Dragons begin 2022-23 season with win over Fannin

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

Nettes take down Lady Rebels in early season top 10 matchup

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Ellijay, Ga — As the weather starts to cool, it means that we are getting into basketball season. On Saturday, November 19th, the annual Thanksgiving Tournament that features Copper Basin, Fannin, Gilmer, and Pickens, began. This year, it is being played in the newly redesigned gym known as “The Cage” on the campus of Gilmer High School. The first game of the tournament featured a pair of top ten teams going at it as the #6 team in 3A the Pickens Dragonettes, took on the #4 team in 2A, the Fannin Lady Rebels.

For the Nettes, it was their second game on the young season as they defeated Cherokee Bluff 71-25 on November the 12th to open the season. For the Lady Rebels, it was their first “official” game of the 2022-23 season, but they did look impressive in their scrimmage earlier in the week. The Nettes, led throughout this one and came away with  the 54-40 win.

 

In the first quarter, Pickens got on the board quickly as Emma Gleason made the layup after the feed from Caroline Mullins and converted on the and-1 to give the Nettes a quick 3-0 lead. Ava Queen got the Lady Rebels on the board with a layup of her own to make it 3-2. After a steal by Fannin, Reigan O’Neal went 1-2 from the free throw line to tie the game up at 3. The Nettes, would come up with a takeaway of their own and Emmie Moore would find Gleason under the bucket for two to make it 5-3. Madison Powell took the hand off from Gleason and made the layup to make it 7-3 Nettes. Highly touted Lady Rebel Courtney Davis got into the score book with a scoop layup to make it 7-5.

After a block by Bella Hopkins, Freshman Ellison Steinhauer took it down the floor and got fouled on the layup attempt. Steinhauer would go 2-2 from the line to make it 9-5 Nettes. O’Neal, would answer right back with a tough layup in traffic to make it 9-7. Hopkins got in on the scoring with a three to make it 12-7. Moore used a nice pump fake to drive into the lane for the layup. The free throw was good and that made it 15-7 Nettes. After a back and forth first quarter, Pickens led Fannin, 15-7.

 

Steinhauer got the scoring started in the second quarter with a nice drive to the bucket and gave the Nettes a 17-7 lead. Pickens added to the lead with a Hopkins three. Her second of the first half to make it 20-7. After a steal by Emory Bryant, Steinhauer connected on a three to make it 23-7 Nettes. A nice find by Steinhauer led to a made three by Moore to make it 26-7. Davis, put an end to the 11-0 scoring run by Pickens and gave Fannin its first points of the second quarter with a layup making it 26-9. After grabbing a rebound, Mullins threw a long outlet pass to Steinhauer who connected with her second three of the first half to make it 29-9. Queen came back on the other end and connected on her first three of the first half to make it 29-12. At the break, the Nettes would lead the Lady Rebels by a score of 29-12.

 

To begin the third quarter, Ellie Cook of the Lady Rebels gave Fannin the first points of the second half as she caught the deflected pass and made a nice reverse layup to make it 29-14. Mullins, got her first two points of the ball game as she answered on the other end with a nice spin and drive to the bucket to make it 31-14. Davis, then raced down the floor and made a layup as the two teams were now trading buckets. After the Nettes kept a possession alive with an offensive rebound by Gleason, Mullins was fouled driving to the basket. She made 1 of 2 to make it 32-16 Pickens.

Davis, using her speed, drove down the floor, went underneath the basket, and found Cook who connected on the three to make it 32-19. Mullins, was able to draw the foul on the next trip down the floor and make both free throws to give the Nettes a 34-19 advantage. Jayden Bailey, was able to grab the rebound and get the bucket. After a miss on the free throw attempt, the Lady Rebels were able to get the rebound and get another tough bucket. This time by Riley Reeves. She completed the and-1 and it was down to a 34-24 Pickens lead.

Steinhauer, setteled things down just a little as she went 2-2 from the line to make it 36-24. Davis, again using her speed, raced down the floor for the layup to once again make it a 10 point game. After a no call on one end, the Nettes were able to drive down the other end a connect on a three by Steinhauer. Her third of the game. O’Neal, was able to drive down the lane and went 2-2 on the free throw line. Mullins answered with a layup to make it 41-28. Reeves, would  get fouled on the layup attempt and go 1-2 from the line to make it 41-29 Pickens going to the fourth.

