Dragons clinch #1 seed in 6-AAA region tournament

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — On the final day of January, the Pickens Dragons welcomed the White County Warriors to the Dragons Den for a 6-AAA contest. The Dragons, came into the game 21-0 overall and 11-0 in 6-AAA. The Warriors, came into the game at 5-17 overall and 4-7 in 6-AAA play. The Dragons, used a big first quarter to cruise to an 89-42 win.

The Dragons, got things going right after the tip as McCord Purdy, found Dodge Davis for the three to make it 3-0. That would help kickoff a 7-0 run for the Dragons as they took a 7-0 lead. Blayne Gunter, who recently returned for the Warriors, would put an end to the run and make it 7-2. The Dragons, would then go on a 10-0 run to stretch their lead out to 17-2. A basket by Dawson Oliver, would put an end to the run and make it 17-4.

Dodge Davis, would then get the layup to go through contact. He would make the free throw to make it 20-4. After a three by Cohen Michaud, Purdy and Brock Barton, would hit back to back threes to give the Dragons a 26-7 lead. The two teams would trade baskets to end the first quarter as the Dragons led it, 28-9.

A bucket by Barton, would start the scoring in the second quarter as he would make it 30-9. The Dragons, would then go on a free throw streak as Parker Davis and Jamin Martin, would go 6-6 to make it 36-9. A three by Michaud, would make it 36-12. After a layup by Caleb Lanford, Gunter, would go on a 5-0 run as he would hit a three and then complete an and-1 play to cut the lead down to 38-18.

A jumper from DJ Mitchell, would make it 40-18. A buzzer beater from Gunter, would make it 40-20 with Pickens ahead at the half.

Much like he did to begin the game, Dodge Davis, would start the second half off with a three to make it 43-20. Purdy, would follow that up with a layup to make it 45-20. A three by Tripp Nix, would get the Warriors on the board in the third. The Dragons, would then go on an 8-0 run to stretch the lead out to 53-23. A basket by Gunter, would put an end to the run and make it 53-25.

Lanford and Dodge Davis, would then hit back to back threes to make it 59-25. Michaud, would make a pair of free throws to make it 59-27. The Dragons, would then go on a 7-0 run to stretch the lead to 66-27. After a three by Gunter, Parker and Dodge Davis, would close out the third quarter with back to back baskets to make it 70-30 heading to the fourth.

Parker Davis and Lanford, would begin the fourth quarter by going on a 9-0 run to make it 79-30. After a bucket by Gunter, the Davis brothers, would make back to back baskets to stretch the lead to 83-32. Michaud and John Phillips, would then go on a 4-0 run to make it 83-36. Mitchell, would end the mini run with a three to make it 86-36. After Phillips split a pair of free throws, Oliver, would connect on a layup to make it 86-39.

Montego Morgan, would get in on the scoring action with a three to make it 89-39. A late three by Tyler Franklin, would make it 89-42. The Dragons, would dribble out the clock and come away with an 89-42 victory.

Leading scorer for the Dragons:

Dodge Davis: 24 points

Parker Davis: 23 points

Caleb Lanford: 12 points

McCord Purdy: 12 points

Brock Barton: 10 points

DJ Mitchell: 5 points

Montego Morgan: 3 points

Jamin Martin: 2 points

6-AAA Boys Region Standings:

Pickens: 22-0 (12-0)

GAC: 17-6 (9-3)

Lumpkin: 15-8 (9-3)

North Hall: 13-10 (6-6)

Dawson: 8-15 (5-7)

White County: 5-18 (4-8)

Chestatee: 4-19 (3-9)

Johnson-Gainesville: 1-19 (0-12)

With that win, the Dragons, have clinched the #1 seed for the 6-AAA region tournament that will begin for the boys on Wednesday, February 12th. Before that, the Dragons will make the trip down to Milton to take part in the Longhorn Showcase where they will take on the North Gwinnett Bulldogs in non-region action on Saturday, February 1st. Tip off is set for 1:30 pm.

Davis brothers combine for 50 as Dragons sweep Spartans

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Norcross, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, took to the road for the final time during the ’24-’25 season as they battled the Greater Atlanta Christian School Spartans on Tuesday, January 28th. Coming into the game, the Dragons, were 20-0 and 10-0 in 6-AAA. The Spartans, were 15-5 and 7-2 in 6-AAA. The Dragons, got 26 from Dodge Davis and 24 from Parker Davis in route to a 76-50 win over the Spartans.

Parker Davis, got the scoring started with a layup to make it 2-0 early. A layup by Baer Bailey, would tie the game up at 2. From there, the Dragons would go on an 11-0 run as Dodge Davis, Caleb Lanford, MCord Purdy, and Parker Davis would all combine to give Pickens a 13-2 lead. The Spartans, would counter with a 5-0 run as Vinh Nguyen would hit a three and Bailey would make another lay in to make it 13-7.

A three by Lanford, would stretch the lead to 16-7. After a pair of free throws from Ledger Kincaid, Mario Hill Jr would make a basket to cut the lead to 16-11. A three by Dodge Davis, would temporarily put an end to the Spartans run. Hill Jr and Kincaid would then team up again to go on a 5-0 run to make it 19-16. A layup by Dodge Davis would give the Dragons a 21-16 lead heading to the second quarter.

Purdy would get things going in the second quarter with a three to make it 24-16. Nguyen and Hill Jr, would then combine for a 6-0 run to cut the lead to 24-22. Parker Davis, would then make back to back shots to give the Dragons a 28-22 lead. After a couple of fouls by both teams, Hill Jr., would step to the line and make both free throws. Mikey Carpenter, would then get his name in the score book to make it 26-24.

The Dragons, would close out the first half with Lanford hitting a three, and Parker Davis completing an and-1 play to give Pickens a 34-26 lead at the half.

The Dragons, would begin the second half by going on a 6-0 run as Parker Davis would make a layup, Dodge Davis would split a pair of free throws, and Brock Barton would hit a three to make it 40-26. A three by Bailey, would put an end to the run and make it 40-29. Later on in the quarter, Barton, the Davis brothers, and Lanford, would help stretch the lead out to 51-37.

A three by Hill Jr., would make it 51-40. The Davis brothers, would go on a 6-0 run to end the third quarter as the Dragons took a 57-40 lead into the fourth.

The Spartans, would start the fourth quarter by hitting a three to make it 57-43. After Parker Davis and Hill Jr. traded baskets, Parker Davis, would complete another and-1 play to make it 62-45. Kincaid, would hit a three to make it 62-48. A 5-0 run by Dodge Davis, would make it 67-48. After a basket by Bailey, the Dragons, would close out the game on a 9-0 run to pick up a 76-50 victory.

Leading scorers for the Dragons:

Dodge Davis: 26 points

Parker Davis: 24 points

Caleb Lanford: 13 points

Brock Barton: 7 points

McCord Purdy: 6 points

6-AAA Boys Basketball Standings:

Pickens: 21-0 (11-0)

Lumpkin: 14-8 (8-3)

GAC: 15-6 (7-3)

North Hall: 12-9 (5-5)

Dawson: 7-14 (4-6)

White County: 4-17 (3-7)

Chestatee: 4-17 (3-7)

Johnson-Gainesville: 1-17 (0-10)

The Dragons, will begin a three game home stand to close out the regular season beginning with a game against the White County Warriors on Friday, January 31st. The Dragons, defeated the Warriors back on January 3rd. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.

Dragons open 2025 with big region win

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Cleveland, Ga — On Friday, January 3rd, the Pickens Dragons made the drive up to Cleveland to take on the White County Warriors in a 6-AAA match up to begin the 2025 portion of the schedule. The Dragons, came into the game a perfect 12-0 on the season and 3-0 in region play. While the Warriors came into the game at 3-9 overall, they held a 2-1 record in region play. Behind a big performance from Dodge Davis, the Dragons, kept their hot streak rolling with a 73-35 win.

