With virtually a new squad, the Dawson County Tigers varsity basketball team pulled off a double overtime win at Pickens County on Nov. 18.

Coach Thad Burgess' team was behind in both overtimes but found a way to get the 59-55 victory over the Dragons.

Dawson County looked like they would get a comfortable win after leading 26-16 at the half. However, Coach Brad Steinhauer's Dragons mounted an offensive comeback in the second half and outscored the Tigers 27-17 to send the game into overtime.

The Tigers placed three players in double digits. The team was led by Jackson Morgan with 18 points. Following Morgan were Dylan Nix with 14 and Levi Whitmire with 12 points.

Cullen Reed added eight points, JT Eggert had four points and Seth Miller contributed two points.

Eggert also pulled down 13 rebounds.

"I'm really happy how we battled against Pickens on the road after being behind in both overtimes," said Burgess. "Our guys just found a way to win."

Pickens was led by Shannon Brooks with 16 points.

On Thursday the Tigers traveled to Tiger to play Rabun County. The Wildcats used an explosive offense to get a 74-46 win over Dawson County.

Rabun led 34-27 at the intermission, but used a 20-5 third quarter rally to extend the team's lead to 54-32.

Dawson County was unable to close the gap and the team took its first loss of the season.

"We cannot give up 70 points like we did tonight. We are still learning our matchup zone and it will take some time for all the new faces to feel comfortable. We didn't play good and with Rabun shooting so well, we ran out of gas in the second half," Burgess said. "Playing our first three games on the road is challenging, but I hope it will make us tougher. We are still learning each other and trying to figure things out. We have a long way to go."

Levi Whitmire led all Tigers in scoring with 15 points (all in the first half). Jackson Morgan added eight points.

JT Eggert pulled down 12 rebounds.

Rabun County was led in scoring by Mike Addis with 19 points and Hal Oliver with 15 points.

The Tigers played yesterday at Union County. Scores were unavailable at press time. Dawson County will host Rabun County on Dec. 2 in the team's first home game of the season.

Tip off should be at 7:30 p.m.