Dawson County Middle School eighth grade boys’ basketball team dropped its season opener 32-25 to Union County last Friday night in Blairsville.

Will Anglin led the Tigers in scoring with nine points.

Second leading scorer was Jacob Picklesimer with six points off the bench.

Also scoring for Dawson was Matthew Hammond-5 points, Gunnar Armstrong-3 points, Jeffrey Partington-2 points and Mitchell Putnam with one point.

“We knew going into the game that we were playing the best team in our conference,” commented head coach Jonathon Tinsley.

“We got behind early, 12-3 after one quarter, and just couldn’t catch back up,” he added.

Dawson trailed 20-8 at halftime.

The second half was a different story, as the Tigers came out with fire in their eyes.

Coach Tinsley’s squad outscored the Panthers 16-14, but it wasn’t enough as the team lost by seven.

“It is a starting point for us. We play again on Monday against Gilmer at home,” said Tinsley.

The eighth grade boys will also have games this Friday against Fannin County at home, Monday at Riverview and Tuesday at Clear Creek.

All tip-offs will be around 7:30 p.m.         

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