The Dragons, began the first quarter by going on a 14-0 run. Caleb Lanford, and Dodge and Parker Davis contributed to the big run. Dawson Oliver, would end the run with a floater to make it 14-2. Dodge Davis and McCord Purdy, would then hit back to back threes to make it 22-2 Dragons heading to the second quarter.

Purdy, would start the second quarter with a layup to make it 24-2. Tripp Nix, would then connect on the first three pointer of the night for the Warriors to make it 24-5. After a three by Lanford, Nix, would make another three to make it 27-8. The Dragons, would then knock down 8 straight three pointers as Dodge Davis would hit seven of the eight. His brother Parker, would make the other one to make it 51-8.

Oliver, would put an end to the run with a pair of free throws. Parker Davis, would make a layup to make it 53-10. Oliver, would make another pair of free throws to close the first half as the Dragons led it, 53-12.

Dodge Davis, began the second half with a layup to stretch the lead to 55-12. After a three by Cohen Michaud, Brock Barton, would answer with a three of his own. After both teams traded baskets, the Dragons, would go on a 7-0 run to close out the third quarter as they led it, 68-20.

Purdy, would open the scoring in the fourth quarter by splitting a pair of free throws to make it 69-20. After a bucket by Nix, the Dragons would go on a 5-0 run as Aiden Mumaw would make a layup, and Jamin Martin would hit a three to make it 74-22. The Warriors, would counter with their own 5-0 run to make it 74-27. After a three by DJ Mitchell would end the run, The Warriors, would go on another 5-0 run to make it 77-32.

A floater by Martin, would end the run and make it 79-32. A three by Nix, would be the final scoring of the game by either team as the Dragons, come away with the 79-35 victory.

Leading scorers for the Dragons:

Dodge Davis: 37 points: (9 threes)

McCord Purdy: 12 points

Parker Davis: 11 points

Caleb Lanford: 6 points

Jamin Martin: 5 points

Brock Barton: 3 points

DJ Mitcherll: 3 points

Aiden Mumaw: 2 points

6-AAA Region Standings:

Pickens: 13-0 (4-0)

Lumpkin: 9-6 (3-1)

GAC: 10-4 (3-1)

North Hall: 8-6 (2-2)

White County: 3-10 (2-2)

Chestatee: 2-13 (1-3)

Dawson: 4-11 (1-3)

Johnson-Gainesville: 1-9 (0-4)

The Dragons, will be right back on the court on Saturday, January 4th as they take on the Coahulla Creek Colts in the first home game of 2025. Tip off is set for 5:30 pm.

Dragons end 2024 with a 12-0 record

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

St. Simons Island — The Pickens Dragons, were lucky enough to ring in the new year down near the beach as they were one of eight teams that took part in Basketball at the Beach. A scouting service/media outlet named Relentless Hoops, put on the event. Frederica Academy, hosted the event. On Monday, December 30th, the Dragons, defeated the Johnson-Savannah Atom Smashers by a score of 62-54. On Tuesday, a big third quarter helped the Dragons pick up a 63-41 win over the Groves Rebels.

Dodge Davis got the scoring going for the Dragons with a bucket. The Rebels, answered with a basket to tie it up at 2. The Dragons, would then go on a 7-0 run to lead it, 9-2. Back to back buckets from Tyrone Chisholm, would cut the lead down to 9-6. After both teams traded baskets, the Dragons would close out the first quarter on a 4-0 run as Montego Morgan would hit a three, and McCord Purdy would split a pair of free throws to make it 17-10 going to the second.

Avion Dillard, would get the scoring started in the second quarter as he would cut the lead to 5. A 5-0 run by Purdy, would stretch the lead out to 22-12. Davion Adams, would end the run with a basket to make it 22-14. The two teams would go back and forth the rest of the first half as the Dragons led the Rebels, 25-18 at the break.

The second half began with Cameron Jenkins getting the bucket for the Rebels to once again cut the lead to 5. A combined 5-0 run by Caleb Lanford and Parker Davis, stretched the lead out to 30-20. A basket by Chisholm, would again get the lead down to single digits. Dodge Davis, would then go on a 6-0 run to make it 36-22 Dragons. After a bucket by Kaleb Detty put an end to the run, the Dragons, would rattle off 13 straight points to make it 49-24. A free throw by Adams closed out the third as Pickens led Groves, 49-25.

Dillard, would split a pair of free throws to begin the fourth quarter. Parker Davis, would score the first field goal of the fourth to make it 51-26. After a bucket by Detty, Dodge Davis would make a pair of free throws as the Dragons led it, 53-28. After both teams made a basket, Chisholm, would go on a 5-0 run to make it 55-35. Camden Jones, would put an end to the run with a bucket to make it 57-35.

The Rebels, would then go on a 6-0 run to cut the lead to 57-41. The Dragons, would end the game on a 6-0 run as Brock Barton and Parker Davis combined for the run. The Dragons, took this one, 63-41.

Leading scorers for the Dragons:

Dodge Davis: 16 points

Parker Davis: 11 points

Caleb Lanford: 11 points

McCord Purdy: 10 points

Brock Barton: 6 points

Jamin Martin: 4 points

Montego Morgan: 3 points

Camden Jones: 2 points

The Dragons, will enter the 2025 with a 12-0 record. Pickens, will be on the road to begin the new year as they will head up to Cleveland to take on the White County Warriors in a 6-AAA match up. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm.

Dragons fall to Bobcats in overtime

PHS Football, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — There is a lot going on this weekend in Jasper with it being a Holiday weekend and also the annual Jeep Fest. The main attraction however, is the Pickens vs Gilmer game that took place on August 30th. The Bobcats came away with the win in Ellijay last year, and the Dragons were looking to return the favor. As expected, this game was back and forth all game long. The Bobcats, would survive an overtime thriller picking up the 35-34 win.

On their first play from scrimmage, the Bobcats wasted little time getting on the board as Kyle Cowart took the pitch from Issac Rellinger 77 yards for the touchdown. The PAT was good and with 11:33 left in the first quarter, the Bobcats held a 7-0 advantage. Cowart, would make his presence known on the defensive side of the ball as he would pick off the pass attempt from Hayden Jones and return it near midfield. The Bobcats, would make their way down field with that triple option offense looking to extend their lead.

The Dragons, finally picked up a little momentum as the defense forced a fumble at the 2-yd line with Hunter Dimauro recovering the ball. Late in the first quarter, the Dragons, had a sustained drive going that started on their own 2-yd line. The Bobcats, would recover a fumble inside the 10 to put an end to that drive. Going to the second quarter, Gilmer led Pickens, 7-0.

Hayden Jones handing off to Landon Poole

The Dragons defense, would force a Bobcat punt early on in the second quarter. After a low snap, the knee of punter Douglas Callihan, was determined to be down at the Bobcat 1-yd line. That’s where the Dragons took over as Landon Poole, would score to cut the Bobcat lead to 1. The PAT from McCord Purdy was good, and with 10:23 left in the first half, the game was all tied up at 7. The Bobcats, would untie the game at the 8:28 mark of the second quarter with a 5-yd TD run by Hunter Britain to make it 14-7 Gilmer.

The Bobcats, would extend their lead later on in the quarter as Rellinger found Callihan for a 34-yd TD pass. The PAT was good and with 1:09 left in the first half, the Bobcats held a 21-7 lead. With little time left in the half, the Dragons marched down the field, and capped off the drive with a 1-yd TD run by McCord Purdy. Purdy would then make the PAT, to make it 21-14 Gilmer heading into halftime.