 

Davis, got the scoring started in the fourth with a layup to make it 41-31. Mullins, then did one of the many things she excels at and that’s driving down the lane and getting contact on shot attempts. Mullins would go to the line and make both shots to make it 43-31. Hopkins then collected the rebound off the Reeves miss and drove it the length of the floor and made the layup to make it 45-31. After a steal by the Nettes, Mullins had a breakaway all alone and made the layup to stretch the lead out to 47-31. Gleason, after getting a steal, passed it ahead to Steinhauer. After missing her first attempt, Steinhauer grabbed her own rebound and got the put back.

On the next Nettes possession, Steinhauer again grabbed an offensive rebound, got the ball out to Gleason, who found an open Mullins in the corner for the three to make it 52-31. O’Neal then came back with a nice three of her own to make it 52-34. Pickens, had a nice play in-bounding the ball as Hopkins found a cutting Bryant for the layup to make it 54-34. Queen, came back on the other end and drove for a layup to make it 54-36. After a rebound by the Lady Rebels, Reeves drove to the basket and got the layup to make it 54-38. A nice pass down inside by O’Neal led to another layup by Queen to make it 54-40. The Nettes, were able to run out the rest of the clock and Pickens came away with a 54-40 win.

 

Both these teams will be back in action on Monday as the Nettes will take on the Copper Basin Lady Cougars at 3 pm. The Lady Rebels, will take on the hosting Gilmer Lady Cats at 6 pm.

Dragons get a big road win to start the season

PHS Basketball, Sports, Team FYN Sports

After the heart pounding overtime classic in the girls game, it was the boys turn to take the floor. The Dragons, came in looking to complete the varsity sweep of Gordon Central, while the Warriors came in looking to earn a split.

 

The first quarter saw the Dragons get out to what they would almost call a perfect start. Playing great defense that turned into offense, Pickens jumped out to a 22-7 lead over Gordon Central at the end of one.

The 2nd quarter, the Dragons stalled a bit on the offensive side of things as nothing would seem to fall for them. The Warriors, outscored Pickens 13-8, to cut the Dragon lead down to 30-20 at the break.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the 3rd, the Dragons offense picked up, as well as their defense. Pickens, showed a lot of hustle and determination going after rebounds, steals, & loose balls. The Dragons would outscore Gordon Central 23-7 in the 3rd, to take a 53-27 lead into the 4th.

In the 4th, the Dragons would go three crazy as every time you looked, someone new was hitting a three. Pickens closed out the game on a 21-6 quarter run to seal the season opening win, 74-33.

The Dragons, outscored Gordon Central 44-13 in the 2nd half. Junior Tucker Lowe led the Dragons with 25 points.

Much like the Nettes, the Dragons will also be in Blue Ridge this afternoon to begin day one of the annual Thanksgiving Tip-Off Tournament. They will also be playing Gilmer. Tip off for the Dragons & the Bobcats is set for 4:30.

Nettes’ win overtime thriller in season opener

PHS Basketball, Sports, Team FYN Sports

Last night, the PHS Nettes varsity basketball team took to the road to open the 2019-20 season against the Lady Warriors of Gordon Central. Gordon Central, is a AA school in Calhoun. Nettes coach Brandon Thomas, debuted a new style of play for this season. A more fast paced style of play. It was surely on display last night.

 

The opening quarter saw Pickens get off to a somewhat slow start. It picked up for the Nettes towards the end of the frame, but the Lady Warriors would take a 16-12 lead into the 2nd quarter.

In the 2nd quarter, things picked up for the Nettes on offense & that new fast paced style they implemented was a big part of that. Pickens, outscored the Lady Warriors 34-21 in the 2nd to take a 46-37 lead into the break.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the 3rd quarter, it was very much back & forth. Both teams were playing at a fast pace as a total of 41 points were scored between the two teams in the frame. Gordon Central outscored the Nettes, 21-20, but Pickens continued to lead with a score of 66-58, going to the 4th.

The 4th quarter, saw the Lady Warriors start out on a big run to tie the ball game up. For the majority of the quarter, each team would trade bucket for bucket, gaining no more than a four or five point lead. With under a minute left, the Nettes, were down five. Senior Mykenzie Weaver, a 1,000 point career scorer, drained a three to cut it to two. Pickens, got the turnover they needed, & called timeout to set up a game tying or potential winning bucket. Weaver, would miss the shot as time expired, but an official called a foul on the shot, much to the displeasure of the home crowd. With the crowd getting on her, Weaver calmly sank the two free throws to send us into overtime tied at 82.

