Dawson County Middle School's seventh-grade girls basketball team captured the North Georgia Mountain League championship last week with a 24-18 win over Fannin County.

The Lady Tigers qualified for the championship game with a 32-7 win Feb. 1 over Jasper.

Emma Brown led all scorers in the game with 15 points.

Brown was followed by teammates Cadey Ayers with nine points, Marley Hamby added four points, Carley Burt and Sydney Morgan each scored two points.

The championship game against Fannin was close throughout. The Lady Tigers held a slight 8-6 lead at halftime.

The Lady Tiger defense got tough in the third quarter and held the Lady Rebels to only three points, while adding eight points, to hold a 16-9 advantage.

Fannin County wouldn't quit and outscored Dawson County 9-8 in the final quarter. Fortunately for the Lady Tigers, it wasn't enough and the team held on for the win.

Brown, named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, led all scorers with 13 points. Hamby scored six points, Burt added four points and Calli Watson had one point in the victory.

Hamby was named the Academic Award recipient and to the All-Tournament Team for head coach Nichole Green's squad.