Dragons defense forcing a 4th down

The second half began in exciting fashion as McCord Purdy would take the kickoff back 90 yards for the touchdown. He would connect on the PAT to tie the game at 21 with 11:42 left in the third quarter. No other scoring would be done in the quarter as both teams were able to get stops. The Dragons, were driving as they headed to the fourth.

Dragons on offense in the second half

To start the fourth quarter, Hayden Jones broke a few tackles on the way to a big 36-yd run down to the Bobcat 27-yd line. After an intentional grounding penalty, the Dragons would be forced to punt, and the Bobcats would takeover at their own 21-yd line. A big run by Rellinger helped set up what would end up being a 20-yd TD run by Rellinger. The PAT was good and with 8:18 left in the game, the Bobcats led it, 28-21.

The Dragons, knew they needed an answer and they got one in the form of the Purdy brothers. Jones, would hand the ball off to Carson Mitton, who then tossed it to McCord Purdy on what looked like a reverse run play. Instead, McCord threw it to younger brother Sawyer, who was wide open down the field for a 54-yd TD pass. The PAT by McCord was good and with 6:29 left in the game, the Dragons and Bobcats were tied at 28.

The Bobcats, would chew up a lot of game time as they looked to drive down for a potential game winning field goal. With 31 seconds left, the Bobcats set up dead center for the field goal attempt. The kick would be pushed wide left, and the two teams would be heading into overtime.

Dragons looking to stop the fullback dive

The Bobcats, got the ball to start the overtime period. Wyatt Stokes, would cap off the drive with a 1-yd TD run. The PAT was good and Gilmer led it, 35-28. The Dragons, would get into the end zone after a 5-yd run by Poole. Dragons head coach Craig Bennett, made the decision to go for two and the win. The pass by Jones would fall short in the end zone and the Bobcats would hang on to win, 35-34.

The Dragons, finish the non-region portion of the schedule at 2-1. If you’re a Dragon fan, I’d say you’d be satisfied with that record heading into region play. The Dragons, will now have two weeks to prepare for region play when they host the White County Warriors on Friday, September 13th. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.

Dragons sweep region series with White County

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Cleveland, Ga — On Thursday, March 14th, the Pickens Dragons baseball team celebrated pi day by heading up to Cleveland, Ga to take on the White County Warriors in the third game of their 3-game set. Coming into the third game, the Dragons, had won the previous two games, 4-0. In those two games, they combined to give up just 3 hits, 1 walk, and 1 hit batsman while striking out 27 batters. The Pitching for the Dragons, continued its stellar series as A.J. Rice, Cason Cannon, and J.P. Nunn combined for a shutout in the 7-0 win.

 

The Dragons, got things started early in the top of the first as Connor Shouse drew a lead off walk on a full count to reach base. Shouse, would advance to 2nd on a wild pitch, and steal 3rd. Trey Payne, would drive in Shouse with an RBI ground out to make it 1-0. Pickens threatened to score more in the top half of the frame as Kam Jenkins and Dawson Holland hit back to back singles, but the Warriors would get out of it to send it to the bottom of the first.

In the bottom half of the first, Rice, the starter for the Dragons, picked up his first strikeout on three pitches. After the Warriors would reach on a 1-out double, Rice would get out of the potential jam with a ground out and a pop fly to send it to the second with Pickens leading, 1-0.

 

In the top of the second, Trace Ledbetter, led off by drawing a walk on four pitches. Christian Starks, would follow that up with a single to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Rice, would then move them over on a sacrifice bunt. Shouse, would bring in Ledbetter on an RBI ground out to make it 2-0. A 2-out RBI double by Trey Payne would drive in Starks to make it 3-0 Dragons going to the bottom of the second.

In the bottom of the second, Rice, would have a clean 1-2-3 inning as he forced a ground out and picked up his 2nd and 3rd strikeout. Going to the third, Pickens led White County, 3-0.

 

In the top of the third, Holland, kept the inning alive with a 2-out walk, but the Warriors got out of it with a ground out. In the bottom of the frame, the Warriors would reach base with a lead off single. That would be all for the Warriors in the third as Rice struck out the side to bring his total to 6. Going to the fourth, Pickens led White County, 3-0.

 

In the top of the fourth, Starks, picked up his 2nd hit of the night with a 1-out single. The Warriors, were able to turn an inning ending double play to send it to the bottom of the fourth. In the bottom of the inning, Rice, picked up two ground outs and his 7th strikeout in a scoreless fourth. Going to the fifth, Pickens still led White County, 3-0.

 

Shouse, would lead off the top of the fifth by drawing his 2nd walk of the game. He would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Shouse, would then swipe his second bag of the inning as he would steal 3rd, then score on an error to make it 4-0. Jenkins, would keep the inning going by drawing a 2-out walk. His courtesy runner, Nunn, would advance to 2nd on an error. The Warriors, would get out of the inning with a strikeout.

In his final inning of work, Rice, struck out the side for the second time to bring his strikeout total to 10 on the night. Going to the sixth, Pickens led White County, 4-0.

 

In the top of the sixth, the Dragons worked a little 2-out magic as Starks reached base after his third hit of the game. Rice, would follow that up with an RBI double to stretch the lead out to 5-0. Shouse, would then draw his third walk of the night to put two runners on. The Warriors, would get out of the sixth after forcing a pop up. Cannon, would come on in relief of Rice in the bottom of the sixth.

Cannon, would work around a 2-out single as he struck out 2 in his lone inning of work. Going to the seventh, Pickens led White County, 5-0.

 

Cade Sutton, would lead off the top of the seventh by drawing a walk. Jenkins, would bring him in with an RBI double to make it 6-0. Jenkins, would be thrown out at 3rd trying to stretch it to a triple. Holland, would then pick up his 2nd hit of the night as he smacked a double into center. After Holland advanced to 3rd on a wild pitch, Sam Hammontree would drive Holland in with an RBI ground out to make it 7-0 Dragons going to the bottom of the inning.

Nunn, would come on in relief of Cannon in the bottom of the seventh to finish the game off. Nunn, would toss a scoreless inning with a strikeout, a pop out, and a ground out to seal the 7-0 win and a sweep for the Dragons.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 3 walks, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored

Trey Payne: 1-4 with a double and 2 RBI

Cade Sutton: 1 walk and 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 2-3 with a single, a double, a walk, and 1 RBI

Dawson Holland: 2-3 with a single, a double, a walk, and 1 run scored

Sam Hammontree: 1 RBI

Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a walk, a single, and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 3-4 with 3 singles, and 2 runs scored

A.J. Rice: 1-2 with a sac bunt, a double, and 1 RBI & 5 IP, 2 H, 0 BB, 0 R, 0 ER, 10 K on 71 pitches

Cason Cannon: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 K on 14 pitches

JP Nunn: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 K on 17 pitches

 

7-AAA Baseball Standings:

Pickens: 12-3 (5-1)

Lumpkin: 8-6 (4-2)

Dawson: 10-4 (4-2)

White County: 8-7 (2-4)

West Hall: 4-11 (2-4)

Wesleyan: 4-7 (1-2)

Gilmer: 6-7 (0-3)

 

In the series sweep against White County, Dragons pitchers combined to go 21 IP, 6 H, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 0 R, 0 ER, 40 K on 276 pitches. The Dragons will now turn to the busy week they have next week as they will play four games. The first game being a non-region game against the Fannin Rebels on Monday, March 18th at Dunn Field. First pitch set for 5:30.

