Dragons sweep Spartans behind combined no hitter

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It was a beautiful day for high school baseball on Thursday, March 21st as the Pickens Dragons hosted the Spartans of West Hall for the final game of their three game region series. The Dragons, had already won the series by virtue of sweeping a double header on Tuesday, March 19th, and were looking for the series sweep. Prior to the game, the youth baseball teams from the Pickens County rec department were recognized. Behind a combined no hitter from A.J. Rice and Cason Cannon, the Dragons came away with a 6-1 win.

 

In the top of the first, Rice, needed only 9 pitches to get three outs as he picked up 2 fly outs and his first strikeout. In the bottom half of the inning, Connor Shouse, led off with a single. Trey Payne, would move Shouse over to 2nd with a grounder. As Shouse was attempting to steal 3rd, Cade Sutton hit a grounder to the 3rd baseman. Shouse, never stopped running on the play and would score to make it 1-0 Dragons going to the second inning.

 

In the top of the second, Rice, worked around a 1-out error and walk to get out of the inning. Rice, picked up his 2nd and 3rd strikeout of the game during the top half of the frame. The 3rd out came after the runner at 2nd was caught in a rundown and was eventually tagged out at 3rd. In the bottom of the frame, the Dragons would go down in order on two pop outs and a ground out. Going to the third, Pickens led West Hall, 1-0.

 

In the top of the third, Rice, needed only 7 pitches to record three outs as he forced three ground outs to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the third, Shouse, would again lead off with a single. The Spartans, would erase that as they forced a double play. The Dragons, looked for some 2-out magic as Sutton laced a single and Kam Jenkins drew a walk, but the Spartans got a fly out to send it to the fourth with Pickens leading West Hall, 1-0.

 

In the top of the fourth, the Spartans, got their lead off man on as he was hit by a pitch. He would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. After a grounder to 1st advanced the runner to 3rd, Rice, picked up his 4th strikeout for the 2nd out. The Spartans, would tie the game as the runner from 3rd would come in to score on a wild pitch. Rice, would pick up his 5th strikeout to send it to the bottom of the fourth with the score now tied at 1.

In the bottom of the fourth, Tyler Payne, would lead off with a single. The Spartans, would pick off his pitch runner Daven Abernathy for the first out. Trace Ledbetter, would then be hit by a pitch to put him on with 1-out. The Spartans, would get out of the fourth after back to back ground outs. Going to the fifth, Pickens and West Hall were tied at 1.

 

In the top half of the fifth, Rice, would strikeout the side, giving him 8 on the night to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, Shouse, drew a lead off walk to get on base. He would then steal 2nd as he tied the single season mark for stolen bases. Trey Payne, would advance Shouse over to 3rd with a bunt. Sutton, would bring in Shouse with an RBI double to give the Dragons a 2-1 lead.

Jenkins, would follow that up with a single to put runners at the corners with 1-out. Jenkins courtesy runner, JP Nunn, was able to somehow escape a rundown and advance to 2nd. Tyler Payne, extended the lead as he drove in both Sutton and Nunn with a 2-RBI double to make it 4-1 Dragons going to the sixth.

 

In the top of the sixth, Rice picked up his 9th strikeout for the first out. After a walk and a stolen base put a runner in scoring position, 2nd baseman James Tilley made a great play in the outfield grass as he made the catch for the second out. A hit batsman would put runners a 1st and 2nd with 2-out. After a little bit of a discussion, Rice, was relieved by Cason Cannon. Cannon, needed just 1 pitch to get out of the inning and send it to the bottom of the sixth.

In the bottom half of the sixth, Christian Starks would lead off with a double. An error in the outfield, would allow Starks to score as Rice would end up at 2nd on the play. After a sacrifice bunt by Shouse that advanced Rice to 3rd, Trey Payne would bring in Rice with an RBI ground out to make it 6-1 Dragons going to the seventh.

 

Cannon, came back out for the top of the seventh to try and finish the game off. After giving up a walk and hitting a batter to begin the top half of the inning, Cannon settled down to strikeout two and force a pop out to Shouse as the Dragons take game three, 6-1 to sweep the region series.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 2-2 with 2 singles, 1 walk, 1 stolen base, 1 sacrifice bunt, and 2 runs scored

Trey Payne: 1 sacrifice bunt and 1 RBI

Cade Sutton: 2-3 with a single, a double, 1 walk, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 3-3 with 3 singles, and 1 walk

Tyler Payne: 2-3 with a single, a double, and 2 RBI

Trace Ledbetter: 1 hit by pitch

Christian Starks: 1-3 with a double and 1 run scored

A.J. Rice: 1 run scored (5.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 9 K on 88 pitches)

JP Nunn: 1 run scored

Cason Cannon: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 2 K on 22 pitches

 

7-AAA Baseball Standings:

Pickens: 15-3 (8-1)

Dawson: 12-5 (6-3)

Lumpkin: 9-8 (5-4)

White County: 10-8 (2-4)

Wesleyan: 5-9 (2-4)

Gilmer: 8-8 (2-4)

West Hall: 4-14 (2-7)

 

The Dragons, will remain in 7-AAA play next week as they begin a series with their 515 rivals, the Gilmer Bobcats. Due to impending weather next week, Game one of the series will be at Gilmer on Monday, March 25th with a first pitch time of 6 pm. Games two and three will be played in Jasper on Thursday, March 28th, and Friday, March 29th.

Dragons sweep Spartans in region double header

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Oakwood, Ga — With impending weather later in the week again affecting things, the Pickens Dragons and West Hall Spartans decided to play two on Tuesday, March 19th as they began their best of three series in 7-AAA. Coming into the series, the Dragons, were 12-3 overall and 5-1 in 7-AAA. The Spartans, came into the series with a 4-11 overall record and 2-4 in 7-AAA. The Dragons, were able to win both games taking game one, 8-2, and game two, 15-2.

 

Game 1:

In the top of the first, Connor Shouse got things going with a single to reach base. After Shouse stole 2nd and advanced to 3rd after a balk was called, Trey Payne brought him in with a sacrifice fly RBI. Cade Sutton, would then reach on an error. Kam Jenkins would then draw a walk. Dawson Holland, would reach on a fielder’s choice as he and Jenkins would advance on the error. Tyler Payne, would then be hit by a pitch to load the bases up.

Trace Ledbetter, would work a bases loaded walk as Jenkins would come in to score to make it 2-0 Dragons going to the bottom of the first. In the bottom half of the first, Shouse, the Dragons starter, worked around a 2-out walk as he would strike out the side. Going to the second, Pickens led West Hall, 2-0.

