The Dawson County Middle School eighth grade boys' basketball team lost a heartbreaker, 47-44, to Pickens County Middle on Nov. 21.

"My guys played their tails off," said Head Coach Jonathan Tinsley. "We led pretty much the whole game."

The Tigers held a 24-14 lead at halftime, but were outscored 33-20 in the second half to take the loss.

Tiger Coey Watson had a game-high 21 points for Tinsley's team. Watson was followed by Nathan Sorrells with nine points, Jake Moore with six points, Logan Brumbelow with two points and Ty Fox contributed a single point.

"I'm so proud of the players. They are playing like I want them to. It was a great game to coach and be a part of. I just hate that in the end we lost. We have to take better care of the ball in tight games like that so that we give ourselves the best chance to win," Tinsley said.

The Tigers will take on cross-town rival Riverview Middle at 5:15 p.m. Dec. 6 at home.