What a way to open the season for the Dawson County High School Lady Tigers varsity basketball team Nov. 19.

Head Coach Steve Sweat's team survived a thrilling 72-68 win over visiting Pickens County High School in three overtimes.

The Lady Tigers traveled to Pinecrest Academy on Friday and cruised to a 79-29 win.

On Tuesday night the Lady Tigers held a 19-18 halftime lead over the Nettes.

After a full game and three hard fought overtime periods, sophomore Karlie Bearden connected on two free throws to give Dawson a 72-68 lead with just three seconds remaining in the game.

"What a way to start the season. I am so proud of the way the girls kept battling," Sweat said.

The Nettes from Jasper connected on 11 three-pointers, but it wasn't enough in the loss.

Pickens was led by Sarah Smith with 15 points; Haley Kalson with 14 points and Makayla Payne with 11 points.

Sheyenne Seabolt scored a game-high 24 points to lead all scorers. Bearden had a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds.

Ashley Parker also scored in double digits with 12 points.

"It is always good to open up with a win, no matter how you have to get it," Sweat said.

Against Pinecrest the Lady Tigers jumped out to a 22-13 advantage after one quarter of play. Dawson County added to its lead in the second quarter and outscored the Lady Paladins 19-5 to take a 41-18 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The Lady Tigers had three players score in double digits: Parker and Bearden each recorded a double-double. Parker with 17 points and 14 rebounds, while Bearden had 14 points and 11 rebounds. Teammate Seabolt scored 16 points.

Also scoring for Dawson County were: Peytan Porter and Brooke Wende with six points each. Haley Burgess added five points, Tabitha Morrison scored four, Erin Chatham and Jordan Moore each had three points, and Alison Honea scored two points.

Eliza Sillesky scored her first varsity points with two points. Lauren Burgess had one point, it was also her first varsity point in her career.

The Lady Tigers will play at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 at home against Fannin County.