Jasper, Ga — The Pickens Dragonettes tipped off their season on Thursday night as they welcomed the Union County Lady Panthers to the Dragons Den for a preseason tilt. Both the Nettes and the Lady Panthers were coming off of playoff appearances last season. Pickens, using a style of play they like to call “the system”, were able to come away with an impressive 79-67 win over Union County.

One of the newer rules laid out by the GHSA for this basketball season is no opening jump ball. The away team will get the opening possession of the game. In what was a high scoring first quarter, the Nettes jumped out in front of the Lady Panthers, 23-16.

The Nettes working the ball around on offense

In the second quarter, Pickens extended it’s lead over Union with a 20-13 quarter advantage to take a 43-29 lead into the break. Leading the way for the Nettes at the break was Cassidy Richards with 8 points.

The Nettes played aggressive defense throughout the game

Both offenses came alive in the the third quarter as a combined 48 points were scored between the two teams. The Nettes, outscored the Lady Panthers 25-23 in the third to extend their lead to 68-52 going to the fourth.

The Nettes setting up an inbounds play

In the fourth and final quarter, Union County would outscore Pickens 15-11, but the Nettes would come away with the win, 79-67.

Leading the way for Union County:

Ellie Cook: 24 points

Ava Hunter: 23 points

Leading the way for Pickens:

Caroline Mullins: 12 points

Carmyn Mullins: 11 points

Cassidy Richards: 9 points

Madison Powell: 9 points