gutted it out, and made both of the free throws to make it 54-30. A corner three by Bryant made it 54-33. Parker Davis, would counter with a three of his own. Bryant, then hit another three to make it 57-36. A jumper at the free throw line by Lanford and a jumper by Purdy made it 61-36.
After a turnover by the Dragons, the Bobcats were able to take it down the court and McVey would finish it off with his third dunk of the game. Parker Davis, jumped in front of the pass attempt and that led to a fast break and it was capped off by Purdy lobbing it up to Parker Davis for the lay in to make it 63-38. After another turnover, those two got another chance to go to work as Purdy tossed the ball off the backboard and Parker Davis threw it down to close out the game, 65-38.
7-AAA Basketball Standings:
Pickens: 15-5 (6-1)
Gilmer: 12-6 (6-1)
Dawson: 11-8 (4-3)
Lumpkin: 9-10 (3-4)
Wesleyan: 8-12 (3-4)
West Hall: 4-13 (2-5)
White County: 4-15 (0-6)
The Dragons, will have the next week to get ready as they begin a 4 game region road trip starting on Friday, January 26th as they take on the Dawson Tigers. The Dragons, defeated the Tigers on December 12th. Tip off set for 8:30 pm.
Nettes honor ’73-’74 team; defeat Lady Cats
PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports January 20, 2024
Jasper, Ga — In front of a packed out Dragons Den, the #3 ranked team in 3A, the Pickens Dragonettes, took on their rivals from up the road, the Gilmer Lady Cats, on Friday, January 19th. Coming into the game, the Nettes were 18-1, and 5-1 in 7-AAA play. The Lady Cats came into the game with a 7-9 record and 2-4 in 7-AAA play. The Nettes, would jump out to an early lead and never look back as they picked up a 54-20 win to earn the in-season sweep.
Prior to the game beginning, Pickens High School and the Nettes, honored the 1973-74 State Championship team as players and court namesake coach Roy Cowart were introduced to the crowd, and presented with the state championship banner. A new banner was then unveiled to the crowd to be displayed in the gym.
A pair of Nettes seniors, Bella Hopkins and Caroline Mullins, began the game combining to go on a 10-0 run to give Pickens a 10-0 lead. After a bucket by Aliza Chastain ended the Nettes run, Mullins and freshman Reagan Ludington closed out the first quarter going on a 4-0 run to make it 14-2 Nettes going to the second quarter.
The run by the Nettes kept going as the second quarter started as Hopkins, Ellison Steinhauer, and Mullins contributed to what was a 14-0 run in total to make it 24-2. A basket by Bree Burnette, put an end to that Nettes run. Pickens, would then go on a 9-0 run as Ludington hit a three, Mullins made a pair of free throws, and Ellison Steinhauer made back to back layups to make it 33-4. A buzzer beating three pointer from near half court by Chelsey Griggs would close out the first half as the Nettes led it, 33-7.
The second half began with Madison Bradshaw getting on the board for the Lady Cats as that made it 33-9. The Nettes, would then go on an 8-0 run as Mullins, Brylee Deering, and Ellison Steinhauer all scored during the run to make it 41-9. A three pointer from Sophia Riblet would end that Nettes run and make it 41-12. After a bucket by Hopkins, and a pair of free throws by Mullins, Grace Bramlett would hit a three to make it 45-15. A layup by Mullins would close out the third quarter as they went to the fourth with the Nettes ahead, 47-15.
That layup to end the third quarter sparked what would be a 9-0 run as the fourth quarter got started as Ashaela Buchanan hit a three, and Hopkins made back to back layups to make it 54-15. The Lady Cats, would end the ball game on a 5-0 run as Riblet would connect on another three pointer, and Chastain would make a layup. The Nettes, took this one, 54-20.
Scorers for the Nettes:
Bella Hopkins: 16 points
Caroline Mullins: 16 points
Ellison Steinhauer: 11 points
Reagan Ludington: 5 points
Ashaela Buchanan: 3 points
Brylee Deering: 3 points
Scorers for the Lady Cats:
Sophia Riblet: 6 points
Aliza Chastain: 4 points
Grace Bramlett: 3 points
Chelsey Griggs: 3 points
Madison Bradshaw: 2 points
Bree Burnette: 2 points
7-AAA Region Standings:
Wesleyan: 15-2 (7-0)
Pickens: 19-1 (6-1)
Dawson: 11-8 (4-3)
White County: 15-4 (3-3)
Gilmer: 7-10 (2-5)
Lumpkin: 7-12 (2-5)
West Hall: 0-15 (0-7)
The Nettes, will now have a week to get ready as they begin a four game region road trip on Friday, January 26th as they head up to Dawsonville to take on the Dawson Lady Tigers. Pickens, defeated the Lady Tigers in Jasper back on December 12th. Tip off is set to begin at 7 pm.