The Dawson County High School varsity girls basketball team improved its record to 10-1 with an impressive, 59-49, win over Hoke's Bluff, Ala. in the opening round of the Battle of the States tournament at Towns County High School on Dec. 27.
Despite playing the early morning game, the Lady Tigers came off the bus on fire.
Coach Steve Sweat's team exploded offensively in the first quarter and ended with a, 26-11, lead after the first period.
Hoke's Bluff fought back and outscored Dawson County, 30-26, over the next two quarters to cut the lead to, 52-41, after three quarters of play.
The teams played evenly in the final period to allow the Lady Tigers to hold on for the victory.
Sheyenne Seabolt had a huge game. She scored 23 points and pulled down nine rebounds.
"Sheyenne played really well. It was her high point mark for the year," Sweat said.
Carly Gilreath reached the 1,000-point mark for her career with a 3-pointer in the first quarter.
The game was stopped and Gilreath was presented the ball.
"It is always great to see players reach a goal like this. After receiving the ball, Carly turned and made a great pass to her dad in the stands," Sweat said.
Rounding out the scoring for Dawson County were: Ashley Parker - seven points, Kacie Bearden - six points, Allie Costley - six points, Karlie Bearden - four points and Kenna Seitz added two points.
On Dec. 20 the Lady Tigers picked up a, 62-23, win over Class AAAAAA West Forsyth High School.
Dawson County limited the Lady Wolverines to single digit scoring in each quarter except the third. West Forsyth scored only two points in the second quarter and was shut out in the final quarter. The fourth quarter was shortened to 6 minutes due to the GHSA mercy rule.
West Forsyth jumped out to an early, 8-3, lead.
The Lady Tigers went on a, 28-0, run with West Forsyth scoring only a single basket in the second quarter. Dawson led, 31-10, at halftime.
The Lady Tigers held a 30-point lead after three quarters of play, 54-14, while cruising to a comfortable win.
Sweat was able to give his younger players some playing time in the final quarter.
Sophomore post player Parker had a great night offensively. Parker scored 16 points and pulled down seven rebounds.
Senior point guard Gilreath also scored in double figures with 14 points.
Rounding out the scoring for Dawson County were Seitz - eight points, Porter - seven points, Karlie Bearden - six points, Seabolt - four points, Costley - three points, Whitney Glover and Alison Honea each chipped in with two points.
"We started out a little slow but we were able to get things rolling in the second quarter and had a 21 point lead at half," Sweat said. "I love the way the girls are keeping the intensity up this year."
As of press time, the Lady Tigers were set to play Gordon Lee in the semi-final round of the Battle of the States Tournament. Scores were not available.