Thirteen players scored points as the Dawson County Tigers opened the season with a dominating 67-18 win over Tallulah Falls last Tuesday night at the Ford E. Phillips gymnasium in Dawsonville.

The game was decided early as Dawson County jumped out to a 19-3 lead after one quarter.

By halftime Head Coach Thad Burgess was freely substituting, getting all his players some quality minutes. The halftime score was Dawson 43, Tallulah 12.

“Although the game was a mismatch, I was really pleased with our intensity and energy. This will be a team that will hopefully show major improvements each week,” said Burgess.

Stephen Johnson led all scorers with 12 points. Ben Daniels contributed 11 points for the winning Tigers.

The Tigers were outstanding, especially in the second half when they only allowed Tallulah six points.

“We played everyone about equal minutes. I saw big improvements from the scrimmage to this game. We were relaxed and did some good things on both ends of the floor,” Burgess said about his team’s performance.

“Many times we had five sophomores on the floor. The talent level of our top 12 players is very equal, I do not think that I have ever had the balance of talent and skills before on an entire team. A challenge will be to get combinations and playing experience early in the season,” said Burgess.

The Tigers traveled to North Forsyth yesterday with a match-up against the 7-AAAAA Raiders. Scores were unavailable at press time.

“Major challenge next week at North Forsyth, one of their better teams in a while. They are physical and have two outstanding guards returning,” said Burgess.

E-mail Pam Jacobs at sports@dawsonnews.com.