The Dawson County boys varsity basketball team was able to defeat conference rivals West Hall and Fannin County last week to make for a successful road stretch for the Tigers as they improved their region record to 6-2.
The Tigers started last week by traveling to West Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 14 to take on the Spartans in what became an overtime battle of the ages.
In the first quarter the Tigers and the Spartans played to a 15-15 tie, setting the stage for a toe-to-toe battle for the remainder of the game.
The Tigers would enjoy a four point lead over West Hall going into halftime as they outscored the Spartans 17-13 in the second quarter. By the end of the third quarter, the Spartans would lessen the gap to one point. The fourth quarter displayed the offensive force of both teams as they went shot for shot with each other. West Hall would tie the game late to force the Tigers to play their second road overtime game in a row.
The Tigers were prepared in the overtime and unleashed on West Hall. The Tigers were able to take the lead in the overtime, outscoring the Spartans 11-8 in the extra quarter. The hot hands of the Tigers in the extra time couldnt have come at a better time and Dawson was able to secure the 69-66 region victory.
Lucas Pain brought the pain versus the Spartans with his 30 points to lead all Tiger scorers. Levi Whitmire knocked down 15 points and Sam Muenchen pulled down 15 huge boards for the Tigers in the victory.
The Tigers traveled again on Friday, Jan. 17 to take to the court against region rival Fannin County in front of a hostile home crowd. From the start, the game became a physical affair.
Both teams struggled to connect from the field in the first half, leaving it up to each teams defense to carry the load for the first two quarters.
The Tigers defense got the upper hand and only allowed Fannin County to score five points in the opening half. Dawson County enjoyed a 15-5 lead going into halftime.
In the third quarter, the Rebels of Fannin County went on a run that closed the gap between the two teams, but the Tigers went on a run of their own to enjoy a 27-16 advantage going into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter would prove to be all Tigers as the team widened the lead and were able to hold on 41-32. The victory marked the second straight conference road win for Dawson County.
Although we didnt play real good offensively, our defense remained a key, said Thad Burgess, DCHSs head boys basketball coach. A region road win is always good. Over the years, this was a similar Fannin game for us on the road, and we have found a way to win. We have three weeks of difficult region games to go.
Whitmire led the Tigers in scoring with 11 points. Cameron Millholland and Pain each added nine points for Dawson County to help secure the victory.
The Fannin County game marked the return of Jonathan Sanderson to the Tigers lineup. Sanderson had sustained a serious injury in the pre-season which had kept him out until Fridays game.
The Tigers take their 15-4 overall record and 6-2 region record to East Halls doorstep when they take on the Vikings in a road conference game on Friday, Jan. 24. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.