 

In the overtime, both teams had opportunities to possibly put the game away with free throws, but it seemed like none of them would fall. Tied at 90, the Nettes decided to play keep away. Pickens, held the ball for what seemed like the entire final minute of the overtime period. With 3 seconds left, Sarah Morris found an opening, drove to the bucket, & made the layup as time expired to give the Nettes the 92-90 win over Gordon Central in an epic battle.

 

Mykenzie Weaver led the way for the Nettes on this night with 50 points. A career game high for her & possibly a school record for a single game (searching through the record books for that answer).

This afternoon, the Nettes will bring their fast paced style to Blue Ridge as they participate in day one of  the annual Thanksgiving Tournament. Today’s opponent, the Gilmer Lady Cats. Tip off is set for 3 pm.

Nettes’ Ground Lady Eagles, Face Gilmer In Tournament Championship Tonight

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Yesterday afternoon, the PHS Nettes’ varsity basketball team traveled back to Ellijay for the 2nd day of the annual Thanksgiving Tip-Off Tournament. Pickens, once again opened the day as they took on the Hiwassee Dam Lady Eagles from North Carolina.

 

In the opening quarter, once Pickens found it’s footing, they were able to build a lead on the Lady Eagles. Going to the 2nd quarter, the Nettes’ led, 14-7. In the 2nd, the Nettes’ extended their lead using a combination of good defense leading to offense. Outscoring Hiwassee Dam 17-9 in the 2nd, Pickens took a 31-16 lead into the half.

 

In the 3rd, the Nettes’ continued to build their lead on the Lady Eagles. Outscoring Hiwassee Dam, 16-13, Pickens held a 47-29 advantage going to the 4th. The Nettes’ took this one, 60-36.

 

Stats:

Mykenzie Weaver: 23 points, 3 assists, 5 rebounds, & 2 steals

Torie Williams: 14 points, 7 assists, 2 rebounds, & 4 steals

Reagan Harwood: 6 points, & 5 rebounds

Amanda Nelson: 5 points, 1 assist, 1 rebound, & 2 steals

Chloe Walker: 4 points, 1 assist, 2 rebounds, & 2 steals

Sarah Morris: 4 points, & 1 steal

Olivia Simmons: 2 points, 2 assists, 4 rebounds, & 1 steal

Hattie Baker: 2 points, 1 rebound, & 1 steal

 

Later today, the Nettes’ will head back to Ellijay to take part in the 3rd and final day of the Thanksgiving Tip-Off Tournament as they take on the host team, the Gilmer Lady Cats. This will also be a true championship game as both teams have won their other two games. Tip off is scheduled for 6 pm.

Nettes’ Open Tip-Off Tournament With Win Over Fannin

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Yes ladies & gentlemen it’s that time once again as high school basketball has started in the state of Georgia. With that, comes the annual Thanksgiving Tip-Off Tournament being held this year in Ellijay at Gilmer High School. The tournament, features Pickens, Gilmer, Fannin, & Hiwassee Dam. Kicking off the tournament this year, would be the Nettes’ & the Lady Rebels of Fannin.

 

It was a back & forth frame to start the opening quarter as you got the feeling this one might be closely contested the entire way through. Pickens, was able to grab an 8-6 lead after one. The action, & the offense picked up for both teams in the 2nd quarter as the Nettes’ scored 20 points, while the Lady Rebels scored 19. Pickens, continued to lead Fannin as we hit the half, 28-25.

 

In the 3rd quarter, Fannin, off the strength of good defensive effort, held the Nettes’ to just 5 points, while scoring 13, to take the lead going to the 4th, 38-33. In the 4th, the defense for Pickens stepped up and the offense fed off of that to close things out. The Nettes’, closed the 4th with a 17-8 run to get a 50-46 win.

 

The Nettes’ will be back on the court tomorrow afternoon as they will take on the Hiwassee Dam Lady Eagles at 3 pm. Reminder, the game will be played in Ellijay at Gilmer High School.