 

In the top of the second, Shouse, would reach base for the 2nd time with a 1-out single. Trey Payne, would reach on a fielder’s choice as the Spartans almost had an inning ending double play. Payne, would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. He would then advance to 3rd on a passed ball. The Spartans, got out of it with a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the second with Pickens still leading, 2-0.

In the bottom of the second, Shouse, worked around a 1-out hit batsman as he picked up his 4th and 5th strikeouts of the game and a fly out to send it to the third with the Dragons ahead, 2-0.

 

In the top of the third, Tyler Payne drew a 2-out walk to keep the inning going. Ledbetter, would then reach on an error. Both he and pitch runner Coleman Keener would advance on the throw. The Spartans, would get out of the jam to send it to the bottom of the third with the Dragons still up 2-0. The Spartans, would pick up a pair of 1-out singles to try and start a rally.

After executing a double steal, the Spartans would plate a run after a ground out to 1st to make it 2-1. Shouse, would get out of the third with a strikeout. Going to the fourth, Pickens led West Hall, 2-1.

 

In the top of the fourth, Shouse would reach for the 3rd time after being hit with a pitch. He would eventually come around to score on a wild pitch to make it 3-1 Dragons going to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom half of the frame, The Spartans, hit line outs to both James Tilley and A.J. Rice for the first 2 outs. Shouse, got out of the fourth with another strikeout. Going to the fifth, Pickens led West Hall, 3-1.

 

In the top of the fifth, Jenkins led off by drawing a walk. His courtesy runner, JP Nunn, would then steal 2nd. Nunn, would then take 3rd as Holland drew a walk to put runners at the corners. Holland, would steal 2nd to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. Sam Hammontree, who came on to hit for Tyler Payne, would drive in Nunn on a fielder’s choice to make it 4-1 Dragons.

In the bottom of the fifth, Shouse would work around a 2-out hit and stolen base as he struck out the side for the second time to push his total up to 11 on the day. Going to the sixth, Pickens led West Hall, 4-1.

 

Sutton and Jenkins would start the sixth with back to back 1-out walks. Holland, would then reach on an error to load the bases. Hammontree, would drive in Sutton and Nunn with a 2-RBI double to make it 6-1. Ledbetter, would bring in Holland after a ground out to 1st to make it 7-1 Dragons. In the bottom of the sixth, Cason Cannon came on in relief of Shouse.

Cannon, worked around a batter who reached on a dropped 3rd strike, and a single to strike out two. Jenkins, also threw a runner out trying to steal 3rd. Going to the seventh, Pickend led West Hall, 7-1.

 

Kyle Grno, who came on in the sixth to play shortstop, drew a 1-out walk to reach base. Sutton, would keep the inning going with a 2-out single, and Jenkins would follow with a 2-out walk. Grno, would come in to score after a wild pitch to make it 8-1 Dragons. Nunn, came on in relief of Cannon in the bottom of the seventh. The Spartans, started off the inning by drawing a walk, and then advancing to 2nd on a wild pitch.

After getting a pop out for the first out, the Spartans, would score on a ground out to make it 8-2. Nunn, would pick up a strikeout to close out the game as the Dragons took game one, 8-2.

 

Stats for the Dragons in Game 1:

Connor Shouse: 2-2 with 2 singles, a hit by pitch, 1 walk, and 3 runs scored (5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 11 k on 88 pitches

Trey Payne: 1 RBI

Cade Sutton: 1-3 with a single, a walk, and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 4 walks, 1 run scored

Dawson Holland: 1 walk, and 1 run scored

Tyler Payne: 1 hit by pitch, and 1 walk

Sam Hammontree: 1-2 with a double and 3 RBI

Trace Ledbetter: 2 walks and 1 RBI

Cason Cannon: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 K on 18 pitches

JP Nunn: 2 runs scored (1 IP, 1 BB, 1 R, 1 K on 23 pitches)

 

Game 2:

Game 2 began with Connor Shouse leading off the top of the first with a double. Trey Payne followed that up by being hit with a pitch. Cade Sutton, then reached with a single to load the bases. Kam Jenkins, would drive in Shouse and Payne with a 2-RBI single to make it 2-0. Tyler Payne would bring in Sutton and courtesy runner JP Nunn with a 2-RBI single to make it 4-0 Dragons going to the bottom of the first.

In the bottom half of the first, Dragons starter James Tilley, would toss a scoreless frame as he picked up a fly out, a strikeout, and a pop out to send it to the second with Pickens leading West Hall, 4-0.

 

In the top of the second, the Drgons, would go down in order with all three batters grounding out to the second baseman. In the bottom of the inning, Tilley, worked around a batter reaching on a dropped third strike, a stolen base, and a wild pitch to strikeout the side. Going to the third, Pickens still led West Hall, 4-0.

 

Trey Payne, would lead off the top of the third with a single, but would be thrown out trying to steal 2nd. Jenkins, would reach base with a 2-out double, but his courtesy runner Nunn, would be left stranded at 2nd. In the bottom of the third, the Spartans, would plate a run on 1 hit, 3 walks, and 1 hit batsman. Going to the fourth, Pickens led West Hall, 4-1.

 

In the top of the fourth, Tyler Payne led off by drawing a walk. His pitch runner Coleman Keener, would be thrown out at 2nd trying on a steal attempt. Trace Ledbetter, would reach on an error. A.J. Rice, would bring in Ledbetter with a 2-out double to make it 5-1. Shouse, would drive in Rice with an RBI single to make it 6-1. After Shouse stole 2nd, Trey Payne would reach with a single. He would then steal 2nd.

Sutton, would work a full count walk to load the bases. Jenkins, would drive in Shouse and Payne with a 2-RBI single to make it 8-1. Dawson Holland, would work a full count walk to load the bases once again. pitch hitter Sam Hammontree, would bring in Sutton after drawing a walk as the Dragons took a 9-1 lead. Tilley, would strikeout the side in the bottom of the fourth to send it to the fifth with Pickens leading West Hall, 9-1.

 

In the top of the fifth, Rice would reach with a 1-out single. Shouse, would then send one over the fence in left center for a 2-run home run to make it 11-1 Dragons. Sutton, would keep the inning alive with a 2-out double. Jenkins, would follow that up by drawing a walk. The Spartans, would get out of the fifth with a fly out as the Dragons took an 11-1 lead.

Brodie Keener, came on in relief of Tilley in the bottom of the fifth. The Spartans, would plate a run in the frame on 2 walks, a wild pitch, a stolen base, and 2 hits. The Dragons, would get out of the fifth after they threw out a runner trying to score from 2nd. Going to the sixth, Pickens led West Hall, 11-2.

 

Hammontree, led off the sixth by reaching on an error. Ledbetter, followed that by drawing a walk. Christian Starks, would reach on an error that would allow Hammontree to score. Ledbetter and Starks would advance on the play. Rice, would bring in Ledbetter on a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 13-2. Later on, Jenkins, would drive in Starks on a single to make it 14-2. Holland, would bring in Shouse by drawing a bases loaded walk to make it 15-2 Dragons.

