Fannin Co. defeats Dawson Co. 54-42, clinches third place in Region 7-3A

Senior Sophia D'Oliveira drives against senior Morgan Holt.

Fannin Co. (19-10, 8-7 Region 7-3A) defeated Dawson Co. (15-13, 7-8 Region 7-3A) 54-42 to win the third place game in the Region 7-3A tournament. The win also gives Fannin Co. a 3-seed in the 3A state tournament, and Dawson Co. will be a 4-seed in the tournament. The Lady Rebels finished the first quarter on a 13-0 run, which made it hard for Dawson Co. to fight back into the game, despite their efforts.

Junior Mackenzie Johnson sets up play while guarded by junior Maddie Anglin.

The game started out close, with the Lady Tigers leading 7-6 a few minutes into the game. However, Fannin Co. used a 13-0 run, which was capped off by a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by junior Natalie Thomas, to finish the quarter with a 19-7 lead.

Dawson Co. was able to claw back into the game with a 6-0 run in the middle of the quarter. The Lady Rebels responded with a 7-0 run of their own to lead 31-22 at halftime.

Senior Sadiee Collins defended by junior Bella Henson.

The Lady Tigers used strong defense to cut the lead to 37-31 heading into the final period. They held Fannin Co. to six points in the quarter, and used an early 8-2 run to keep the game close.

Dawson Co. was able to cut the lead to only four points early in the period, but the Lady Rebels gained momentum back quickly. They finished the game on a 7-2 run to win 54-42 and secure third place in the region.

Noah Rubin