Stats:

Mykenzie Weaver: 27 points, 1 assist, 9 rebounds, 5 steals, 1 block

Olivia Simmons: 10 points, 2 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 block

Sarah Morris: 4 points, 2 assists

Torie Williams: 3 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal

Ansley Parker: 3 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block

Amanda Nelson: 2 points, 1 assist, 5 rebounds, 1 steal

Reagan Harwood: 1 point, 3 rebounds

 

Dragons Fight Hard Against Hiwassee Dam, Face Bobcats This Evening

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

After the Nettes’ picked up their 2nd win of the young season, the Dragons looked to capture their first win as they took on the Hiwassee Dam Eagles out of North Carolina.

 

The 1st quarter was packed with action as both teams saw offensive success early on. Pickens, got the upper hand & took a 19-15 lead over the Eagles going to the 2nd. In the 2nd quarter, Hiwassee Dam used a run to take the lead from the Dragons. Having outscored Pickens 18-12 in the frame, the Eagles grabbed the lead, 33-31, going to the break.

 

In a back and forth 3rd quarter, the Dragons made their own run to regain the lead from Hiwassee Dam. Using a slight 20-17 quarter advantage, Pickens found themselves ahead going to the 4th, 51-50. In the 4th, Hiwassee Dam was able to make shots late to take this one, 66-60.

 

Stats

Seth Bishop: 22 points, 5 assists, 10 rebounds, & 5 steals

Zach Goss: 15 points, 2 assists, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, & 1 block

Alex Snelgrove: 7 points, 1 assist, 4 rebounds, & 2 steals

Owen Moss: 6 points, 6 assists, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, & 2 blocks

Tucker Lowe: 6 points, 2 rebounds, & 1 steal

Brady Moore: 2 points, 1 assist, 3 rebounds, & 2 steals

Hayes Pickett: 2 points, & 2 rebounds

 

The Dragons, will be in Ellijay again tonight as they wrap up the Thanksgiving Tip-Off Tournament as they take on the Gilmer Bobcats. Tip off is set for 7:30.

Dragons Fall In Overtime To Bobcats, Face Heritage On Tuesday

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

After the Nettes’ & the Lady Cats finished up their game, it was time for the nightcap as the Dragons took on the Bobcats. Gilmer, had already won both of their games from Saturday & Monday, while Pickens looked to gain some momentum heading into region play next week.

 

The first quarter was highly contested with both teams finding buckets early. The Bobcats had a 4 point lead until the Dragons’ Brady Moore made a 3-point bucket right as the horn sounded to cut the Gilmer lead to 18-17, going to the 2nd. The 2nd quarter mirrored the 1st as it seemed both teams were evenly matched. Pickens outscored the Bobcats 13-10, to take a 30-28 lead into the break.

 

In the 3rd, the action was still high paced and neither team could not pull away. Gilmer outscored the Dragons slightly in the frame, 13-11, to tie things up at 41, going to the 4th. Things went down to the wire in the 4th as the Dragons took a 2-point lead late in the period. Not to be outdone however, the Bobcats were able to get a bucket just before the final horn rang to send us into overtime. In the overtime period, Gilmer was able to make free throws late to pull away and pick up the win, 67-57.

 

Stats:

Seth Bishop: 15 points, 12 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block (All-Tournament Team selection)

Alex Snelgrove: 11 points, 2 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal

Brady Moore: 9 points, 2 rebounds

Tucker Lowe: 8 points, 1 assist

Owen Moss: 6 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 4 steals (All-Tournament Team selection)

Zach Goss: 5 points, 7 assists, 9 rebounds, 1 steal (All-Tournament Team selection)

Noah Sutton: 3 points

 

The Dragons, will look to get more practice time together & get ready for region play next week as they travel to take on the Heritage Generals on Tuesday. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30.

Nettes’ Finish 2nd in Tip-Off Tournament, Begin Region Play Next Week

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

On Tuesday, the PHS Dragonettes varsity basketball team was once again back in Ellijay to close out the Thanksgiving Tip-Off Tournament. Their opponent on this day would be the host school, the Gilmer Lady Cats. This game, was a traditional championship game as both teams won their games on Saturday & Monday.

 

The 1st quarter, started off slow for both teams but picked up towards the middle and end of the frame. Pickens, took a 14-12 lead over Gilmer, going to the 2nd. This game had the makings of a classic as both teams poured in 15 points a piece in the 2nd as the Nettes’ continued to lead the Lady Cats going to the break, 29-27.

