Panthers pull away from Dragons after slow start
Union traveled to Fannin Friday, hosted Dawson Tuesday
By TODD FORREST Sentinel Writer

Michael Ross, fresh of scoring his 1000th career point in the previous game, led the Panthers (13-2) with 20 points on their way to a 62-45 victory over the Pickens County Dragons. However, the final score did not indicate just how close the score really was. Blake Gowder had 11 points for the Panthers and Austin Collins added seven, despite being in foul trouble for most of the game.

After trailing at halftime, Union trailed for most of the third quarter when a Kolt Owenby basket sparked a Panther run. "We started pressing in the second half and Owenby gave us a huge lift when he hit a three, and scored on layup after a forced turnover," said Hunter.

This Friday night the Panthers will take on the undefeated and fourth-ranked Fannin County Rebels. The Rebels took first place in the Battle of the States and are currently 1-0 in sub-region play. Fannin already owns a win over Dawson County so the winner will the early front-runner in 8AA North. The Panthers do have history on their side. Union County has defeated Fannin County six consecutive times and in eight of the past ten meetings.The girls will tipoff at 7:00 P.M. and boys will tip off after the conclusion of the girls game.

On Tuesday, Union County will host Dawson County. Dawson County swept Union last season on their way to the sub-region title. Dawson's win in Blairsville last season was Dawson's first victory in Blairsville since 1998. Dawson has already lost to Fannin this season and this Tuesday's match-up will have some extra importance since it is coming right on the heels of the Fannin game. It has also been requested by the Union County basketball players that everyone in attendance at this Tuesday's Union-Dawson game wear the color white. Tuesday's girls game will tip-off at 6:00 P.M. with the boys game to follow.