Dragons pitching wows in doubleheader against Warriors

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It was a gorgeous day to play two on Tuesday, March 12th as the Pickens Dragons hosted the White County Warriors for a doubleheader in 7-AAA action. Coming into the game, the Dragons were 9-3 overall, and 2-1 in region play. The Warriors, were 8-4 overall, and also 2-1 in region play. Dragons starters Connor Shouse and James Tilley, were masterful in both games as they both threw complete game shutouts in a pair of 4-0 wins.

 

Game 1:

Shouse, started game 1 of the doubleheader and he pitched beautifully. In the top of the first, Shouse fired a 1-2-3 inning on 9 pitches to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, Trace Ledbetter reached base with a 1-out single. He would be left stranded and they would head to the second, tied at 0.

 

In the top of the second, Shouse picked up his 2nd and 3rd strikeout, as well as a ground out in a scoreless frame. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom half of the inning. Going to the top of the third, Pickens and White County were still tied at 0.

 

Shouse, threw another 1-2-3 inning in the top of the third as he tossed two more Ks and forced a grounder. In the bottom of the third, the Dragons, got back to back hits from Christian Starks and AJ Rice to start the frame. Rice, would then steal 2nd to put a pair of runners in scoring position. The Warriors, were able to get out of it with a ground out, a pop out, and a strikeout. Going to the fourth, Pickens and White County were still tied at 0.

 

In the top of the fourth, Shouse, tossed a scoreless inning on 8 pitches recording two strikeouts and a ground out. In the bottom of the fourth, Tyler Payne led off with a single. That would be all for the Dragons in the fourth however as they’d head to the fifth, tied at 0.

 

In the top of the fifth, Shouse, had a 9-pitch frame with a fly out and two more strikeouts to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom half of the fifth, Trey Payne would lead off with a single. Payne, would then advance to 3rd on a 2-base error by the catcher. Starks, would drive in Payne with an RBI single. Rice, would follow with a double. Shouse, would the hit a double down the left field line to score Starks and Rice.

After a sacrifice bunt from Ledbetter moved Shouse to 3rd, Cade Sutton would drive Shouse in with an RBI single to make it 4-0 Dragons going to the top of the sixth.

 

In the top of the sixth, on a 3-2 count, Shouse, threw what looked like strike 3, but it was called a ball for a lead off walk. Up until then Shouse had been perfect. The next batter would be hit by the first pitch. Shouse, would settle down and come back by striking out the side. In the bottom of the sixth, Starks, reached on a 2-out error. He would be left stranded at 2nd. Going to the seventh, Pickens led White County, 4-0.

 

In the top of the seventh, Shouse, finished off a complete game no hit shutout with two ground outs to Sutton and a fly out to Holland on three consecutive pitches as the Dragons took game 1 of the doubleheader, 4-0.

 

Stats for the Dragons in game 1:

Connor Shouse: 1-3 with a double, 2 RBI, 1 run scored & 7 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 12 K on 73 pitches

Trace Ledbetter: 1-2 with a single and a sacrifice bunt

Cade Sutton: 1-3 with a single and 1 RBI

Tyler Payne: 1-3 with a single

Trey Payne: 1-3 with a single and 1 run scored

Christian Starks: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored

AJ Rice: 2-3 with a single, a double, and 1 run scored

 

Game 2:

James Tilley started game 2 of the doubleheader for the Dragons and he tossed a heck of a game. In the top of the first, Tilley worked around a 1-out error to strikeout the side. In the bottom of the inning, Connor Shouse led off by reaching on an error. Shouse, would then steal 2nd to get into scoring position. Trace Ledbetter, would advance Shouse to 3rd on a grounder. After Cade Sutton reached on a fielder’s choice, Tyler Payne would bring in Shouse on a grounder.

After advancing to 3rd on the Payne ground out, Sutton, would come into score on a wild pitch to make it 2-0 Dragons going to the top of the second.

 

In the top of the second, Tilley would work around a lead off single as he struck out 2 and forced a fly out in a scoreless frame. The Dragons, would go down in order in the bottom of the second as they would go to the third with Pickens leading White County, 2-0.

 

In the top of the third, Tilley, threw a 1-2-3 inning as he got two pop outs and his 6th strikeout of the game. In the bottom half of the frame, AJ Rice, would lead off with a single. Shouse, would follow that up with a single as Rice would advance to 3rd. Shouse, would then steal 2nd to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. The Warriors, would turn a double play as Ledbetter would be thrown out on a dropped 3rd strike, and Rice would be thrown out trying to score.

Shouse, who never stopped running on the play, took 3rd, then had the presence of mind to go home as nobody was covering the plate. Going to the top of the fourth, Pickens led White County, 3-0.

 

In the top of the fourth, Tilley, struck out the side in-between a catchers interference ruling to bring his total up to 9 on the night. In the bottom of the inning, Kam Jenkins reached after a 1-out double. Trey Payne, would bring in Jenkins’ courtesy runner JP Nunn, with an RBI single to make it 4-0 Dragons going to the fifth.

 

In the top of the fifth, Tilley, got around a 1-out double to pick up his 10th strikeouts, a ground out, and a pop out to send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the fifth, Shouse, would lead off with a single. After the Warriors got Ledbetter to fly out to center, they forced an inning ending double play to send it to the sixth with Pickens leading, 4-0.

 

In the top of the sixth, Tilley, tossed another scoreless inning as he picked up his 11th and 12th strike out, a long with a fly out to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, the Dragons would go down in order on a ground out, a fly out, and a line out. Going to the seventh, Pickens led White County, 4-0.

 

In the top of the seventh, Tilley finished off a masterful start by striking out the side to give him 15 on the night. The Dragons, take game 2, 4-0, to sweep the doubleheader.

 

Stats for the Dragons in game 2:

Connor Shouse: 2-3 with 2 singles and 2 runs scored

Cade Sutton: 1 run scored

Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with a double

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

AJ Rice: 1-2 with a single

JP Nunn: 1 run scored

James Tilley: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 15 K on 101 pitches

 

With the sweep of the doubleheader, the Dragons take the series from the White County Warriors. The third and final game of the series will be on Thursday, March 14th in Cleveland, Ga. First pitch set for 5:55 pm.

Dragons tied atop standings after first week of region play

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Peachtree Corners, Ga — It was a nice day for baseball as the Pickens Dragons traveled to Wesleyan to take on the Wolves for game three of their three game region series on Thursday, March 7th. The Dragons, had already clinched the series win as a result of sweeping the doubleheader on Wednesday, March 6th. In a back and forth game, it was the Wolves who came away with the win in game three, 7-4.

 

’24 Georgia Tech signee Connor Shouse, led off the game with a double to right. A fly ball to right field by Trace Ledbetter, moved Shouse up to 3rd. Cade Sutton, would bring in Shouse on an RBI ground out to make it 1-0 Dragons. In the bottom half of the first, Dragons starter AJ Rice, had a 1-2-3 inning with two ground outs and a strikeout. Going to the second, the Dragons led Wesleyan, 1-0.

 

In the top of the second, the Dragons would go down in order on a ground out, a fly out, and a strikeout. In the bottom of the inning, the Wolves would have their first base runner of the evening as he would reach on an error. That runner would be wiped out on the next pitch after an inning ending double play to send it to the third with Pickens still leading the Wolves, 1-0.

 

In the top of the third, Rice reached base with a 1-out single. After stealing 2nd, Rice would advance to 3rd on a fly out by Shouse. The Wolves, were able to escape the scoring threat as they got a pop up for the 3rd out. In the bottom of the third, the Wolves would take the lead as they scored 4 runs on a walk, a stolen base, and 3 hits. Going to the fourth, Wesleyan led the Dragons, 4-1.

