Dawson County closing in on perfection ... Pepperell girls move into first place

The Dawson County girls are closing in on an undefeated regular season.

Dawson County improved to 23-0 by thumping Lumpkin County 53-31 on Friday night. Lumpkin tried to keep it close by opening the game with a four-corner stalling strategy, but the No. 1-ranked Tigers made a few adjustments and took a 16-9 lead after the first quarter.

Dawson, now 10-0 in Region 7-AAA, wound up with three players in double figures: Karlie Bearden with 13 points and 14 rebounds, Haley Burgess with 11 points and Ashley Parker with 10 points.

Dawson County finishes its season next week with games at Fannin County and at home against West Hall.

The No. 2 South Atlanta girls (23-0) are also zeroing in on a perfect season The Hornets finish the regular-season campaign at North Clayton and at home against McNair.

Girls

Pepperell took over first place in Region 5-AAA by defeating Central Carroll 51-48. The Dragons (15-6, 7-1) were led by Jacrisa Ware with 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals and Erin Wilder with 11 points and seven rebounds. Jasmine Thrash led Central (21-2) with 19 points and Bri Cousin added 17 points and 16 rebounds. Pepperell has won five straight, while Central had its winning streak halted at eight games.

No. 3 Kendrick (21-1) outscored Rutland 18-0 in the first period and rolled to a 53-30 victory. Taylor Farley scored 17 to lead Kendrick.

No. 4 Laney got 19 points from Desha Benjamin and 18 points from Aaliyah Collier to defeat Hephzibah 62-59. The Wildcats (19-3) can clinch the Region 3-AAA regular-season championship on Tuesday with a win against Washington County.

Boys

Don Coleman scored 18 points and Ben Rhodes added 16 to lead No. 6 Butler to a 60-46 win over Westside Augusta. The Bulldogs (15-7) also got 12 points from Riquill Smoot. Westside (7-11) was led by Trez Hawes with 25 points.

No. 1 Laney used a balanced attack, with 11 players scoring, to post a 69-37 win over Hephzibah. The Wildcats (21-0) had 11 3-point baskets and were led by JaShawn Brooks with 13 points.

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Stan Awtrey

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