The Lady Tigers basketball team pounced on the competition, leaving behind a trail of fallen opponents, when they battled their way to victory at the Mistletoe Madness Tournament held at North Murray High School on Monday and Tuesday, December 22-23.

Dawson also saw one of its players reach the 1,000 career point milestone during the tournament.

Dawson earned the coveted title of Mistletoe Madness Champions by handily defeating Coalhulla Creek in the first round, Dalton in the second round and Chestatee in the championship game.

The Lady Tigers pummeled Coalhulla Creek in the first round 70-25, setting the stage for a tough second round matchup with Dalton.

However, Dawson came out strong against the Lady Catamounts, jumping out to a 26- 10 first quarter lead through a flurry of easy baskets in the low post. Dawsons success down low combined with a plethora of fast break opportunities allowed the Lady Tigers to keep the Lady Catamounts defense on their heels throughout the game. Dawsons high-powered offense scored in double digits for all four quarters while the defense applied ample pressure to keep Dalton from executing their game plan. The result was a lopsided 79-51 victory for the Lady Tigers.

Ashley Parker needed 15 points to reach the 1,000 career point milestone versus the

Lady Catamounts. Parker was able to knock down 16 points in the game, nine of which came in the second half, to reach the 1,000 career point milestone. Parker, after joining the 500 rebound club last year, now sits among the best players to ever don the maroon and old gold with 1,001 career points and over 500 career rebounds.

She has worked really hard to achieve this goal, said DCHSs head girls basketball coach Steve Sweat. The last basket in the fourth quarter for Ashley was her 1,000th and 1,001st points. She is now a member of the 1,000 point club and the 500 rebound club.

Sheyenne Seabolt led all scorers with 25 points. Ansley Costley knocked down 12 points and Karlie Bearden added seven points in the second round win. The victory marked the 11th win in-a-row for Dawson, keeping their unbeaten streak alive to start the 2014-15 season.

The defeat of Dalton set the stage for a championship game between Dawson and Chestatee on Tuesday, December 23.

The Lady Tigers took little time to amass a big lead against the Lady War Eagles. Dawson outscored Chestatee 13-6 in the first quarter and 12-4 in the second quarter to take a 25-10 lead going into halftime. The Lady Tigers pressure defense caused chaos for Chestatee, making shot selection for the Lady War Eagles a difficult proposition throughout the first half.

Dawson kept the pace going in the second half, outscoring

Chestatee 36-28, to maintain their lead and capture a 61- 38 victory. The win earned the Lady Tigers the Mistletoe Madness Tournament crown and improved their winning streak to 12 games.

The girls are doing a great job of playing their role for our team to win, Sweat said. Way to go, Lady Tigers!

Seabolt and Parker led Dawson with 19 points apiece in the championship game. Haley Burgess threw down nine points while Bearden, Katelynn Simpson and Peytan Porter all contributed four points versus the Lady War Eagles.

Seabolt was named Tournament MVP and Bearden was selected for the All-Tournament team.

The victories enjoyed by the Lady Tigers during the Mistletoe Madness Tournament further showcased the strength of the team and displayed to their opponents the reasons they remain unbeaten for the season.

Dawson will get back to action on the hardwood when they host St. Anne- Pacelli at the DCHS gym on Friday, January 2. Tip-off is at 6 p.m.