“Cats” Catch Crown in Own Cradle: Gilmer Wins ETC Tip-Off Tournament

The Gilmer High School Lady Bobcats and Bobcats basketball teams both placed first in the annual ETC Tip-Off Tournament. The round robin style tournament features boys and girls’ basketball games played between Copper Basin, Fannin County, Pickens, and Gilmer High Schools. Gilmer was the host school of this year’s tournament.The Gilmer Lady “Cats” secured a three way tie for first place with a 49-46 back and forth battle with the Dragonettes of Pickens High School in the last girls’ game of the tournament.

Brittany Lowman was the Lady “Cat” bringing thunder all game, as she finished with the lone double double of the game, 12 points and 12 rebounds. She also had three assists, three blocks and a steal.

Jade Green helped Lowman crash the boards, as she picked up eight rebounds. Green also chipped in seven points.

The Lady Bobcats’ battle with the Dragonettes was contested throughout the contest. The first quarter ended with both teams tied at 14 a piece.

The Dragonettes caught fire in the second quarter, as Pickens picked up a 23-19 lead with just a few seconds left in the half. However, a buzzer beating three from Lowman cut the lead to one, 23-22, at half time.

The third quarter saw the Lady “Cats’” claws come out, as Gilmer outscored Pickens 14-11 in the quarter; taking a 37-33 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Dragonettes refused to back down, cutting the lead to one, 41-40, with 4:33 left in the game. The “Nettes” twice more pulled within a point, the last time with 29.1 left, on a deep jumper by Danielle Goss.

A steal by Jade Green, followed by her making a free throw and Lowman’s block of a last second shot attempt by Sarah Smith clutched a “Cats’” victory and forced a three way tie for first place.

Lowman, Bailey Charles and Hope Watkins were named to the All-Tournament team after the game.

The Bobcats boys’ basketball team clinched a first place finish with a 58-54 win over the PHS Dragons. Bobcat, Joe Bob Charles, erupted for 33 points and 12 rebounds. He also had two each of assists, steals, and blocks. Wheeler Lancey was the second leading scorer for the “Cats” with 18 points.

The “Cats” began the game with a 7-0 run on the back of five straight points from Charles, however a 9-5 run by Pickens closed the gap to 12-9 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw the Dragons take the lead briefly before ending with both teams tied at half time, 25-25.

Gilmer pulled away in the third outscoring Pickens 18-8 to take a 10 point 43-33 lead into the fourth and final quarter.

With just over two minutes left in the game Gilmer lead by seven, 57-50; however, the Dragons heated up and outscored Gilmer 4-1 over the last two minutes. The Bobcats held on for a 58-54 victory.

After the game, Charles, Lancey and Corey Waters were named to the All-Tournament team.