The Dawson County Tigers basketball team picked up three wins last week including a road victory over region rival Lumpkin County.
On Dec. 12 Dawson traveled to Lumpkin County and won convincingly by a final of 58-38 before hosting Fannin County on Dec. 15 when the team crushed the Rebels 59-21. Over the weekend, Dawson earned a road win at Forsyth Central by a final of 53-39.
“Anytime you get a win over a rival that’s a good thing,” said Head Coach Chad Pittman about the Lumpin victory. “Kids played well with both Lumpkin and Fannin. Had a chance to get other kids in with some extra time.”
Jeremiah Crumley drew a charge and then on his next drive went to the line to sink both shots.
The Tigers led 13-8 after the first period and would stretch it to 32-13 before the half.
The Tigers continued to pour it on in the third with Ryan Gallenkamp scoring down low and on his next trip hitting a three from up top forcing a timeout by the Indians. Gallenkamp finished with 9 points and eight rebounds.
Dawson would continue to dominate down the stretch and see scoring from Dakohta Sonnichsen and Max Tierney.
Cullen Reed led the scoring with 19 points and Crumley added 10 points, five rebounds and five assists.
During the home matchup with the Fannin Rebels on Dec. 15, Dawson would again easily handle its opponent after a slow first quarter start. The Tigers led by 1 after one period, 8-7.
In the second period, technical fouls against Fannin added to the Dawson lead and Fannin fans proved vocal.
Crumley hit a 3-pointer from up top and Cullen Reed sank two from the free throw line after a foul that looked more like a head butt.
On Crumley’s next drive, the Rebels grabbed the rebound, but Crumley reached in and pulled the ball right back and scored.
Dawson went to half with a 29-7 lead and would continue to cruise to the finish.
Crumley led the scoring on the night with 19 points followed by Cullen Reed at 13 and Campbell Reed at 9 points.
On Dec. 16, the team traveled to Forsyth Central and despite a slow start according to Pittman, was able to recover and play well.
“We were up five at the half and then stretched it to 11 early in the third,” Pittman said. “They were able to cut it to six. We answered them and went on to win 53-39.”
“It was a hard fought game. They’re really physical and I am glad the kids responded well,” Pittman said. “Jeremiah Crumley and Cullen Reed stepped up and had 9-10 rebounds each.”
Crumley finished the game with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Campbell Reed had 16 points followed by Cullen Reed with 8 points and 11 rebounds.
The wins take Dawson County to 6-2 overall and No. 10 in Class AAA state rankings.
On Monday the team traveled to White County and on Tuesday to West Hall, but results were not available as of press time.
Both varsity teams will travel to Cherokee, NC over the break for the Holiday on the Hardwood tournament Dec. 27-29.