 

Sutton, led off the top of the fourth by drawing a four pitch walk. Dawson Holland, followed that up with a single. Sutton, would advance to 3rd on the throw. Holland, would then steal 2nd. After Christian Starks drew a walk, Kam Jenkins drove in Sutton with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 4-2. A 2-out single by Trey Payne would load the bases. The Wolves, would get out of the top of the fourth with just the one run given up as the bases were left loaded.

In the bottom of the frame, Rice, fired a 1-2-3 inning picking up his 3rd and 4th K in the process. Going to the fifth, Wesleyan led Pickens, 4-2.

 

Shouse, led off the top of the fifth with his 2nd hit of the day as he reached with a single. Shouse, would then steal 2nd to put himself in scoring position. With 1-out, he then swiped 3rd. Sutton, would draw a walk to put runners at the corners. Sutton, would steal 2nd to put himself in scoring position. Starks, came up with a little 2-out magic as he drove in Shouse and Sutton with a 2-RBI single to tie it at 4 going to the bottom of the fifth.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Wolves, retook the lead as they scored 3 runs on a walk, 2 hits, and an error to take a 7-4 advantage into the sixth.

 

In the top of the sixth, Tyler Payne, who came on to pitch hit for James Tilley, worked a walk to lead off the inning. A grounder by Trey Payne, would advance Tilley to 2nd, who came in to run for Tyler Payne. With 2-outs, the Dragons got a walk by Shouse and a single by Ledbetter to load the bases. The Dragons, were unable to scratch a run across as the Wolves caught a liner in center for the 3rd out. Going to the bottom of the sixth, Wesleyan still led, 7-4.

In the bottom of the sixth, Cason Cannon, who came on to finish out the bottom of the fifth, pitched a 1-2-3 sixth inning as he picked up two strikeouts and a ground out to send it to the seventh with the Wolves leading, 7-4.

 

Holland, led off the top of the seventh by working a walk to start the inning. After a strikeout for the first out, Holland would advance to 2nd on a ground out. Holland would then move to 3rd after a balk was called on the pitcher. The Wolves, would get the third out to pick up the win in game three, 7-4.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 2-3 with a double, a single, 2 stolen bases, and 2 runs scored

Trace Ledbetter: 1-4 with a single

Cade Sutton: 1 RBI, 2 walks, a stolen base, and 2 runs scored

Dawson Holland: 1-3 with a single and a walk

Christian Starks: 1-3 with a walk, a single, and 2 RBI

Kam Jenkins: 1 RBI

Tyler Payne: 1 walk

Trey Payne: 1-3 with a single

AJ Rice: 1-3 with a single and a stolen base

 

7-AAA Baseball Standings:

Pickens: 9-3 (2-1)

White County: 8-4 (2-1)

West Hall: 4-8 (2-1)

Dawson: 7-4 (1-2)

Lumpkin: 5-6 (1-2)

Wesleyan: 4-7 (1-2)

Gilmer: 5-4 (no region games played)

 

The Dragons, will be back on the turf at Dunn Field on Tuesday, March 12th as they take on the White County Warriors in another 7-AAA series. First pitch set for 5:55 pm.

Dragons and Warriors split season series

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Cleveland, Ga — The Pickens Dragons were once again on the road as they traveled to take on the White County Warriors in 7-AAA action on Friday, February 2nd. Coming into the game, the Dragons were 16-6, and 7-2 in 7-AAA. The Warriors, were 6-16, and 2-7 in 7-AAA. The Warriors, would outscore the Dragons 27-14 in the fourth quarter to come away with a 64-47 victory.

 

McCord Purdy, got the scoring started in the first quarter as he put the Dragons up, 3-0. After David Boman split a pair of free throws and Dawson Oliver made a layup to tie it up, the Dragons would go on a 7-0 run as Parker Davis made a layup, and Hayden Jones would make back to back baskets with a layup and a three to make it 10-3. An and-1 play by Noah Futch would cut the lead down to 4.

After both teams split free throw makes, Jamin Martin would hit a three to make it 14-7 Dragons. Blayne Gunter, would answer with a three to make it 14-10. After a layup by Parker Davis, Futch would split a pair of free throws and the Dragons would take a 16-11 lead into the second quarter.

 

The Warriors, began the second quarter on a 9-0 run as Boman would hit a three, then Cohen Michaud would hit back to back threes to give the Warriors a 20-16 lead. Purdy, would stop the run with a basket, but that would be the only field goal the Dragons would make in the quarter. After Oliver split a pair of free throws, Boman, would hit a bucket to make it 23-18.

It would be a free throw contest to end the first half as the Dragons would make 5 and the Warriors would make 1. Heading into the break, the Warriors led the Dragons, 24-23.

 

Oliver, would begin the second half by making a pair of free throws to stretch the lead out to 3. After Parker Davis and Gunter traded baskets, the Dragons would go on a 5-0 run as Caleb Lanford hit a jumper and Purdy would connect on a three to give the Dragons a 30-28 lead. The Warriors, would answer with a 7-0 run to retake the lead, 35-30. A three by Martin would cut the lead to 2. Boman, would make a layup just before the buzzer to make it 37-33 going to the fourth.

 

Gunter, began the fourth with a basket to make it 39-33. A three from Lanford would cut the lead to 3. Boman responded with a three to make it a 6 point game again. Purdy, answered with a three on the other end to make it 42-39. After Reid Tanner split a pair of free throws and Oliver made a layup, Parker Davis would make a layup to cut it to 45-41. The Warriors, would then go on a 13-0 run to break the game open, 58-41.

Parker Davis, ended the run with a basket to make it 58-43. After a jumper from Braxton Anderson, Jones would come back with a bucket to make it 60-45. Boman, would make a pair of free throws to bring it to 62-45. After a basket by Purdy, Anderson would make a pair of late free throws to give the Warriors a 64-47 win.

 

Scorers for the Dragons:

Parker Davis: 14 points

McCord Purdy: 13 points

Hayden Jones: 7 points

Jamin Martin: 6 points

Caleb Lanford: 5 points

Dodge Davis: 2 points

 

7-AAA Basketball Standings:

Gilmer: 15-8 (9-2)

Pickens: 16-7 (7-3)

Dawson: 13-10 (5-5)

Wesleyan: 10-13 (5-5)

Lumpkin: 12-12 (5-6)

White County: 7-16 (3-7)

West Hall: 6-16 (2-8)

 

The Dragons, will end their four game road trip on Tuesday, February 6th as they head to Wesleyan to take on the Wolves. The Dragons, were able to come away with a win over Wesleyan in Jasper a couple of weeks ago. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

Dragons hit 18 threes in road win at Lumpkin

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Dahlonega, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, made the trek to Dahlonega on Tuesday, January 30th as they took on the Lumpkin County Indians in a battle of two of the hotter teams in 7-AAA. Coming into the game, the Dragons, were 15-6, 6-2 in 7-AAA, and winners of 7 out of their last 8. The Indians, were 11-11, 4-5 in 7-AAA, and winners of 8 out of their last 9. The Dragons, hit 17 threes during the game including 6 from freshman Jamin Martin en route to a 70-50 win.

 

The ball game started with Hayden Jones knocking down the first three of the night to make it 3-0. T.J. Gaddis, would cut the lead to 1 as he got his first shot to drop. A lay in by Parker Davis would put the Dragons back up by 3. Caleb Lanford, would follow with a pair of free throws and Dodge Davis would hit his first three of the game to make it 10-2. Gaddis, would cut the lead in half as he made the layup and the foul shot.

After a bucket by Parker Davis, Gaddis again answered with a basket to make it 12-7. The Davis brothers, would then hit back to back threes to make it 18-7. Cal Faulkner, would be the first Indian other than Gaddis to score as he made it 18-9 as they would go to the second quarter.

