DAWSONVILLE — Dawson County opened with a 23-11 first quarter and then cruised to a 71-54 win over Calhoun Tuesday night in the first round of the Class AAA state playoffs.
The Lady Tigers (24-4) used its press to devastating affect early on to build the big lead. The Lady Yellow Jackets rallied to within 37-29 by halftime but could get not closer. Dawson County pushed its lead to 54-45 heading into the fourth quarter and then held Calhoun to just nine points over the final eight minutes.
Haley Burgess led Dawson County with 19 points, including five 3-pointers. Karlie Bearden added 17 points and Kaylee Sticker had 15 for the Lady Tigers.
Dawson County, the No. 2 seed from Region 7-AAA, will play the winner of the Laney/Central Macon game on Friday.
In other action, East Hall, the No. 3 seed from Region, fell to Ringgold 69-50 in the first round. It was a disappointing finish for the Lady Vikings, who were looking for a return trip to the Final Four.
Jefferson led 27-18 at halftime but could not hold off a huge second half charge by Pepperell. The Lady Dragons were outscored 42-21 in the second half and eventually fell 60-48 to Pepperell.
Banks County also had a rough night falling 66-46 to Region 6-AAA No. 1 seed Sonoraville on the road.