Tate Hales, would come on in relief of Keener in the bottom of the sixth. Hales, would toss a scoreless sixth inning with two ground outs and a strikeout as the Dragons took game two, 15-2.

 

Stats for the Dragons in Game 2:

Connor Shouse: 4-5 with a double, 2 singles, 1 home run, 2 RBI, and 4 runs scored

Trey Payne: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 hit by pitch, and 2 runs scored

Cade Sutton: 2-3 with a single, a double, 1 walk, and 2 runs scored

Kam Jenkins: 4-4 with 3 singles, 1 double, and 4 RBI

Dawson Holland: 2 walks and 1 RBI

Tyler Payne: 1-1 with a single, a walk, and 2 RBI

Sam Hammontree: 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Trace Ledbetter: 1 walk, and 2 runs scored

Christian Starks: 1 run scored

A.J. Rice: 2-3 with a double, a single, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored

JP Nunn: 1 run scored

Kyle Grno: 1 hit by pitch

James Tilley: 4 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 HBP, 7 K on 69 pitches

Brodie Keener: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 K on 19 pitches

Tate Hales: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K on 11 pitches

 

The Dragons, win the series by sweeping the double header. Pickens, now finds themselves at 14-3 overall, and 7-1 in 7-AAA. Game three of the series will be on Thursday, March 21st at Dunn Field. First pitch set for 5:55 pm.

Dragons punch ticket to AAA State Tournament

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

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

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.

 

 

Dragons defeat Spartans for 6th win in a row

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Oakwood, Ga — After picking up a big win over Wesleyan on Friday, January 12th, the Pickens Dragons took a 5 game winning streak into their game against the West Hall Spartans on Wednesday, January 17th. This game was originally scheduled for Tuesday, January 16th, but the cold weather forced it to be pushed back a day. The Dragons, kept things rolling as they came away with a 68-53 road victory.

 

Caleb Lanford, got the game started with a three pointer to put the Dragons up early. After Glenn Matiba split a pair of free throws, Parker Davis made a layup to make it 5-1. Parker Davis, would then pick up his 2nd foul and would have to sit for the majority of the first quarter. Teryk Tilley, would cut the lead to 5-3 after a bucket. Hayden Jones, would make his first three of the game to push the lead to 8-3.

A 5-0 run by the Spartans would tie the game at 8. After Jones ended the run with a layup, Ian Pardue hit his first three to give the Spartans an 11-10 lead. McCord Purdy, would put the Dragons back on top 12-11 with a bucket. A second Pardue three pointer gave the Spartans a 14-12 lead. Back to back three pointers from Nathan Wallace and Purdy would give the Dragons an 18-14 lead going to the second quarter.

 

A basket by Landon Bennett got things going in the second quarter as the Spartans cut the lead to two. Purdy and Dodge Davis would then combine for a 5-0 run to stretch the lead to 23-16. Bennett, picked up his second bucket of the quarter to end the run and cut it to 23-18. After a layup by Jones, Matiba got the lay-in to go as well as the free throw to make it 25-21.

Jones and Matiba would then trade baskets as the Dragons led 28-23. Back to back three pointers from Purdy and Montego Morgan stretched the lead out to 34-23. Pardue, closed out the first half with a three to make it 34-26 Dragons going into halftime.

 

Wallace, connected with his second three pointer to start the third quarter as the Dragons led 37-26. After a basket by Tilley, the Dragons would go on a 12-0 run as the Davis brothers, and Jones contributed to the run as Pickens made it 49-28. A bucket by Troy Smith would put an end to the run and cut it to 49-30. After Jones split a pair of free throws, Bennett got a layup to go to make it 50-32. Jones, would close the third going 2-2 from the line to give the Dragons a 52-32 lead.

 

A three point play by the Spartans began the fourth quarter scoring as that cut the lead to 52-35. After a bucket by Dodge Davis, Smith would make back to back three pointers to make it 54-41. A 7-0 run by Dodge Davis and Caleb Lanford would stretch the lead back out to 20. A 4-0 run by the Spartans with baskets from Bennett and Ethan Clifford, made it 61-45. Dodge Davis, would then make a layup, and then split a pair of free throws to make it 64-45.

Tilley, would convert an and-1 play to cut the lead back to 16. Both teams traded baskets to end the ball game as the Dragons picked up their 6th straight win, 68-53.

 

Top Scorers For The Dragons:

Hayden Jones: 16 points

Dodge Davis: 14 points

Parker Davis: 12 points

McCord Purdy: 11 points

Caleb Lanford: 6 points

Nathan Wallace: 6 points

Montego Morgan: 3 points

 

The Dragons, will be back home insode the Dragons Den on Friday, January 19th as they welcome their rivals from the north, the Gilmer Bobcats. The Bobcats, came away with a close win on December 5th earlier in the season. A win for the Dragons, would split the in season series and tie the Bobcats on top of the region standings. Tip off set for 8:30.

 

 

Dragons move into second place in 7-AAA

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, began 2024 on a winning note as they defeated White County 73-55 on Tuesday, January 9th. On Friday, January 12th, the Dragons were back at home as they welcomed the Wesleyan Wolves to the Dragons Den for a 7-AAA contest. Coming into the game, the Dragons were 12-5, 3-1 in 7-AAA, and winners of 4 straight. The Wolves, came into the game 8-9, 3-1 in 7-AAA play, and looking to end a 2 game skid. The Dragons, picked up their 5th straight win taking this one, 50-42.

 

Hayden Jones, got the scoring started to begin the first quarter as he nailed a corner three to make it 3-0. A 4-0 run by Wesleyan’s Josh Kavel and Brayden Tidwell, gave the Wolves a 4-3 lead. A layup by Parker Davis, gave the Dragons a 5-4 lead. The Wolves, would then go on an 8-0 run as Kavel and Grant Schelhammer combined for the run. The Dragons, closed out the first quarter on a 7-0 run as McCord Purdy scored 5 straught points, then Parker Davis made a layup to tie it at 12 going to the second quarter.

 

Dodge Davis, began the second quarter with a three to put the Dragons ahead, 15-12. A three by Kavel, would tie things right back up. Both teams would then go back and forth until the Dragons went on an 11-0 run that included 8 straight points from Dodge Davis to make it 29-19 Pickens at the half.

 

The Wolves, got the scoring started in the second half as Nate Nketia-gyasi hit a three to cut the lead to 29-22. Jones and Schelhammer, would then trade baskets as the Dragons led it, 33-26. A three by Caleb Lanford would stretch the lead back to 10. James McGriff, would end the third quarter on a 3-0 run as the Dragons took a 36-29 lead into the fourth.