 

The Dragons, began the second quarter with a 5-0 run as Dodge Davis made a basket and Jones hit his 2nd three to make it 23-9. Gaddis, then completed his 2nd and-1 of the game as that made it 23-12. After a three by Jamin Martin, Faulkner would go on a 6-0 run to make it 26-18. The Dragons, would then go on a 10-0 run as Martin hit two more threes, Dodge Davis hit a three, and Montego Morgan split a pair of free throws to make it 36-18.

Jac Chambers, would end the run with a three to make it 36-21. Morgan, would connect on a three just before the end of the first half to put the Dragons up, 39-21 going to the break.

 

The second half began with the Indians going on a 7-0 run as Landon Pierce hit a three, then Preston Cox and Chambers made back to back buckets to cut the lead to 39-28. Martin, ended the run by sinking his 4th three of the game. Faulkner responded with a three of his own. Martin, came right back and nailed his 5th three. After another three by Pierce, Lanford and Martin made back to back threes to make it 51-34.

Faulkner and Pierce would end the third quarter by making back to back threes of their own to cut the Pickens lead down to 51-40 going to the fourth.

 

Gaddis, would start the fourth quarter by making a pair of free throws to cut the lead down to 51-42. Back to back threes by Lanford stretched the Dragons lead back out to 57-42. After a three by the Indians, the Dragons would go on a 9-0 run to make it 66-45. A bucket by Faulkner would end the run to make it 66-47. McCord Purdy, would then hit a three to make it 69-47.

After a three by Jackson Pulley, Lanford would split a pair of free throws to end the ball game as the Dragons came away with the 70-50 win.

 

Scorers for the Dragons:

Jamin Martin: 18 points (6 threes)

Caleb Lanford: 12 points (3 threes)

Dodge Davis: 11 points (3 threes)

Parker Davis: 11 points (1 three)

Hayden Jones: 8 points (2 threes)

McCord Purdy: 6 points (2 threes)

Montego Morgan: 4 points (1 three)

 

7-AAA Basketball Standings:

Gilmer: 15-7 (9-1)

Pickens: 16-6 (7-2)

Dawson: 13-9 (5-4)

Wesleyan: 9-13 (4-5)

Lumpkin: 11-12 (4-6)

White County: 6-16 (2-7)

West Hall: 5-16 (2-8)

 

The Dragons, will once again be on the road as they head to Cleveland, Ga on Friday, February 2nd to take on the White County Warriors. The Dragons, defeated the Warriors back on January 9th. Tip off set for 8:30.

Dragons begin 2024 with big region win

PHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragons, closed out 2023 on a high note winning their bracket in the Marlin Christmas Classic Tournament and looked to stay hot as they began 2024 by taking on the White County Warriors in 7-AAA action. The Dragons, came into the game 11-5 and 2-1 in 7-AAA play. The Warriors, came into the game 4-12 and 0-3 in 7-AAA play. Using a big first quarter, the Dragons were able to pick up a 73-55 win.

 

The Dragons, began the ball game by going on a 6-0 run as Parker Davis scored 4 points and Hayden Jones picked up 2 points. A three pointer by David Bowman ended the run and cut the Dragons lead in half. From there, the Dragons would go on a 10-0 run as Caleb Lanford, Jones, and Dodge Davis would all contribute points to make it 16-3. A basket by Noah Futch would end the run and make it 16-5.

Dodge Davis and Lanford, would then combine for a 5-0 run as Davis made a layup and Lanford hit a three to make it 21-5. After a basket by Bowman, Dodge Davis closed out the first quarter scoring by converting an and-1 to give the Dragons a 24-7 lead going to the second quarter.

 

The Warriors, started the second quarter by going on a 4-0 run to cut the lead to 24-11. A three pointer by Jamin Martin made it 30-11 Dragons. After Futch made a bucket and Braxton Anderson split a pair of free throws, the Dragons would go on a 7-0 as Lanford hit a three, and McCord Purdy and Nathan Wallace made back to back layups to make it 34-14. A layup by Anderson stopped the run and made it 34-16.

Both teams would then trade three pointers as Wallace ended the first half with a buzzer beater to make it 40-19 Pickens at the half.

 

The Davis brothers kicked off the second half scoring as Dodge split a pair of free throws and Parker made a layup to make it 43-19. After a 4-0 run by the Warriors, the Dragons countered with a 6-0 run as Purdy made a free throw, Parker Davis made a layup, and Jones hit a three to make it 49-23. Both teams then traded three pointers as the Dragons led it 52-26.

The warriors, would then go on a 9-0 run to cut the lead down to 52-35. A 6-0 run by the Dragons would close out the third quarter as Pickens would take a 58-35 lead into the fourth.

 

The Dragons and Warriors went back and forth to begin the fourth quarter. White County, would go on a 9-0 run to make it 62-47. Purdy and DJ Mitchell, hit back to back three pointers to stretch the lead to 68-47. The two teams traded buckets as the game came to a close with the Dragons getting the 73-55 victory.

 

Scorers for the Dragons:

Caleb Lanford: 16 points

Parker Davis: 13 points

McCord Purdy: 12 points

Dodge Davis: 11 points

Hayden Jones: 7 points

DJ Mitchell: 6 points

Nathan Wallace: 5 points

Jamin Martin: 3 points

 

Scorers for the Warriors:

David Bowman: 16 points

Noah Futch: 15 points

Dawson Oliver: 9 points

Braxton Anderson: 8 points

Zach McCoy: 3 points

Tripp Nix: 3 points

John Phillips: 1 point

 

The Dragons, are now 12-5 and currently sit in 3rd place in 7-AAA at 3-1. On Friday, January 12th, the Dragons will be back home as they take on the Wesleyan Wolves. Should the Dragons win that one, they will jump to 2nd place in the region standings. Tip off set for 8:30 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 sweep Warriors after pitchers duel

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Cleveland, Ga — It was a good day to be the teams wearing green as the Pickens Dragons took to the road to face the White County Warriors in the 3rd and final game of their region series on Friday, March 17th. Weather pushed the start time back almost 2 hours, but they were able to get the game in. The fans in attendance, were treated to a low scoring pitchers duel as the Dragons edged out a 1-0 win.

 

In the top of the first, the Dragons went down in order as the Warriors got 2 fly ball outs and 1 strikeout to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, The Warriors lead off man reached after being hit with a pitch on a full count. Dragons starter AJ Rice, collected himself and picked up his 1st strikeout for the first out. The runner at 1st base, would then be throw out by catcher Kam Jenkins trying to swipe 2nd.

Rice, picked up his 2nd K on the next pitch to send it to the top of the second, with Pickens and White County still scoreless.

 

In the top of the second, the Dragons got back to back 1-out hits from Dawson Holland and Jenkins. They would be left stranded on the base paths as the Warriors were able to get a line out to center, and a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the second. In the bottom of the second, Rice would pick up his 3rd K of the night in between two fly outs to send it to the third with both teams still tied at 0.

 

In the top of the third, the Dragons got a pair of 1-out walks from Connor Shouse and Trace Ledbetter. The Warriors, again escaped any potential trouble as they were able to get a ground ball double play to send it to the bottom of the third. In the bottom of the third, the Warriors had a big time scoring chance with runners on the corners and nobody out. Rice, got his 4th K of the night for the first out.

The Dragons, almost turned a double play to end the inning, but they were able to get the out at home. The final out of the inning came after the batter for the Warriors reached on an infield single. The runner at 2nd tried to score on the play, but was thrown out at home to keep it deadlocked at 0 between the two teams.

