TIGER - Mario Graves converted a three-point play with 3.5 seconds left to lift Dawson County to a thrilling 56-53 win over Rabun County Tuesday night in Region 8-AA North boys action.<br>
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It was the second game-winning shot for Graves in the past five days. He drained the game-winner Friday night to beat Union County give the Tigers (17-7, 7-0 in subregion) the subregion title and an automatic berth into the Class AA state tournament.<br>
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The state tournament berth is the first for the Dawson County boys since 1980.<br>
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Dawson led 12-8 after the first quarter but the Wildcats used an 18-11 second quarter to take a 26-23 halftime lead. Rabun led 43-41 going into the fourth quarter.<br>
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Dawson rallied midway through the fourth and outscored Rabun 15-10 in the quarter to get the win.<br>
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Zach Cook led Dawson with a season-high 22 points. Graves finished with 12.<br>
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Cody Coleman led Rabun with 21 points. Sam Marsengill added 17 for the Wildcats.
