Playing on the road in a very hostile environment and against the No. 2 team in Region 7-AAA was not a good combination for Coach Thad Burgess' varsity boys' basketball team Friday night. The Tigers dropped to 4-17 after losing to Banks County 73-38.

"They are way too big, deep and athletic for us," Burgess said.

Dawson County made a run in the first quarter and trailed 19-10 after one, but the second quarter was the dagger in the heart for the Tigers.

Banks County outscored the Tigers 18-5 to take a 37-15 halftime advantage.

It was a lead the Tigers just couldn't overcome. The Leopards continued the offensive frenzy over the final two quarters and outscored Dawson County 36-23 for the big Region 7-AAA win.

"We were never in the game after our short run in the first quarter. Banks is a very experienced team that has a good chance to win the region tournament," Burgess said.

For Leopard Coach Mike Cleveland, his duo of Austin Venable and Zach Orr led the team in scoring with 17 and 15 points respectively.

Dawson County was led by freshman Cullen Reed with 12 points.

Banks County moved to 18-4 overall and 7-2 in region play.

"The next two weeks against middle of the pack region opponents will be vital in getting out of the No. 7-seed. We are just trying to stay positive and hope we can gain some momentum in the last run," Burgess said.

Up next for Dawson County will be a trip to face Lumpkin County at 8:30 p.m. Friday night.

The Indians come into the contest with a 7-15 mark and are 4-5 in region play.