 

In the top of the fourth, designated hitter Harlan Will, led off with a single. Ezra Faber, came on to run for Will and he would be able to take 2nd. Faber, made it to 3rd after a wild pitch. Holland, got him in with an RBI grounder to break the tie and give the Dragons a 1-0 lead over the Warriors going to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the fourth, the Warriors lead off man worked the count and reached on a walk.

Rice, got out of the inning by forcing a ground out, a fly out, and a line out to send it to the top of the fifth with the Dragons leading the Warriors, 1-0.

 

In the top of the fifth, the Warriors got the Dragons to go down in order with a fly out and a pair of strikeouts. In the bottom of the fifth, Rice would work around a 1-out walk as he would strikeout the side, Giving him 7 for the game. Going to the sixth, the Dragons still led, 1-0.

 

In the top of the sixth, Ledbetter led off with a single after working a full count. He would end up being left stranded at 3rd as the Warriors were able to get 3 straight outs to keep it at 1-0 going to the bottom of the sixth. JP Nunn, came on in relief of Rice in the bottom of the sixth to try to get the save and preserve the win for the Dragons. Nunn, struck out the side on 11 pitches to send it to the seventh with Pickens leading, 1-0.

 

In the top of the seventh, the Dragons would go down in order to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the seventh, Nunn was back out there to try to get the save. He was able to do just that as he got a fly out, his 4th strikeout, and a pop up to seal the 1-0 victory and the series sweep for the Dragons.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 1 walk, 1 stolen base

Trace Ledbetter: 1-2 with a single and a walk

Harlan Will: 1-2 with a single

Ezra Faber: 1 run scored

Dawson Holland: 1-3 with a single and 1 RBI

Kam Jenkins: 1-3 with a single

AJ Rice: 5 IP, 1 H, 3 BB, 1 HBP, 0 R, 0 ER, 7 K on 74 pitches

JP Nunn: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K on 27 pitches

 

The Dragons, will go into a busy week next week knowing they’ll be in a tie for first place in the region with Dawson or with Dawson and Lumpkin depending on how Lumpkin’s series with West Hall turns out. Pickens, will begin a busy week next week on Monday, March 20th as they host the Fannin County Rebels in a make up game that had been pushed back due to weather. First pitch is set for 5:30 pm.

Dragons take series against White County

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It was a beautiful day for high school baseball as the Pickens Dragons hosted the White County Warriors in game 2 of their 3-game region series on Thursday, March 16th. After taking game 1 of the series, 4-3 on Tuesday, March 14th, the Dragons looked to get the series win in front of their home fans. Behind a complete game from James Tilley, and a great showing by the offense, the Dragons picked up a 7-2 win.

 

In the top of the first, Dragons starter James Tilley set the Warriors down in order with a strikeout and 2 ground outs to send it to the bottom of the first. In the bottom of the frame, Connor Shouse led off by reaching on a double. After Shouse stole 3rd, Trey Payne brought in Shouse with an RBI single. Later on in the inning, Harlan Will would reach with a single, Dawson Holland would draw a walk, and Kam Jenkins would reach on a single to load the bases.

The Warriors, were able to get out of the bases loaded jam with a strikeout to send it to the second with the Dragons leading, 1-0.

 

In the top of the second, the lead off man for the Warriors got on after getting hit with a pitch. Tilley, then got a pop up, catcher Kam Jenkins, then made a great throw to Shouse at 2nd to throw out the runner trying to steal. Tilley, picked up his 2nd K of the game to send it to the bottom of the second. In the bottom of the second, new Young Harris College commit Evan Giddens, led off by drawing a full count walk. Colby Brooks, followed that up with a single.

Shouse, brought in Giddens with a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 2-0 Dragons. After a double by Trace Ledbetter, Trey Payne drove in both Brooks and Ledbetter with a 2-RBI single to make it 4-0. Will, reached after being hit with a pitch. Holland, then reached on an error that would score Trey Payne to make it 5-0 Dragons going to the top of the third.

 

In the top of the third, Tilley snagged a come backer and took it to 1st himself for the first out. Tilley, then picked up his 3rd strikeout for the 2nd out. The top of the third came to an end as Tilley got another come backer. This one he would toss to Ledbetter to send it to the bottom of the third. In the bottom of the third, the Dragons got a 1-out single from Brooks, who then took 2nd after a steal attempt. The Warriors, got out of the third with back to back strikeouts. Going to the fourth, Pickens led White County, 5-0.

 

In the top of the fourth, the Warriors picked up their first hit of the game with a lead off single. A great play by 3rd baseman AJ Rice, nearly led to a double play, but the Dragons settled for getting the lead runner. Tilley, then picked up his 4th and 5th K of the game to send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the fourth, The Dragons, got a lead off walk by Trey Payne, a single by Tyler Payne, and a full count walk by Holland to load the bases with nobody out.

Jenkins, drove in Trey Payne after a come backer to the pitcher to make it 6-0. Sam Hammontree, pitch hitting for Rice, brought in Tyler Payne on a sacrifice RBI to make it 7-0 Dragons going to the fifth.

 

In the top of the fifth, after Tilley recorded his 6th K, the Warriors got a 1-out single. After a nice diving stop by Ledbetter at 1st, his throw would hit the runner as he tried to go to 2nd for the out. The Warriors, got another hit to load the bases with 1-out. A wild pitch brought in the Warriors first run to make it 7-1. A single then drove in the 2nd run to make it 7-2. A 3rd run would try to come in after a passed ball, but Jenkins fired it to Tilley for the tag at the plate.

After Tilley issued his first walk of the game, he settled down and picked up his 7th K of the game to send it to the bottom of the fifth. In the bottom of the fifth, the Dragons would go down in order and they’d go to the sixth with the Dragons now leading, 7-2.

 

In the top of the sixth, the Ga Tech commit, Shouse, made an outstanding diving play and throw to 1st to get the runner for the first out. Tilley, polished off the inning with his 8th and 9th strikeout to send it to the bottom of the sixth. In the bottom of the sixth, Tyler Payne reached on an error with 1-out. Jenkins kept the inning alive with a 2-out single. The Warriors, got a fly out to send it to the seventh with the Dragons up, 7-2.

 

In the top of the seventh, Tilley put a bow on his incredible start with a pop out to Giddens at 2nd, and his 10th and 11th strikeout to give the Dragons the 7-2 win. With the victory, the Dragons take the series against the Warriors.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 1-3 with a double, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI

Trace Ledbetter: 1-4 with a double and 1 run scored

Trey Payne: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 walk, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored

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

Tyler Payne: 1-2 with a single and 1 run scored

Dawson Holland: 2 walks

Kam Jenkins: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 hit by pitch, and 1 RBI

Sam Hammontree: 1 RBI

Evan Giddens: 1 walk, and 1 run scored

Colby Brooks: 2-3 with 2 singles and 1 run scored

James Tilley: 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 11 K, on 92 pitches

Dragons open series against Warriors with road win

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Cleveland, Ga — It was a chilly day for baseball on Tuesday, March 14th as the Pickens Dragons made the trip up to Cleveland to begin their 2nd 7-AAA series against the White County Warriors. After the first week of region play, the Dragons found themselves tied with Lumpkin and Dawson for 1st at 2-1. In what was a back and forth game, the Dragons edged out the Warriors, 4-3.

 

In the top of the first, Connor Shouse led off by reaching on an error. Trace Ledbetter, followed by drawing a walk on four straight pitches. Trey Payne, moved them over to 2nd and 3rd on a sacrifice bunt. Tyler Payne, then drove in Shouse to make it 1-0 going to the bottom of the first. In the bottom of the first, Shouse, sat the Warriors down in order with a pop up and 2 ground outs to send it to the second with the Dragons leading, 1-0.

