The Dawson County High School varsity boys’ basketball team played a slow, methodical game against Fellowship Christian Saturday evening in Dawsonville. Both teams seemed sluggish as the Tigers were able to come away with a close 33-32 win.
Fellowship (1-7) decided to run as much clock as possible before attempting a shot against the Tiger 3-2 match-up zone.
“They wanted to make it a one possession game, but fortunately we were able to make the few shots on our end,” said Head Coach Thad Burgess.
The Tigers finished the game shooting an amazing 10-for-20.
“I thought we did a nice job defensively, except for a couple of pick and roll plays. This was a good game to get a feel for a slow tempo if we face it again later in the year,” Burgess said.
Both teams scored in single digits for each quarter throughout the game.
Dawson held a slim 18-15 advantage at halftime and never gave up the lead.
Despite being outscored 17-15 in the second half the Tigers came away with the 1-point victory.
Fellowship had a chance to snatch a win with less than 11 seconds remaining in the game. Tyler Dominy blocked a game-winning shot at the buzzer to seal the victory for the Tigers.
Dominy led all scorers on offense with 14 points. Also scoring in double digits for Dawson was Stephen Johnson with 10 points.
The Paladins held leading Tiger scorer Jacob Evans to just two points in the contest.
Dawson also got some offensive help from Levi Wilson with six points and Kaleb Holbrook with a single point.
Fellowship was led by Merrit Teilan with 14 points.
“It was good to see Stephen Johnson have a good game offensively, and Levi to hit two key three-point shots in the fourth quarter,” Burgess said. “The object is to win the game and I am proud we did that.”
Friday night’s game with North Forsyth was canceled due to weather conditions.
The team traveled to Columbus to play in the Pacelli Christmas Tournament Monday and Tuesday. Dawson faced Strong Rock Christian Academy (2-7) on Monday in the first round of play. Scores were not available at press time.
Depending on the outcome with Strong Rock, the Tigers played either host Pacelli or Beulah, Ala. on Tuesday.
After a long Christmas break the Tigers will travel to Rabun County for an 8:30 p.m. tip-off Jan. 7.