The DeKalb County High School Tigers basketball team was back in action last week, traveling to Watertown where they took part in the AFLAC Shootout tournament. They would have a tough game to start the tourney, but would bounce back and take a close win in their second game.

On Tuesday, December 28, the Tigers were at the Watertown Middle School gym where they faced off with the powerful Siegel Stars. Siegel would pull ahead early in the game, but DeKalb would stay within striking distance throughout.

The Tigers scored 10 points in the first period, with Elishah Ramos coming out strong with a three-point basket, a pair of two-pointers, and a free throw. Robert Wheeler also added a two-point shot. The Stars opened up with 16 points on the board.

DeKalb came away with nine points in the second period, with Ramos hitting a two-pointer and a couple of free throws, while Stetson Agee and Jordan Parker got on the board each with a two-point shot. Wheeler added a free throw point. Siegel added to their lead with 11 points, 29-19 at the half.

Wheeler sank a three-pointer for the Tigers in the third period, while Agee, Isaac Knowles, and Nathaniel Crook each hit a two-point basket. The Stars were held to eight points, but still commanded a 37-28 lead.

The Tigers ended the game with 11 points. Knowles came on strong with a pair of two-point shots and a three-pointer, while Wheeler added another two-point basket. Agee sank a couple of free throws. Siegel ended the game with 13 points, taking the 50-39 win.

Ramos scored 12 points in the game, while Knowles had nine. Wheeler had eight, Agee six, and Crook and Parker each had two.

The following day the Tigers were back at it, this time taking on the Community Vikings. DeKalb would have a much better game, though the match would be decided in overtime.

Nathaniel Crook, Zack Birmingham, and Jordan Young each sank a three-point shot in the first period, while Conner Close came away with a two-point basket. Community was held to eight points.

Elishah Ramos hit a pair of two-point shots for the Tigers in the second period, while Conner Close came away with a two-pointer and a free throw. Stetson Agee also had a three-pointer, while Birmingham added a two-point shot. The Vikings came out big, scoring 20 points and taking the 28-23 halftime lead.

The Tigers put seven points on the board in the third period, with Agee and Ramos each sinking a two-pointer, while Knowles added three free throw points. The Vikings were held to only four points, but still held a 32-30 lead.

DeKalb came back in the fourth, scoring 12 points. Knowles scored a pair of two-point shots and a couple of free throws, while Close added a couple of two-pointers of his own. Ramos also had a two-point basket. Community was held to 10 points, tying the game at 42 and sending it into overtime.

Agee came up big for the Tigers in overtime, scoring a two-pointer and four free throw points. Close added a two-point shot as well, while Ramos and Young each had a free throw point. The Tigers also held the Vikings to just seven, claiming the 52-49 victory.

Close and Agee each had 11 points in the game, while Ramos and Knowles each had nine. Birmingham scored five, Young had four, and Crook scored three.

The following Thursday, the Tigers were once again in Watertown, this time facing a team from Moore County. The game would stay close and go back and forth. It would come down to the fourth period.

The Tigers scored five points in the first period, all from Conner Close. He scored a two-pointer and a three-point shot. Moore came away with seven, taking the lead.

DeKalb stepped up their game in the second period, scoring 17 points. Close added a pair of two-pointers and three free throw points, while Jordan Young came away with a three-point shot. Elishah Ramos added a two-point basket, Isaac Knowles three free throws, and Stetson Agee two free throw points. Moore was held to 11 points, giving the Tigers the 22-18 halftime lead.

Ramos sank a three-point shot for the Tigers in the third period, while Close hit a two-pointer. Agee had a free throw point. Moore was held to six points, giving DeKalb a 28-25 lead.

The Tigers came away with 15 points in the fourth period, with Ramos sinking a three-pointer and a free throw, while Agee and Zack Birmingham each had a three-pointer of their own. Knowles and Young each had a two-point basket, while Nathaniel Crook added a free throw. Moore came out big, scoring 22 and taking the 47-43 win.

Close scored 14 in the game, while Ramos came away with nine. Agee had six points, Knowles and Young each had five, Birmingham had three, and Crook one.