 

Dodge Davis, would make another three to begin the fourth quarter as that brought the lead back to 10, 39-29. After a pair of fouls on the Dragons, Kavel hit a three to cut it to 39-32. Dodge Davis would then go on a 4-0 run as Pickens led it, 43-32. After a back and forth with Kavel and Parker Davis, Dodge Davis again went on a 4-0 run to make it 49-37 Dragons.

A three by Schelhammer and a bucket by Tidwell, cut the lead to 49-42. With the Wolves forced to foul, Parker Davis would step to the line and hit a free throw as the Dragons came away with the 50-42 victory.

 

Scorers for the Dragons:

Dodge Davis: 23 points

Hayden Jones: 9 points

McCord Purdy: 8 points

Parker Davis: 7 points

Caleb Lanford: 3 points

 

7-AAA Boys Basketball Standings:

Gilmer: 11-4 (6-0)

Pickens: 13-5 (4-1)

Wesleyan: 8-10 (3-2)

Dawson: 9-8 (2-3)

West Hall: 4-11 (2-3)

Lumpkin: 5-11 (1-4)

White County: 4-14 (0-5)

 

The Dragons, will take to the road on Tuesday, January 16th as they head to West Hall to take on the Spartans in another 7-AAA contest. Tip off scheduled for 7:30 pm.

Dragons get much needed win over West Hall

PHS Football, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It was a nice, cool night on Friday, October 20th as the Pickens Dragons hosted the West Hall Spartans for their final home game of the 2023 season. Both teams were coming into the game on losing skids and still searching for their first region win. The Dragons, would send the Seniors out with a win in their final home game as they pulled out a 35-12 victory.

 

The Spartans got the ball to start the game. On the first play from scrimmage, QB Brett Sturm pitched it to RB Elijiah Hayes and he took it 85 yards for the touchdown. The PAT attempt hit off the crossbar and with 11:43 left in the first quarter, the Spartans led the Dragons, 6-0. The Dragons, got on the board after a 6-yd touchdown run from RB Miguel Salto. The PAT from Charlie Gibbons was good and with 5:01 left in the first quarter, the Dragons now led the Spartans, 7-6. At the 2:39 mark of the first quarter, the Dragons defense, led by Oscar Rivera, forced and recovered a fumble. Pickens, had possession as they went to the second quarter holding a 7-6 lead.

 

Salto receiving the handoff from Streicher

The only score in the second quarter came after the Dragons took advantage of the fumble recovery and turned it into points as QB Sam Streicher rolled to his right and the lefty threw a nice pass to WR Hayden Jones for a 10-yd touchdown. The PAT from Gibbons was good, and with 10:14 left in the first half, Pickens led West Hall, 14-6. Just before the end of the first half, the Dragons caused another turnover as Landon Poole came down with the INT. Heading into the break, the Dragons led, 14-6.

Dragons stopping the run attempt by Hayes

The Spartans, looked to even things up in the third quarter as Hayes would run it in from 28-yds out for his 2nd score of the day. The 2-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful and with 3:29 left in the third, Pickens led West Hall, 14-12. The Dragons, answered right back after a couple of great catches from Jones and nice runs from Salto set up a 1-yd TD run from Streicher to make it 21-12 Pickens going to the fourth.

Streicher looking for an open receiver

The Dragons, would add to their lead at the 7:11 mark of the fourth quarter as Salto powered his way in from 10-yds out for his 2nd TD of the game. The PAT was good and Pickens now led West Hall, 28-12. The Dragons, once again took advantage of turnovers as Ezra Faber picked off the pass attempt and ran it back into Spartan territory. A late hit penalty on the Spartans gave the Dragons even better field position. Streicher, made his way in from a yard out for his 2nd rushing touchdown of the game and 3rd overall. The PAT was good and with 2:25 left in the game, the Dragons were up 35-12. The Pickens defense, would force a turnover on downs during the next possession by the Spartans and the offense ran out the clock as Pickens took this one, 35-12.

7-AAA Football Standings:

Lumpkin: 8-0 (4-0)

Wesleyan: 5-3 (3-1)

Gilmer: 6-3 (3-2)

White County: 4-4 (2-2)

Dawson: 2-7 (2-3)

Pickens: 2-6 (1-3)

West Hall: 1-7 (0-4)

The Dragons, will be back on the road next week as they head to Cleveland, Ga to take on the Warriors of White County on Friday, October 27th. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.

Dragons fall to rival Bobcats on the road

PHS Football, Team FYN Sports

Ellijay, Ga — It was a rainy night as the Pickens Dragons traveled up north to take on the Gilmer Bobcats in 7-AAA play on Friday, October 13th. This matchup marked the 65th time these two teams have met. The Dragons, came into the game riding an 8-game win streak in this series, while Gilmer still held the lead in the series, 35-29-1. The Bobcats, behind their triple option attack, picked up the 35-24 win.

 

The Bobcats, got the ball first to start the game. Combined with their run game and several penalties committed by the Dragons, Gilmer got on the board first after a 15-yd touchdown run from QB Issac Rellinger. The PAT was good and with 9:48 left in the first quarter, the Bobcats led the Dragons, 7-0. Neither team got anything going for the rest of the quarter. Heading to the second quarter, Gilmer was ahead of Pickens, 7-0.

 

Dragons defense against the Bobcats

In the second quarter, the Dragons got on the board after a 28-yd field goal from Charlie Gibbons to make it 7-3 Bobcats with 8:05 left in the first half. The defense for the Dragons then made a play as Rellinger’s pass was tipped and Kael Deering came down with it. The Dragons, turned that interception into points as QB Sam Streicher punched it in from 4-yds out. The PAT from Gibbons was good and with 4:07 left in the first half, the Dragons led the Bobcats, 10-7. Just before the end of the first half, the Bobcats were able to retake the lead as Rellinger ran it in from 10-yds out. The PAT was good and as they went to the break, Gilmer led Pickens, 14-10.

 

Dragons offense in the red zone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Dragons, began the second half with the ball. The drive didn’t last long as Streicher connected with WR Hayden Jones for a 70-yd touchdown. The PAT was no good however and with 10:03 left in the third quarter, the Dragons led the Bobcats, 16-14. The Bobcats, were able to reclaim the lead after a 9-yd touchdown run from FB Peyton Chancey. The PAT was good and with 7:18 left in the third, Gilmer led Pickens, 21-16. Gilmer added to their lead just before the end of the third as Rellinger scored his third rushing touchdown of the game after an 8-yd run. The PAT was good and as they headed to the fourth, the Bobcats led the Dragons, 28-16.

