The reigning Region 7-AAA champion Dawson County Lady Tigers opened the season last week with two big wins over traditionally strong teams.

On opening night the Lady Tigers disposed of visiting Pickens County with a 77-42 win. Then on Saturday evening Dawson County came away with a 69-56 victory over the Lady Wildcats from Rabun County High School.

Coach Steve Sweat's squad is now 2-0 on the season.

Dawson County jumped out to a quick 28-15 lead after one quarter of play over the Nettes. The Lady Tigers 1-2-2 press continued to play havoc with Pickens in the second quarter and gave Dawson County a comfortable 22-point lead at halftime, 48-26.

Sweat's team continued the onslaught in the third quarter and held a 70-38 advantage after three quarters.

Because of the GHSA "mercy rule" there was a running clock in the final quarter.

"I do not know a better way to start the season than with an opening win at home," Sweat said.

Freshman Kaylee Sticker led the Lady Tigers in scoring with 23 points in her first high school game.

Karlie Bearden also played a great game on offense and scored 20 points.

Point guard Haley Burgess connected on four 3-pointers and ended with 16 points.

Rounding out the scoring for Dawson County was Ansley Costley with seven, Katelynn Simpson with six points, Tabitha Morrison scored three points and Erin Chatham had two points.

"I was pleased with the overall effort for the first game of the season. I saw some good things, but we have got plenty of stuff to work on," Sweat said.

Rabun County came to Dawsonville and fought hard against the Lady Tigers on Saturday.

The Lady Wildcats from Homer and Dawson County exchanged leads in the first quarter before Sweats' team outscored them 19-13 in the second quarter to take a 33-27 halftime lead.

Both teams continued the defensive pressure in the second half as the game was close throughout.

The Lady Tigers held a 50-40 advantage after three quarters before holding on for the 13-point win.

"It was a typical North Georgia girls' basketball game with plenty of physical action," Sweat said. "Both teams were playing hard, aggressive defense, pushing the ball up the floor, crashing the boards, pressing full court and having fun."

Bearden recorded a double-double for the Lady Tigers with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Simpson led the Lady Tigers in scoring with 14 points. Freshman Sticker also pitched in 12 points in the win.

Finishing the scoring line for Dawson County was Haley Burgess with nine points, Eliza Sillesky scored eight, Morrison had six, Peytan Porter scored five and Costley had two points.

The Lady Tigers will have a rematch at Rabun County at 6 p.m. Dec. 1.