 

In the 3rd, Pickens could not get any flow on offense as Gilmer held them to just 4 third quarter points & the Lady Cats took the lead going to the 4th, 40-33. In the 4th, the Nettes’ kept threatening, but Gilmer was able to hold off any late charge & get the win, 51-42.

 

Stats:

Torie Williams: 16 points, 1 assist, 2 rebounds (All-Tournament Team selection)

Mykenzie Weaver: 10 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal (All-Tournament Team selection)

Sarah Morris: 9 points, 2 assists, 4 rebounds (All-Tournament Team selection)

Reagan Harwood: 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block

Amanda Nelson: 3 points, 2 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 block

 

The Nettes’ will now have the rest of the week to rest up & get ready for a big week next week as region play starts. Pickens, will be on the road this Tuesday as they take on the Hertiage Lady Generals. Tip off is scheduled for 6 pm.

Dragons Fall In Close Contest With Fannin In Tip-Off Tournament Opener

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

After the thrilling win for the Nettes’, it was the Dragons turn to take the floor. This was the first game for the Dragons in this freshly new 2018-19 season. As you may know, the Dragons have a new coach on the sidelines in Mike Duffie, who comes to Pickens after several years at Dalton High School.

 

Pickens, came out of the game looking strong in their season opener. The Dragons used good offensive execution to build up a 13-8 lead after the 1st frame. In the 2nd quarter, Pickens at one point built up a double digit lead. The Rebels, used a late run to end the quarter, and cut the Dragon lead to 26-22, going to the half.

 

In the 3rd, Fannin carried over the momentum they built late in the 1st half to propel them to the lead using a 19-9 run. Going to the 4th, the Rebels led Pickens, 41-35. In the 4th, Pickens made a run by outscoring the Rebels 19-18, but it would not be enough. Fannin takes this one, 59-54.

 

Pickens, will be back in action on Monday afternoon at 4:30 pm when they face the Hiwassee Dam Eagles

Stats:

Seth Bishop: 18 points

Zach Goss: 16 points

Noah Sutton: 7 points

Owen Moss: 5 points

Andrew Smith: 3 points

Tucker Lowe: 3 points

Jordan Pendley: 2 points

Dragons Battle, Fall Short To War Eagles In Season Opener

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Last night, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team headed down to Gainesville to take on the War Eagles of Chestatee in the season opener for the 2017-18 season. This one had a little of everything you want in sports. Excitement, drama, great plays.

 

In the 1st quarter, Chestatee got out to a quick lead, & built it up prior to the end of the frame. Heading to the 2nd, the War Eagles held a 21-8 lead after one. In the 2nd, Pickens got things going, and made a massive run. The Dragons, outscored Chestatee in the 2nd quarter, 25-16, to trim the War Eagle lead to 37-33, going into halftime.

 

In the 3rd, the Dragons kept the momentum built from the 2nd quarter, and used it to take the lead from Chestatee after a 26-19 quarter run. Going to the 4th, Pickens led the War Eagles, 59-56. In the 4th, the two teams took turns with the lead. Several players would foul out for both teams, & a couple of technicals were handed out as well. Chestatee would use a 26-21 run, & several late free throws to get the win, 85-77.

 

Leading the Dragons in points were:

Joseph Gossett: 26 (18 in the 2nd half)

Seth Bishop: 19

Keinyuan Hooks: 14

 

Pickens, will now look forward to the annual Thanksgiving Tip-Off Tournament that is starting on Saturday, & will be held in Ellijay this year. The tournament features Pickens, Gilmer, Fannin, & Hiwassee Dam. The Dragons, will start the tournament off with their rival, the Gilmer Bobcats on Saturday at 4:30 pm.

‘Nettes Tip Off 2017-18 Season With Road Win Over Chestatee

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Last night, the PHS Dragonettes varsity basketball team traveled to Gainesville to take on the Lady War Eagles of Chestatee High School in the opening game of the 2017-18 season. Not only was it the first game of a new season, it was the first game for new ‘Nettes head coach Brandon Thomas, who made his return to PHS after several years as the head coach of the Winder-Barrow Lady Bulldogs.

 

These two teams went back and forth all evening and it started in the first quarter. The ‘Nettes were able to get out to a 13-7 lead over the Lady War Eagles after picking it up late in the quarter. In the 2nd, Both teams used defense to lead to success offensively. Chestatee would outscore Pickens in the 2nd, 15-14, but the ‘Nettes still held the advantage at the half, 27-22.