 

Dragons on defense in the second half

A couple minutes into the fourth quarter, the Dragons looked to get back into it as Streicher connected with Jones for a 17-yd touchdown. Streicher, was able to then run it in for the 2-point conversion to make it 26-24 with 8:34 left in the game. The Bobcats, answered back at the 3:30 mark of the fourth with a 1-yd touchdown run from Hunter Britain. The PAT was good and Gilmer extended its lead to 35-24. That would be your final as the Bobcats get their first victory over the Dragons since 2013.

 

7-AAA Region Standings:

Lumpkin: 7-0 (3-0)

Wesleyan: 5-3 (3-1)

White County: 4-3 (2-1)

Gilmer: 5-3 (2-2)

Dawson: 2-6 (2-2)

Pickens: 1-6 (0-3)

West Hall: 1-6 (0-3)

 

The Dragons, will be back home for the final time during the 2023 regular season as they play host to the West Hall Spartans on Friday, October 20th. Kickoff is set for 7:30.

 

Dragons stay atop region standings after sweep of Spartans

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It was another gorgeous day in Jasper, Ga on Friday, March 24th as the Pickens Dragons hosted the West Hall Spartans for the 3rd and final game of their 7-AAA series. The Dragons, came in tied for first with Lumpkin and on an 8-game win streak. The Spartans, looked to play spoiler and get the last game of the series. The bats stayed hot for the Dragons and AJ Rice, Tate Hales, and JP Nunn shut down the Spartans for a 10-0 win in 6 innings.

 

In the top of the first, Dragons starter AJ Rice, worked around a 2-out double as he picked up a grounder to 3rd, and 2 K’s to send it to the bottom of the first. In the bottom of the frame, Ga Tech commit Connor Shouse led off with a single. Trace Ledbetter and Dawson Holland then followed with back to back walks. Tyler Payne, drove in both Shouse and Ledbetter to make it 2-0.

Trey Payne, then brought in Holland with an RBI single to make it 3-0 Dragons. James Tilley and Young Harris commit Evan Giddens, reached base on back to back walks. Colby Brooks, drove in Trey Payne with an infield single RBI to make it 4-0. Shouse, who led off the inning, kept it going with a 2-RBI double bringing in Tilley and Giddens to make it 6-0 Dragons going to the second.

 

After giving up a bloop single to begin the top of the second, Rice got some help from Shouse as he made a diving stop on a grounder to start a 6-3 double play. Rice, ended the top of the second with his 3rd strikeout to send it to the bottom the inning. In the bottom of the second, the Dragons got a 2-out walk from Trey Payne, but that would be all as they headed to the third, with the Dragons leading the Spartans, 6-0.

 

In the top of the third, Rice picked up his 4th and 5th strikeout for the first 2 outs of the inning. After giving up a 2-out single, catcher Kam Jenkins, made a great toss to Shouse who applied the tag to the runner attempting to steal 2nd for the final out of the top half of the third. In the bottom of the third, the Dragons got a 2-out walk from Brooks, but that was it. Going to the fourth, the Dragons still led the Spartans, 6-0.

 

The top of the fourth was the last inning for Rice. He would pick up his 6th and 7th strikeout and a ground out in a scoreless fourth to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fourth, the Dragons got back to back 2-out hits from Harlan Will, and Trey Payne. They would be left stranded at 2nd and 3rd and they’d head to the fifth with Pickens leading West Hall, 6-0.

 

Tate Hales, came on in relief of Rice in the top of the fifth and looked impressive in his one inning of work. Hales, sat down the Spartans in order on just 7 pitches as he picked up a strikeout, and 2 ground outs to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fifth, Tilley led off by being hit with a pitch. Brooks, laid a bunt down the 1st base line and was able to avoid two tags to reach on the single.

Shouse, drove in Tilley on the fielder’s choice to make it 7-0. Shouse, would eventually come in to score on a wild pitch to make it 8-0 Dragons going to the sixth inning.

 

Jacksonville State commit JP Nunn, cam on in relief of Hales for the top of the sixth. After the lead off for the Spartans led off by getting hit with a pitch, Nunn settled in and struck out the side in his one inning of work. In the bottom of the sixth, Will and Trey Payne both reached by getting hit with pitches. Jenkins, then followed that up by drawing a walk to load the bases with nobody out.

Giddens, drove in Davin Abernathy on the sacrifice fly RBI to make it 9-0 Dragons. The game came to an end after Brooks hit a single to right field that brought in Payne to give the Dragons a 10-0 win in 6 innings.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 2-4 with a single, a double, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Trace Ledbetter: 1 walk, 1 hit by pitch, and 1 run scored

Dawson Holland: 1 walk and 1 run scored

Tyler Payne: 1-2 with a single and 2 RBI

Harlan Will: 1-1 with a single and a hit by pitch

Trey Payne: 2-2 with 2 singles, 1 walk, 1 hit by pitch, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Kam Jenkins: 1 walk

James Tilley: 1 walk, 1 hit by pitch, and 2 runs scored

Evan Giddens: 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Colby Brooks: 3-3 with 3 singles, 1 walk, and 2 RBI

Davin Abernathy: 1 run scored

A.J. Rice: 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K on 60 pitches

Tate Hales: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K on 7 pitches

JP Nunn: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 HBP, 3 K on 20 pitches

 

7-AAA Baseball Standings:

Pickens: 16-3 (8-1)

Lumpkin: 15-2 (8-1)

Dawson: 10-7 (6-3)

Wesleyan: 6-6 (3-3)

White County: 6-10 (1-5)

West Hall: 3-13 (1-8)

Gilmer: 6-10 (0-6)

 

The Dragons, will continue 7-AAA play next week as they will begin a 3-game series with their 515 rivals, the Gilmer Bobcats, on Tuesday, March 28th in Ellijay. First pitch is set for 5:55 pm.

Dragons stay hot with 8th straight win

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Oakwood, Ga — It finally felt like Spring time weather on Thursday, March 23rd as the Pickens Dragons made the trip over to Oakwood, Ga to take on the West Hall Spartans in game 2 of their 3-game series. After winning game 1 on Tuesday, 12-2, the Dragons looked to keep up their winning ways and pick up their 3rd straight region series win. Hot bats and great pitching by James Tilley and Tee Knight, led to the Dragons taking game 2, 11-0 in 5 innings.

 

In the top of the first, Ga Tech commit Connor Shouse, led off with a single. He would be thrown out at 2nd as Trace Ledbetter reached on a fielder’s choice. After a double by Dawson Holland, he and Ledbetter would come in to score after Harlan Will reached on an error to give the Dragons a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the first, the Spartans led off with back to back singles.

Dragons starter James Tilley, collected himself and proceeded to strike out the side to send it to the second inning with the Dragons on top, 2-0.

