The Dawson County Middle School eighth grade girls' basketball team used a strong third quarter to pull away from Jasper Middle School to earn the group's second championship trophy in as many years.
Last year, playing for Riverview Middle School, the team won the seventh grade championship.
The Lady Tigers outscored Jasper 18-5 in the third to take a 31-19 lead going into the fourth quarter. Dawson held on to come away with a convincing 39-25 victory.
Head Coach Nichole Gilleland and her team finished the season a perfect 17-0. Over the last two years the team has an impressive 30-2 record.
“It was a great game,” commented Gilleland. “I am so proud of the girls. We had a tough start. Jasper kind of controlled the tempo of the game in the first half. We went into the locker room up by one, made a few adjustments, and really jumped out ready to play in the third quarter.”
Jasper used a ball control offense to take an early 10-6 lead after one quarter. Dawson began its comeback in the second quarter, outscoring Jasper 7-4 to be down by one at halftime, 14-13.
Lady Tiger Hannah Porter nailed two big 3-point shots in the third quarter to get Dawson going offensively.
Porter was named the MVP of the Mountain League Tournament. Gilleland said about her guard, “She, Porter, played the best game I've ever seen her play. She was a huge leader in our win.”
Allie Costley received the All-Tournament award for the game. “She played a good tournament and had a couple of good scoring games,” said Gilleland.
“Everyone had a hand in the win today,” commented Gilleland. “I'm proud of the girls for everything they have accomplished this season. They are a talented group of girls and I am really looking forward to watching them in high school. I hope they will continue with the work ethic that has helped them win two championships, and stay together. They're a great team and I feel honored to have been able to spend two years working with them.”
Scoring for the Lady Tigers were Hannah Porter 10, Allie Costley 9, Kenna Seitz 8, Carly Gilreath 5, Gracie Hovan 3, Kacie Bearden 3 and Samie Smith 1.
E-mail Pam Jacobs at sports@dawsonnews.com.