 

The 3rd quarter saw the action continue on where it left off in the 2nd. The Lady War Eagles used a 16-12 3rd quarter run to cut the Pickens lead to 39-38 going to the 4th and final period. In the 4th, with the help of a 15-11 run, clutch free throws, & a late technical, the ‘Nettes were able to hold onto the lead, & the win taking this one, 54-49.

 

Leading the way in points for the ‘Nettes were:

Torie Williams: 16

Mykenzie Weaver: 14

Shelby Cook: 10

 

The ‘Nettes will be back in action on Saturday afternoon as they head to Ellijay for the annual Thanksgiving Tip-Off Tournament featuring Pickens, Gilmer, Fannin, & Hiwassee Dam. Pickens, will be taking on the host team, the Gilmer Lady Cats on Saturday at 3 pm.

Dragons Fall In Region Opener To LaFayette, Face Gilmer In Ellijay Friday Night

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

On Tuesday evening, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team hosted the LaFayette Ramblers for their first home game of the season & the first region game of the season. Pickens, was coming off being named co-champions of the Thanksgiving Tip-Off Tournament, while LaFayette came in as a favorite in the region heading into the season after barely losing to Northwest Whitfield in the region title game last season. It would be a good test for a Dragons team that came in 2-2.

 

In the 1st quarter, LaFayette got off to the better start, pulling ahead early. However, the back end of the 1st saw things pick up for Pickens as they cut the Rambler lead to 22-14 going to the 2nd. In the 2nd quarter, both teams struggled to have some consistent offense. LaFayette outscored the Dragons 9-6 in the frame to give them a lead of 31-20 going into the break.

 

The 2nd half, would not be kind to the home standing Dragons unfortunately. The Ramblers had everything go their way while it seemed nothing would fall for Pickens. In the 3rd, LaFayette would use a 17-3 quarter advantage to take a 48-23 lead into the 4th. The Ramblers, would be able to close this game out and get the win, 65-30.

 

Leading the way for the Dragons were:

Seth Bishop: 9 points, & 3 rebounds

Keinyuan Hooks: 5 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds, & 4 steals

Zach Goss: 4 points, 3 rebounds, & 1 block

Joseph Gossett: 4 points, 2 rebounds, & 1 steal

Avonta Johnson: 4 points, 1 rebound, & 1 steal

Chase Simmons: 3 points, & 1 assist

 

The Dragons will now turn to Friday Night as they will make the short trip up 515 and head to Ellijay to take on the Gilmer Bobcats in a region match up. These two teams met in Fannin not too long ago and Pickens came away with a 10 point win. Both finished with 2-1 records & a share of the tournament trophy. Tip off scheduled for 8:30 pm.

Dragons Win Share Of Tip-Off Tournament Title, Begin Region Play Tuesday

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

The PHS Dragons varsity basketball team was again in Blue Ridge last night for the third and final day of the Thanksgiving Tip-Off Tournament. Pickens, would be taking on the host team, the Fannin Rebels. Both teams were coming off tough losses on Tuesday, & looked to end the tournament on a good note.

 

Much like the ‘Nettes in the game beforehand, the Dragons got off to a fast start against the Rebels. Pickens held a 26-14 advantage after the 1st. In the 2nd, both teams traded buckets in high paced action. The Dragons outscored Fannin by a slight edge of 12-11 to take a 38-25 lead into the break.

 

In the 3rd, Pickens kept holding off any Rebel comeback chance, while adding to their lead. The highlight of the half, & maybe the game, was a thunderous slam by the Dragons’ Seth Bishop. The Dragons used a 12-9 run in the 3rd to stretch their lead over Fannin to 50-34 going to the 4th. A 20-12 4th quarter run would seal the victory for the Dragons. Your final score, 70-46. With the win, Pickens shares a piece of the championship with Gilmer. Both finished at 2-1.

