With three strong games in a row, the Dawson County varsity girls claimed their first winners trophy at the Battle of the States hosted by Towns County.

The Lady Tigers, who were ranked No. 7 in Class AAA according to the recent ajc.com Prep Zone poll, improved their season record to 12-1 after sweeping the competition at the three-day tournament.

As Dawson began the tournament with a morning matchup with Hokes Bluff (Ala.), a pair of Lady Indians showed up with big performances.

Carly Gilreath reached a milestone with a three-point basket in the first quarter, giving the senior guard 1,000 points in her DCHS career. Gilreath finished with 11 points in the game and was named to the All-Tournament Team.

Meanwhile, sophomore post player Sheyenne Seabolt, who would go on to be voted the Tournament MVP, led the team by scoring a season-high 23 points while grabbing nine rebounds.

The Lady Tigers jumped out to a 26-11 first quarter lead and held on to that early advantage to earn a 59-49 win.

Also making contributions for Dawson were Ashley Parker with seven points, Kacie Bearden with six, Allie Costley with six, Karlie Bearden with four and Kenna Seitz with two.

Dawsons next game against the back-to-back champions of the Battle of the States Tournament was more closely-contested.

Gordon Lee took an early 8-4 lead in the opening minutes, but Dawson battled back to claim a one-point advantage at the end of the opening quarter.

The game remained tight until the Lady Tigers put together a 20-8 run in the fourth quarter to put Gordon Lee away 66-52.

Seabolt was the offensive star again for Dawson with 23 points for the second-straight game to go along with nine rebounds.

Costley finished with a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Gilreath was in double-figures again with 13 points and Parker finished with nine. In the Championship game, the Lady Tigers matched up against Union County.

The Panthers were a difficult team for Dawson to shake in the first quarter, holding the Lady Tigers to just a 20-16 lead.

After Dawson was able to extend its advantage to nine points at halftime, the Lady Tigers emerged from the locker room with an overwhelming defensive mindset, holding the Panthers to just five points in the entire second half.

Seabolt finished with a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Gilreath had 17 points. Parker added 11 points and six rebounds.

The 69-35 victory gave the Lady Tigers the Battle of the States Championship.

Next up for Dawson will be a road game against North Hall on Friday, followed by a home game against West Hall on Tuesday.