 

In the top of the second, James Tilley reached on a full count walk with 2-outs. Evan Giddens, then followed with a single. Tilley, would come around to score on the play to make it 2-0 Dragons. Shouse, kept the inning going by drawing a walk. The Warriors, got out of the top of the second after a pop out to send it to the bottom of the frame. In the bottom of the second, White County had their lead off man reach on a 2-base error.

That runner, would come around to score to cut the Pickens lead to 2-1 going to the top of the third.

 

In the top of the third, the Dragons went down in order as they went to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the third, the Warriors got a lead off walk. He then moved over to 2nd after a sacrifice bunt. Shouse, got out of the inning with 2 straight strikeouts, giving him 5 on the night. Going to the fourth, the Dragons led, 2-1.

 

In the top of the fourth, the Dragons again went down in order as it was still 2-1. In the bottom of the fourth, Shouse, kept his good start going by picking up his 6th and 7th strikeout in a scoreless frame. Going to the fifth, the Dragons were still leading, 2-1.

 

In the top of the fifth, Giddens led off with his 2nd hit of the day. Shouse, helped himself out with a extra base hit that would plate Giddens to make it 3-1. Trey Payne, brought in Shouse with a sacrifice fly to make it 4-1 Dragons going to the bottom of the fifth. In the bottom of the fifth, after a lead off walk by the Warriors, Shouse picked up his 8th strikeout. The Warriors, would plate 2 runs in the inning to cut the lead down to 4-3 going to the sixth.

 

In the top of the sixth, the Dragons, went down quietly as the Warriors got 2 ground outs and a strikeout. In the bottom of the sixth, Cason Cannon, who came on in relief of Tee Knight in the bottom of the fifth, started the inning with a strikeout. The Warriors, got a 1-out single to put the potential tying run on base. A.J. Rice, then came on in relief of Cannon.

Rice, picked up a pop out, and a strikeout to leave the runner stranded at 2nd and to send it to the seventh with the Dragons leading, 4-3.

 

In the top of the seventh, the Dragons got a lead off walk from Tilley. He would be left stranded at 1st after White County picked up a pop out and 2 fly outs to send it to the bottom of the seventh. In the bottom of the seventh, JP Nunn came on in relief of Rice, to try to add to his school record for saves. Nunn, got two quick outs to start the bottom of the seventh with a strikeout and a ground out.

The Warriors, made it interesting as they got a double, and a hit batsman with 2-outs to put runners at 1st and 2nd. Nunn, settled in, and got a pop up to 2nd base to get out of the jam and seal the 4-3 win for the Dragons.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 1-3 with 1 walk, 2 runs scored & 4 1/3rd IP, 0 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, 77 pitches

Trace Ledbetter: 1 walk

Trey Payne: 1 sacrifice bunt, 1 sacrifice fly, 1 RBI

James Tilley: 2 walks, and 1 run scored

Evan Giddens: 2-3 with 2 singles and 1 run scored

 

With the win, the Dragons move to 1-3 overall and 3-1 in 7-AAA play. The series now shifts to Jasper for game 2 of the 3-game set on Thursday, March 16th. First pitch is set for 5:55 pm.

Dragons run rule Wesleyan to win series

PHS Baseball, Team FYN Sports

Jasper, Ga — It was a cold, and rainy day on Thursday, March 9th as the Pickens Dragons welcomed the Wesleyan Wolves to Dunn Field for the third and final game of their 3-game region series. After the Wolves took game 1 on Tuesday, the Dragons rebounded and tied the series up with a win at Wesleyan on Wednesday. The Dragons, got a complete game shutout from Freshman A.J. Rice as they came away with a 10-0 win in 5 innings.

 

In the top of the first, Rice sat the Wolves down in order as he got a fly out, a ground out, and a strikeout to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the frame, the Dragons got back to back 1-out walks from Trace Ledbetter and Cade Sutton. Dawson Holland, then drew a 2-out walk to load the bases. Trey Payne, brought in Ledbetter and Sutton on a 2-RBI single. Kam Jenkins, drove in Holland with an RBI single to make it 3-0 Dragons going to the second.

 

In the top of the second, Rice again had a 1-2-3 inning as he got a ground out, and 2 more strikeouts to send it to the bottom of the inning. In the bottom half of the second, Colby Brooks laid down a bunt, and was able to get to 2nd after a 2 base error. Brooks, would then be thrown out on a fielder’s choice as Ledbetter reached. The Wolves, got out of the second with no damage done. Going to the third, the Dragons led the Wolves, 3-0.

 

In the top of the third, Rice went 1-2-3 for the 3rd straight inning as he picked up 2 more K’s giving him 5 on the night. In the bottom of the third, designated hitter Harlan Will, led off with a walk, and Holland followed up with a single. Trey Payne, moved the runners over to 2nd and 3rd with a sacrifice bunt. Jenkins, then drew a walk on 4 straight pitches to load the bases up with 1-out.

Evan Giddens, drove in pitch runner Jackie Jarrett and Holland to make it 5-0 Dragons. Brooks, kept the line moving with a 2-strike hit, bringing in courtesy runner Tee Knight to make it 6-0. Connor Shouse, drew a walk on 4 straight pitches to load the bases up. The Wolves, got back to back strikeouts to prevent any more damage. Going to the fourth, the Dragons led the Wolves, 6-0.

 

In the top of the fourth, the Wolves, got a 2-out double and a single to put runners at the corners. Rice, facing his first jam of the night, picked up his 2nd K of the inning and his 7th overall to keep Wesleyan scoreless and send it to the bottom of the fourth. In the bottom of the fourth, Holland reached with a 1-out single. He would then be forced out at 2nd as Trey Payne reached on a fielders choice.

Jenkins, advanced Payne to 3rd on a single. Jenkins would move up to 2nd on the play.The Wolves, got a line out to left field to end the scoring threat and send it to the fifth with the Dragons still leading, 6-0.

 

In the top of the fifth, the lead off man for the Wolves got on base for the first time. the 2nd batter, then reached on an error. Rice, showing great poise for a Freshman, got 2 straight K’s and a line out to left to strand the runners and keep Wesleyan scoreless. In the bottom of the fifth, Brooks, led off with an infield single. Shouse, then hit a double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with no outs.

Ledbetter, hit a single up the middle to bring in Brooks and Shouse on the 2-RBI knock. Tyler Payne, who came in for Will in the fourth inning, drew a full count walk to reach 1st. Holland, then drove in Ledbetter with an RBI single to make it 9-0. A single by Trey Payne, brought in Rice, who pitch ran for Tyler Payne to give the Dragons the 10-0 win, and the 2-1 series win over Wesleyan.

 

Stats for the Dragons:

Connor Shouse: 1-3 with a walk, a double, and 1 run scored

Trace Ledbetter: 1-3 with a walk, a single, 2 RBI, & 2 runs scored

Cade Sutton: 1 walk and 1 run scored

Harlan Will: 1 walk

Tyler Payne: 1 walk

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

Trey Payne: 2-3 with 2 singles, 1 sacrifice bunt, and 3 RBI

Kam Jenkins: 2-2 with 2 singles, 1 walk, and 1 RBI

Evan Giddens: 1-3 with 1 single and 2 RBI

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

Jackie Jarrett: 1 run scored

Tee Knight: 1 run scored

A.J. Rice: 1 run scored & 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K on 76 pitches

 

The Dragons, assured themselves of at least 2nd place in the 7-AAA standings after the first week of region play with their 2-1 series win over Wesleyan. Next week, the Dragons will begin a series with the White County Warriors on the road on Tuesday, March 14th. First pitch is set for 5:55 pm.

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