The Tigers head in to the postseason Region 8-AA tournament this week. The outcome of this week's action will determine if the Tigers make another trip to the state tournament.

Coach Thad Burgess' team finished the regular season with two big Region 8A-AA wins last week.

On Feb. 7, the Tigers defeated visiting Union County, 47-39, and then Feb. 10, the team controlled all phases of the game in a 64-42 thrashing of Banks County.

The Tigers concluded the regular season with an impressive 19-6 record and a 6-4 region record, good for third place in the sub-region.

Controlling the boards was a huge factor in last week's win against Union County. The Tigers out rebounded Union 39-16 to come away with an 8-point win.

The Tigers took a 28-21 lead into the dressing room at halftime against the Panthers.

Union made a huge push in the third quarter and cut Dawson's lead to 36-35.

The Tigers' stingy defense reared up in the final 8 minutes and held Union to only 4 fourth quarter points.

"We continued our good run over the last seven years of beating rival Union the last 14 of 15 games," Burgess said. "Although we didn't play with a great deal of energy, I thought we did what we needed to do and took control of the game down the stretch. We made plays when we had to and continued to play very good defensively and rebounding."

Will Anglin led all Tigers in scoring with 19 points. Tyler Dominy also scored in double digits with 13 points.

The Panthers were led in scoring by Rhett McCombs with 20 points.

Tigers scorers: Anglin-19 points, Dominy-13 points, Bruce Clark-7 points, Jonathan Sanderson-6 points and Camron Chester-2 points

In front of a big crowd, the Tigers dominated Banks County on Feb. 10. It was a great way to end the regular season for Dawson County and lone senior Grant Shope.

"Grant has been a part of the program for the last four years. It's always great to see a player stay through the program and be a part of the success we have gone through. Grant will be ultra-successful in whatever he chooses," Burgess said.

Dawson jumped out to a huge 32-13 lead at halftime and never looked back against the Leopards.

The Tigers continued to turn up the pressure in the second half and outscored Banks 32-29 to pick up the region win.

Three Tigers players scored in double digits. The team was led by Dominy with 19 points. Anglin and Sanderson had 12 and 10 points respectively in the victory.

Adam Hiten led Banks in scoring with 16 points.

"It was a very good week for us," Burgess said. "We played an almost perfect half against a good and experienced Banks team. We controlled the game early by making shots and taking their 6'8" center out of the game and guarded their shooters. We have played very well down the stretch. I could not ask any more from our players. They have really bought into the high expectations we have placed on them," Burgess said.

Tigers scorers: Dominy-19 points, Anglin-12 points, Sanderson-10 points, Mitchell Putnam-7 points, Gunnar Armstrong-7 points, Chester-3 points, Lucas Pain-3 points, Clark-2 points and Shope-1 point.

"Hopefully, our good play will carry over as we begin area play," Burgess said.

Tournament play began Monday for the Tigers. The team faced off against East Jackson.

The Tigers won the game by a 58-45 score.

The team will play at 4 p.m. today against Elbert County at East Hall High School.