 

Leading the way for the Dragons were:

Joseph Gossett: 16 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, & 4 steals (All-Tournament selection)

Seth Bishop: 15 points, 2 assists, 8 rebounds, & 1 steal (All-Tournament selection)

Hunter Hermann: 12 points, 2 rebounds, & 2 steals

Keinyuan Hooks: 10 points, 12 assists, 3 rebounds, & 5 steals

Zach Goss: 6 points, 3 assists, & 4 rebounds (All-Tournament selection)

Chase Simmons: 5 points, 2 rebounds, & 2 steals

 

With the win, Pickens now moves to 2-2 on the season. The Dragons, will finally be home on Tuesday as they host the LaFayette Ramblers in a game that will open region play. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

 

 

Dragons Fall In Final Second Heartbreak, Play Rebels Tonight

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Yesterday, the PHS Dragons varsity basketball team was yet again back in Blue Ridge for the second day of the annual Thanksgiving Tip-Off Tournament. After getting a double digit win over their rival Gilmer on Saturday, Pickens turned their focus on the Eagles of Hiwassee Dam.

 

In the 1st quarter, the Eagles would be the team to get off to the quick start in the boys match up. Hiwassee Dam would take a 21-13 lead into the 2nd quarter. In that 2nd quarter, Pickens got things going. The Dragons doubled the Eagles 2nd quarter scoring output 14-7, to cut the Hiwassee Dam lead down to just one going into the break, 28-27.

 

The 2nd half of this one was one to see. The 3rd quarter belonged to the Dragons as they carried over the momentum built in the 2nd quarter over to the start of the 2nd half outscoring the Eagles 19-14 to take a 46-42 lead going into the 4th. In the 4th, it was back and forth with both teams. With time draining down, Pickens ran an inbounds play perfectly to take the late lead 58-57. However, the excitement would not be done there as Hiwassee Dam used an inbounds play of their own to drive the baseline, & make a tough layup as time expired to get the win, 59-58.

 

Leading the way for the Dragons were:

Zach Goss: 16 points, 2 assists, & 4 rebounds

Joseph Gossett: 14 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, & 1 block

Seth Bishop: 12 points, 7 rebounds, & 2 blocks

Tucker Lowe: 12 points, 1 assist, & 2 rebounds

Hunter Fowler: 3 points, 3 assists, & 4 rebounds

 

On the boys side of the tournament, everyone has one loss. Pickens beat Gilmer, Gilmer beat Fannin, Fannin beat Hiwassee Dam, & Hiwassee Dam beat Pickens. Everyone is still in play for the title as we head into the final day of the tournament today. It very well may come down to points to determine the winner. Pickens will face the host team, the Fannin Rebels tonight at 7:30 pm.

‘Nettes Best Lady Cats In Early Season Thiller

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Yesterday afternoon, the PHS Dragonettes varsity basketball team made the hour or so trip up north on 515 to Fannin County High School to participate in the annual Thanksgiving Tip-Off Tournament. Their first opponent, the Gilmer Lady Cats. Much like anything involving Pickens & Gilmer, this one did not disappoint.

 

In the opening quarter, both teams took a bit to get going with the mid afternoon tip. The ‘Nettes were able to get a hold of a 7-6 lead going to the 2nd. In the 2nd quarter, the scoring would pick up for both sides. Pickens outscored the Lady Cats 18-12 in the 2nd to take a 25-18 lead going into the break.

 

The action really picked up in the 2nd half, starting with the 3rd quarter. Gilmer, would slowly claw their way back into the game after outscoring the ‘Nettes 15-14 in the 3rd to cut the lead down to 39-33 going to the 4th and final quarter. Despite the Lady Cats outscoring Pickens 14-9 in the 4th, the ‘Nettes final two points was the most important. With Gilmer ahead 47-46, the ‘Nettes got a steal from Torie Williams. Williams then drove the length of the floor, & passed it off to Mykenzie Weaver for the game winning layup with 6 seconds left to give Pickens the 48-47 win.

 

Leading the way for Gilmer was:

Michaela Staley: 18 points

Mary Lee Callihan: 16 points

Mallory Kiser: 7 points

Leading the way for Pickens was:

Torie Williams: 17 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, & 2 blocks

Mykenzie Weaver: 17 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, & 3 steals

Mackenzie Hampton: 6 points, 2 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, & 3 blocks

Shelby Cook: 3 points, 4 rebounds, & 3 steals

Allie Stephens: 1 point, 2 assists, 4 rebounds, & 1 steal

 

For Gilmer, they will play host team Fannin tomorrow. Tip time for that one is scheduled for 6 pm. For the ‘Nettes, they will once again open up the day as they will take on the Hiwassee Dam Lady Eagles. Tip off is scheduled for 3 pm.

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