The Dawson Co. Tigers fell to the Cedar Grove Saints in the first round of the 3A state playoffs on Friday night. The Tigers couldn’t get their shots to fall until the fourth quarter. They scored 38 in the final period, but fell just short.

Jasper Gibson pulling up for a jumpshot.

Jasper Gibson led Dawson Co. with 33 points, Campbell Reed had 13 points, and Mason Barnes had 11 points.

The Tigers started off the game with a 9-2 run, which was capped off with a 3-pointer from Gibson. The score from Gibson gave him 2,000 career points. The Saints fought back and led 12-11 at the end of the period.

The second quarter opened up with the teams trading scores, but the Saints ended the period on a 15-2 run to lead 33-20 at halftime.

Dawson Co. opened the second half strong with an 8-2 run, but Cedar Grove responded well again by finishing the quarter on a 13-3 run. They led 48-31 heading into the final period.

The Tigers outscored the Saints 38-24 in the fourth quarter, but fell just short. They hit five 3-pointers in the period, including one from Reed with one second left. The Tigers tried to steal the inbound on the following play, but had to foul and send the Saints to the line. They missed both free throws, but there wasn’t enough time to get a shot up. The Tigers lost the game 72-69.

Campbell Reed defends a Cedar Grove player.

Coach Eric Herrick was proud of his team’s season as a whole, despite the off night.

“We’ve had some of the highest of highs and tonight was the lowest of lows. Great year. You can’t take a region championship away from them. We had an off night when we couldn’t afford to have an off night.”

The loss ends the Tigers’ incredible season at 25-3. They were undefeated in Region 7-3A and won the region tournament.