Dawson County battled hard but fell just short in an 82-75 loss to defending state champions GAC in Dawsonville. Luke Chism led the efforts with 24 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks.

The #5-ranked Tigers (5-2; 1-1 7-AAA) fell a game behind #1 GAC (4-3; 2-0 7-AAA) in the region standings early, but the matchup proved to be a likely region title game later in the season.

The Spartans jumped all over Dawson in the early going, as Hunter McIntosh scored 14 in the first half. Roy Dixon (10) and Ben Sheppard (9), as well as Cole Perusek (7) all had big first halves as well for the visitors. 

GAC led 21-7 after one quarter, but the Tigers clawed back into the game with a great second quarter on the offensive end, scoring 22 points. The Spartans kept pace though, trading buckets en route to a 23-point second quarter that had them up 44-29 at the half.

Chism’s 24 led the way for Dawson, while Eli Burris scored 18, Campbell Reed 12, and Ahmad Kamara 9 points and 5 rebounds. Jasper Gibson chipped in with 5 points and 7 assists.