 

In the top of the second, AJ Rice led off with a single. After advancing to 2nd, Young Harris commit Evan Giddens, drove in Rice to make it 3-0 Dragons. The Spartans, were able to get out of the top of the second with just the 1 run given up. In the bottom of the frame, Tilley picked up his 4th and 5th K of the game in between a fly out to Holland. Going to the third, the Dragons led the Spartans, 3-0.

 

In the top of the third, Holland led off with a single. Will, followed that up by drawing a 4-pitch walk. Trey Payne, then reached on an error. A 1-out RBI single from Rice brought in Holland to make it 4-0 Dragons. In the bottom of the third, Tilley, kept rolling as he picked up his 6th and 7th strikeout in between a grounder to Giddens. Going to the fourth, the Dragons led the Spartans, 4-0.

 

In the top of the fourth, Colby Brooks led off by reaching on an error. Ledbetter, was than hit by a pitch to reach 1st. Holland, would drive in Brooks to make it 5-0. Tyler Payne, who came on to pitch hit for Will, knocked in Ledbetter with the RBI single to make it 6-0. A single from Trey Payne, brought in Holland to make it 7-0 Dragons going to the bottom of the fourth.

The bottom of the fourth was Tilley’s last inning of work. He struck out the side during the half inning to give him 10 on the night. Going to the top of the fifth, Pickens led West  Hall, 7-0.

 

In the top of the fifth, Giddens led off with a double. Brooks, followed with a single. Shouse, then followed that up with a single. Ledbetter, picked up his first hit of the game as the Dragons started the fifth by scoring 2 runs on 4 straight hits. Tyler Payne and Bradley Prince, hit back to back 1-out singles as both Shouse and Ledbetter would score. Going to the bottom of the fifth, the Dragons led the Spartans, 11-0.

Tee Knight, came on in relief of Tilley in the bottom of the fifth. After the lead off man reached on a walk, Knight would force a double play to get 2 quick outs. The Spartans, did not go quietly as the next two batters reached and were standing on 2nd and 3rd. Knight, got out of the trouble with no damage done as the Dragons took game 2, 11-0 in 5 innings.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 2-4 with 2 singles, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with 1 single, 1 hit by pitch, 1 RBI, and 3 runs scored

Dawson Holland: 3-3 with 2 singles, 1 double, 1 RBI and 3 runs scored

Harlan Will: 1 walk

Tyler Payne: 2-2 with 2 singles and 1 RBI

Trey Payne 1-3 with a single

Bradley Prince: 1-1 with a single and 1 RBI

AJ Rice: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Evan Giddens: 2-3 with 1 single, 1 double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Colby Brooks: 1-3 with 1 single and 2 runs scored

James Tilley: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 K on 58 pitches

 

The Dragons, win their third straight 7-AAA series as they move to 15-3 overall and 7-1 in region play. They stay atop the region standings along side Lumpkin, who is 14-2 overall and 7-1 in region play as well. The Dragons, will wrap up their series with the West Hall Spartans on Friday, March 24th, in Jasper. First pitch set for 5:55 pm.

Dragons run rule Spartans to open up series

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It was another beautiful day in Jasper, Ga as the Pickens Dragons hosted the Spartans of West Hall in game 1 of a 3-game set in 7-AAA. Coming into the game, the Dragons were in a 3-way tie for first place in the region standings with Dawson and Lumpkin. The Spartans, came into the game in a 3-way tie for fourth in the region standings with Wesleyan and White County. The Dragons, kept up their winning ways as they were able to pull out a 12-2 win in 6 innings.

 

In the top of the first, the Spartans were able to bring their lead off man home to score after a single, a walk, a bunt, a hit by pitch, and a sacrifice fly to put the Spartans up 1-0 going to the bottom of the first. In the bottom of the frame, Trace Ledbetter reached on a 1-out error. Dawson Holland, followed that by reaching on a single. Tyler Payne, would bring in Ledbetter with a grounder to 3rd to tie the game up at 1 going to the second.

 

In the top of the second, Dragons starter Connor Shouse, picked up his 2nd and 3rd strikeout and a ground out in an 8- pitch inning. In the bottom of the second, the Dragons, opened things up a bit as they scored 6 runs on 4 hits, 1 walk, 1 hit by pitch, and an error to make it 7-1 going to the third.

 

In the top of the third, the Spartans used 2 walks, a hit by pitch, a wild pitch, and a sacrifice fly to plate a run and cut the Dragons lead down to 7-2. In the bottom of the third, the Dragons got a 2-out walk by Colby Brooks, but that would be all as they went to the fourth, Pickens leading West Hall, 7-2.

 

Cason Cannon, came on in relief of Shouse in the top of the fourth. In his first of two innings of work, Cannon sat down the Spartans in order to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom half of the fourth, the Dragons would go down in order as the Spartans got two ground outs and a strikeout to send it to the top of the fifth with the Dragons still leading, 7-2.

 

In the top of the fifth, Cannon, worked around a 1-out hit by pitch, and a 2-out single. The top half of the inning came to an end when the Spartans tried a double steal. Catcher Kam Jenkins, made a great throw over to Shouse at 2nd to get the runner for the 3rd out. In the bottom of the fifth, Trey Payne got things going with a lead off walk. Jenkins and James Tilley followed with back to back singles.

Evan Giddens, hit a shot down the 3rd base line that would score Payne and courtesy runner Tee Knight. After a wide throw on an attempt to get Tilley at 3rd, he would also come in to score to make it 10-2 Dragons going to the top of the sixth.

 

In the top of the sixth inning, JP Nunn came on in relief of Cannon. Nunn, worked around a little bit of trouble during the inning, but was able to keep runs off the board and send it the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the sixth, Holland led off with his 3rd hit of the game. Harlan Will, then reached after drawing a walk. Trey Payne, then hit a single to right field scoring Holland. A misplay by the right fielder led to the pitch runner, Knight coming in to score.

The Dragons, took game 1 of the 3 game series by a score of 12-2.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 1-4 with a double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Trace Ledbetter: 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

Dawson Holland: 3-4 with 2 singles, 1 double, and 2 runs scored

Tyler Payne: 1-2 with a single

Harlan Will: 1 walk

Trey Payne: 1-2 with a single, a walk, 2 RBI, and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 2-3 with 2 singles

James Tilley: 1-2 with a single, a walk, and 2 runs scored

Evan Giddens: 1-2 with a single, 2  RBI, and 1 run scored

Colby Brooks: 2 walks and 1 run scored

Tee Knight: 3 runs scored

 

These two teams will be back in action on Thursday, March 23rd for game 2 as the series shifts down to Oakwood. The Dragons, will look to win their 3rd straight region series and keep pace with Dawson and Lumpkin. First pitch set for 5:55 pm.

