The Dawson Co. Tigers fell to the Creekview Grizzlies 72-70 in the first game of the 2020 Raider Classic Thanksgiving tournament at North Forsyth. Senior Jake Craft scored 32 points in his debut for the team, and fellow senior transfer Joakeim Celestin scored 15 points in his debut.

With three transfers, a new head coach, and no returning starters, this season’s Dawson Co. team looks very different from last season’s Region 7-3A championship team.

Senior Max Tierney rises up for the dunk.

You wouldn’t be able to tell it was the team’s first game together if you watched them play.

New head coach Todd Cottrell’s offense got off to a hot start, scoring 37 points in the first half. They were led by senior transfers Craft and Celestin scored 15 points and nine points. Senior Max Tierney also eight points in the first half, including an emphatic dunk that was a huge momentum swing for the Tigers. Unfortunately, the defensive energy didn’t match the offense, as they trailed 38-37 at halftime.

Both teams stayed hot offensively in the second half. However, it was Creekview that gained control of the momentum and the lead. Down six with eight seconds left in regulation, Craft was fouled on a three-point shot that he hit, which cut the lead to only two points. After the Grizzlies missed their free throw, the Tigers’ three point shot at the buzzer was no good. They lost the game 72-70.

Dawson Co. continues tournament play on Monday at 4 p.m. as they play Heritage Conyers high school.