After opening the season with a multitude of games on their first week, the DeKalb County High School Tigers and Lady Tigers only had one game last week, and are preparing for a pre-Thanksgiving tournament in Whitwell.
On Nov. 22 DeKalb traveled to Warren County to take on the Pioneers, and for the Tigers, the match was a nail-biter right to the very end.
The Tigers and the Pioneers seemed evenly matched, with both teams coming away with a 12-point tie in the first quarter. Ethan Roller had a three-pointer and a two-point shot for the Tigers, with Justin Bone getting two two-pointers.
In the second quarter the Tigers looked to pull away, outscoring the Pioneers 14-9. Roller came away with another three and two-point shot, while Eli Lomas got a three-pointer. Kaleb Ferrell, Austin Frazier, and Justin Bone each had a two-point shot. The Tigers were up 26-21 at the half.
The Tigers saw their lead dwindle in the third quarter, with Warren County outscoring DeKalb 18-13. Bone had a three-point and a two-point shot, while Roller got another three-pointer. Steven Jennings had a three-pointer, while Lomas had a two-pointer. Once again the score was tied, 39-39.
Things were close through the fourth period, keeping Tigers’ fans on the edge of their seats. The Tigers scored ten points in the quarter with Jennings getting a three-point and a two-point shot, and Bone coming away with a three-pointer. The Pioneers fought back strong, but could only manage eight points in the period, giving DeKalb the two-point win, 49-47.
Roller went five for eight attempts on free throws during the game.
For the Lady Tigers a more decisive victory was on hand for the evening. The girls took on the Lady Pioneers of Warren County in a game where DeKalb took control early.
The Lady Tigers scored 13 points in the first period, compared to Warren’s six. Morgan Pedigo had two three-point shots, while Paige Winningham had three two-pointers.
Winningham repeated her score in the second quarter, taking three two-pointers, while Ray Baker and Jailyn Bolding each had a three-pointer. DeKalb had 15 points in the period with Warren only getting eight, giving the Lady Tigers a 28-14 lead at the half.
The Lady Pioneers got closer in the third period, scoring 19 points to the Lady Tigers’ 10. Pedigo had two three-pointers, with Kenzie Poteete and Loren Cripps each having a two-pointer. DeKalb’s lead narrowed to 38-33.
The Lady Tigers were able to pull away in the fourth and seal the win. Winningham had three two-point shots, while Pedigo got two three-pointers. DeKalb scored 18 points in the period, while Warren came away with 11, giving the Lady Tigers a 56-44 victory.
Winningham went four for six on free throws, while Cripps was two for three. Bolding and Pedigo were each two for two.
The Tigers and Lady Tigers will both be in Whitwell the day before Thanksgiving to participate in the Whitwell Tournament.