Dragons sweep home and home series with Rebels

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It was a cold, but beautiful day for baseball as the Pickens Dragons began a busy week by hosting the Fannin County Rebels on Monday, March 20th. This game, was the 2nd game of a home and home series. Prior to the game, Dragons all-time home run leader Jake King, added to his record with a big shot. Offensively, the Dragons got a big scoring outburst to pick up the 12-2 victory in 6 innings for their 6th straight win.

 

In the top of the first, Dragons starter Trey Payne, sat the Rebels down in order as he got a pop up to 2nd, a fly out to left field, and a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, Ga Tech baseball commit Connor Shouse, led off with a single. He’d then take 2nd after a passed ball. After a single by Trace Ledbetter, Shouse would score on the errant throw and Ledbetter would make it all the way to 3rd on the throw as the Dragons took a 1-0 lead.

Dawson Holland, then drove in Ledbetter with the RBI to make it 2-0. Harlan Will, reached on a 2-out single, then Trey Payne followed by reaching on an error. They would then reach 2nd and 3rd after a wild pitch. The Rebels, were able to get out of the long inning with just the 2 runs allowed to send it to the top of the second.

 

In the top of the second, Trey Payne got out of the top half of the inning with 13 pitches to bring the Dragons bats back up. In the bottom of the second, James Tilley, led off with a full count walk. Young Harris baseball commit Evan Giddens, followed that up with a single. A fly out by Shouse moved Tilley and Giddens over to 2nd and 3rd. Ledbetter, brought in Tilley with an RBI ground out to make it 3-0.

Giddens, who moved over to 3rd, scored on an RBI single by Holland to make it 4-0. Tyler Payne, kept the inning going by reaching on an error. The Rebels, got out of the inning with a grounder to 3rd and as they headed to the third, the Dragons led the Rebels, 4-0.

 

Trey Payne, continued building on his good start to the game as he would strike out the side in the top half of the third. In the bottom of the third, freshman Christian Starks reached on a 1-out single. Giddens, would bring him in on a 2-out RBI single to make it 5-0. Shouse, kept the inning going with a double to move Giddens to 3rd. A fly out ended the inning and they’d go to the fourth with the Dragons leading, 5-0.

 

In the top of the fourth, the Rebels broke through. Fannin, plated a run on 3 hits and a walk to cut the Dragons lead down to 5-1. In the bottom of the fourth, the Dragons got a 1-out single from Tyler Payne, a walk from Will, and an RBI single from Trey Payne that scored courtesy runner Tee Knight. Starks, was then hit by a pitch to reach 1st. Tilley, knocked in Will and Trey Payne with a 2-RBI double to make it 8-0 Dragons.

Giddens, brought in Starks with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 9-0. Shouse, then sent one over the center field wall for the 2-run home run to make it 11-1 going to the fifth inning.

 

In the top of the fifth, the Rebels got a run on 3 hits and a hit by pitch to make it 11-2. In the bottom of the fifth, Holland led off with a walk. The Rebels, were able to get a double play and a fly out to send it to the sixth inning with the Dragons now leading, 11-2.

 

In the top of the sixth, Tee Knight came on in relief of Tate Hales and pitched really well in his one inning of work. Knight, needed just 7 pitches to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, Starks reached on a 1-out error. Bradley Prince, who pitched hit for Tilley, followed by reaching on a walk. Giddens, then loaded the bases with a single. Shouse, ended the game with a single that brought in Starks to give the Dragons the 12-2 win in 6 innings.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 4-5 with 2 singles, a double, a home run, 2 RBI, & 2 runs scored

Trace Ledbetter: 1-4 with a single, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored

Dawson Holland: 1-3 with a single, a walk, & 2 RBI

Tyler Payne: 1-4 with a single

Harlan Will: 1-3 with a single, a walk, & 1 run scored

Trey Payne: 1-4 with a single, 1 RBI, & 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 1-3 with a single, 1 hit by pitch, & 3 runs scored

James Tilley: 1-2 with 1 double, 1 walk, & 2 runs scored

Evan Giddens: 3-3 with 3 singles, 1 sacrifice fly, 2 RBI, & 1 run scored

Tee Knight: 1 run scored

Bradley Prince: 1 walk

 

The Dragons, will be right back on the turf diamond this afternoon as they begin their 3rd 7-AAA series as they host the West Hall Spartans at Dunn Field for game 1 of the 3-game set. The Dragons, will look to keep pace with Lumpkin and Dawson and stay atop the region standings. First pitch is set for 5:55 pm.

 

 

 

Dragons will be #3 seed in next week’s region tournament

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Oakwood, Ga — After a tough game at home on Tuesday, February 7th against the now 7-AAA regular season champs Wesleyan, the Pickens Dragons, had one game left in the regular season. On Friday, February 10th, they traveled down to take on the West Hall Spartans. With a win, the Dragons would leap Gilmer for the #3 seed in the 7-AAA region tournament. It was a back and forth game with Pickens staging a late comeback to defeat the Spartans, 62-58.

 

The Spartans, got things going to begin the first quarter as Andrew Malin hit a floater in the lane to make it 2-0 early on. Jaden Stewart tied things up at 2 as he took the hand off from Kadyn Hampton and banked in a floater of his own. Hampton, then stole the ball and found McCord Purdy for a three pointer to give the Dragons a 5-2 lead. Malin, hit a free throw line jumper to cut the lead to 5-4. Owen Jenkins, gave West Hall its first lead of the game with a layup.

Caleb Lanford, answered with a three to give Pickens the lead back at 8-6. Hampton, then drove into the lane and got fouled. He would split the free throws to make it 9-6. Isaiah Holder, got a turnaround shot to go to cut the Dragons lead down to 9-8. Pickens, then went on a 6-0 run getting a lay in from Hampton, and two straight buckets from Purdy to make it 15-8. Quintavous Reid, would go on a 5-0 run to close the first quarter as the Dragons led, 15-13.

 

Reid, continued his scoring run into the second quarter as he tied the game up at 15. Lanford, ended what ended up being a 7-0 run with a lay in after a nice find by Hampton to put Pickens back on top, 17-15. West Hall, quickly retook the lead with a three pointer by Holder to make it 18-17. Stewart responded with a three of his own to make it 20-18 Dragons. The Spartans, then tied it at 20 with a layup as each team traded baskets.

James Tilley, retook the lead for Pickens as he made his first three of the game. Holder, made a layup after a bounce pass from Reid to make it 23-22 Dragons. Caleb Keith, then found Tilley for a mid range shot to make it 25-22. After a bucket by Reid, Stewart and Tilley made back to back three pointers to make it 31-24. A 4-0 run by West Hall cut the Dragons lead down to 31-28. Stewart, ended the run with a basket to make it 33-28.

