Charleston – Cameron’s senior class closed a trilogy the same way it opened it.
The Dragons held off a Gilmer County rally Saturday evening, claiming their third consecutive Class A state championship in a 50-43 victory over the Titans in the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
With the win the Dragons become the first Class A public school in state history to win three consecutive titles. It’s also the second championship game victory against Gilmer County in the run, the first coming in 2022.
Closing the first half on a 15-0 run, the Dragons broke a 14-14 tie to lead 29-14 at the half. On the mat, Allie Ellyson led the charge for Gilmer as the Titans outscored Cameron 21-10 in the third quarter, slashing the deficit to two points early in the fourth.
Within three points late in the game, Gilmer failed to pry the lead from the Dragons who made all six of their free throw attempts in the final minute.
Ashlynn Van Tassell capped the game and her high school career with 14 points and 19 rebounds, earning Class A Tournament MVP honors. Across three games she averaged 23.6 points and 24.6 rebounds per game.
Kenzie Clutter, Cameron’s other all-state senior, finished with 16 points.
Ellyson led the Titans and all scorers with 20 points in the loss
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The Class A all-tournament team was comprised of Ashlynn Van Tassell (Cameron), Allie Ellison (Gilmer County), Mary Beth Meadows (James Monroe), Ashlee Dobbs (Cameron), Raven Matthews (Tucker County) Mya Dunlap (James Monroe), Ava Dobbins (Gilmer County) and Kenzie Clutter (Cameron).
