The Dawson County boys' basketball season has come to an end. The Tigers ran into a very good Cedar Grove basketball team Feb. 25 in Ellenwood and fell 62-33.

Coach Thad Burgess said goodbye to five seniors: Sam Muenchen, Lucas Pain, Jackson Putnam, Cameron Millholland and Jonathan Sanderson.

"This group of seniors has been part of two Sweet Sixteen appearances which has never been done in the history of our school. I think all these guys can be proud of the season that they had. They will be great leaders in whatever they decide to pursue."

Cedar Grove won the opening tip. Saints player, Chris Frederick, nailed a three-pointer to open the game at 6:40 in the first quarter. The Saints never relinquished the lead and opened up a 15-8 advantage after one quarter of play.

Frederick finished the game with 18 points.

The Saints were more athletic and physical, according to Burgess. It showed on the floor, as every missed shot seemed to find the hands of a Cedar Grove player, especially Jacara Cross who finished the game with 22 points and 14 rebounds.

"We ran into a buzz saw tonight in a very athletic and excellent Cedar Grove team," Burgess said. "Cedar Grove went 18-2 in a very difficult region. They completely controlled the game and we had no answer to their pressure and skill level."

Cedar Grove was eliminated in the Elite Eight round by Morgan County, 69-61.

Cedar Grove went on a 9-0 run to begin the second quarter taking a 24-8 lead before Levi Whitmire broke the dry spell by connecting on a three-pointer with 4:43 left before halftime.

Dawson County still had the game in reach at halftime trailing just 28-13.

Coming out of the locker room after the break, Cedar Grove outscored Dawson County 15-5 in the third quarter to put the game out of reach, 43-18.

"I believe our guys got as far physically as they possibly could," Burgess said. "We battled as long as we could and made a remarkable run to the Sweet Sixteen. No one could have believed what these guys were able to accomplish."

Scoring in their last game as Tigers were seniors: Sanderson-two points, Muenchen-seven points, Pain-two points, Putnam-eight points and Millholland with six points.

Also scoring for Dawson County: Whitmire-three points, Brandon Abbott-three points and Jackson Morgan with two points.

"Our students and community support has been great all season. It is unmatched by any program in the state," Burgess said about the crowd at the game that had traveled from Dawsonville.

Dawson County finished the season with a 22-8 record.