A 5-0 run by the Spartans would tie the game back up. This time, at 33 a piece. With 2 seconds remaining in the first half, Isaiah Williams made a layup after a great pass by Purdy to put the Dragons up 35-33 over the Spartans at the break.

 

Lanford, got the scoring started in the second half with a three to make  it 38-33 Pickens. Malin, got a pair of free throws to fall and Holder hit a three to tie the game at 38. Hampton, caught a pass from Lanford as he was cutting in the lane and laid it in to give the Dragons a 40-38 advantage. After Reid split a pair of free throws, Pickens went on a 5-0 run with Williams making a layup and Lanford hitting a three to make it 45-39.

Malin, split a pair of free throws to cut the Dragons lead down to 45-40. Williams, got a nice entry pass from Lanford as he would hit a turnaround floater to make it 47-40. The Spartans, then hit a three to make it 47-43. Williams, was then at the right place at the right time as he picked up a loose ball and laid it in to make it  49-43. With the game clock draining in the third, Xavier Felix threw up a contested corner three and made it to make it 49-46 Dragons going to the fourth.

 

Holder, got the scoring going in the fourth for the Spartans as he cut the Pickens lead down to 49-48. After a pair of free throws by Tilley, made it 51-48 Dragons. West Hall, would then go on a 10-0 run to take a 58-51 lead. Williams, ended the run as he split a pair of free throws to make it 58-52. He then cut the lead down to 58-55 after a three pointer. After a timeout by the Dragons, Lanford added to the run by making back to back baskets to put Pickens in front, 59-58.

With around 13 seconds left in the game, Hampton poked the ball loose and Williams was able to force a jump ball with the arrow pointing the way of the Dragons. With no choice but to foul, the Spartans put Stewart on the line to shoot the one and one. Stewart, made the front end, but would miss the second attempt to make it 60-58. On their next possession, West Hall threw the ball out of bounds. Turning it over. The Spartans fouled Tilley with 5 seconds left, and he calmly knocked down both shots to seal a 62-58 win for the Dragons.

 

Final 7-AAA Boys Basketball Standings:

Wesleyan: 19-6 (10-2) regular season champs & #1 seed

White County: 14-11 (8-4) #2 seed

Pickens: 12-12 (7-5) #3 seed

Gilmer: 17-8 (7-5) #4 seed

West Hall: 12-13 (6-6) #5 seed

Dawson: 9-16 (3-9) #6 seed

Lumpkin: 4-21 (1-11) #7 seed

 

The Dragons, will now look towards the 7-AAA Region Tournament next week as it will begin on Tuesday, February 14th at White County. As you see in the standings above, Pickens will be the #3 seed and take on the #6 seeded Dawson Tigers for a chance to make the 3A State Tournament. The Tigers, swept the season series with the Dragons taking the first game on December 13th 77-61 in Dawsonville, and the second game on January 26th 59-54 in Jasper. Tip off for the third meeting is set for 6 pm.

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

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

Leading scorers for the Dragons:

Caleb Lanford: 14 points

Camden Dunn: 8 points

Caleb Keith: 8 points

Jaden Stewart: 8 points

Kadyn Hampton: 6 points

Nathan Wallace: 2 points

Isaiah Williams: 2 points

 

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

Dragons earn region win on Senior Night

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

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

 

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

Dragons on offense against the Spartans

 

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

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

Dragons on defense in the second quarter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Dragons talking it over in the third

 

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

 

Leading Scorers For The Dragons:

Caleb Lanford: 15 points

Camden Dunn: 14 points

Jaden Stewart: 11 points

James Tilley: 11 points

Kadyn Hampton: 6 points

Dodge Davis: 4 points

McCord Purdy: 4 points

Seth Cronic: 2 points

Parker Davis: 2 points

Caleb Keith: 1 point

 

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

Dragons defeat Spartans, tied for 3rd in region standings

PHS Football, Team FYN Sports

Oakwood, Ga — After a big win last week against their rivals, the Gilmer Bobcats, the Pickens Dragons looked to continue that momentum as they traveled to take on the West Hall Spartans. This was the first regular season game between the two teams since 2009. With a win and some help, the Dragons would find themselves tied for 3rd in the region standings with Wesleyan, who was on their bye week. At times it wasn’t pretty, but the Dragons did their part and defeated the Spartans, 29-7.

 

The Spartans, won the coin toss and differed to the second half, giving the Dragons offense first crack at points. Pickens, got a big down field play in their first possession as Sam Streicher found Colby Brooks on the screen play and Brooks was able to pick up big yardage. The Dragons, struck first as Canaan Denson powered his way for a 14-yd touchdown run. Pickens, went for a 2-point conversion, but it was unsuccessful. With 8:21 left in the first quarter, the Dragons led the Spartans, 6-0. As the first quarter came to an end, Pickens looked to add to their lead. West Hall, held the Dragons at the goal line on fourth down as time expired in the opening quarter. Going to the Second, Pickens led the Spartans, 6-0.

Colby Brooks takes the pass up field

Early in the second quarter, with West Hall backed up on what looked like their 1-inch line, the Dragons were able to force a safety. With 10:44 left in the first half, Pickens led the Spartans, 8-0. There was a bit of back and forth between the two teams during the second quarter with both sides receiving penalties. Going into the half, the Dragons maintained an 8-0 lead over West Hall.

Dragons defense forcing a safety

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Almost midway through the third quarter, Pickens added to their lead as Kadyn Hampton scored an 8-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 6:27 left in the third, the Dragons led the Spartans, 15-0. Later on in the quarter, Hampton again found the end zone as he bullied his way to a 1-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 3:09 left in the third, Pickens led West Hall, 22-0. That 22-0 score held up till the end of the third and we’d head to the fourth.

Dragons driving on offense

A couple minutes into the fourth quarter, the Spartans got on the board with a 54-yd touchdown. The PAT was good and with 9:56 left in the game, the Dragons led West Hall, 22-7. A minute and 33 seconds later, Pickens got the touchdown back as Hampton found pay dirt for the third time in the second half with a 5-yd run. The PAT was good and with 8:23 left in the game, the Dragons led the Spartans, 29-7. That score would serve as the final score as the Dragons win their second straight game.

 

7-AAA Football Standings:

Dawson: 7-2 (5-0)

Lumpkin: 7-1 (4-1)

Pickens: 3-5 (2-2)

Wesleyan: 3-5 (2-2)

Gilmer: 5-4 (2-3)

White County: 3-5 (1-3)

West Hall: 1-7 (0-4)

 

The Dragons, will be back home next week as the host the White County Warriors in what can only be seen as a big game for both. A win for the Dragons, keeps them in the hunt for the playoffs. A win for the Warriors, gives them still an outside shot at making it. Kickoff set for 7:30 pm.

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