Southwest DeKalb’s 6-8 center scored the game-winning basket in the final eight seconds and then blocked a shot in the last two seconds as the Panthers edged Douglas County 75-73 in opening-round action of the Sweet South Tournament Monday at Morgan County High School in Madison.

DCHS falls into the loser’s bracket and will face Cedar Shoals, a loser to Stephenson, at 10 a.m. today in the new gym.

Douglas County’s Lady Tigers had no trouble in the opening round, trouncing late arriving Mt. Zion (Jonesboro) 80-41. DCHS faces either Stephenson or Rockdale County at 4 p.m. today in the classic gym.

The boys contest was a battle from start to finish, with neither team able to take control. Southwest (7-3) led 17-14 after one quarter, 34-31 by halftime and 54-53 heading into the final eight minutes.

Douglas County (2-8) led by a point twice during the final period, before SW DeKalb won near the end.

“If we play at this level, we’ll be in games,” said DCHS coach Joby Boydstone. “We pressed and had some success. That’s what this team must do to have a chance to win.”

Boydstone felt his team could have pulled the game out, except for their 20 turnovers as compared to nine steals.

The coach also said this Tigers gave up too many layups and didn’t get back on defense. Individually, Douglas County did have some strong efforts against a solid opponent.

Aaron Drake led the Tigers’ offensive attack with 25 points, including six 3-point field goals. He also tied the game late with excellent free throw shooting.

Austin Igein contributed 14 points and eight rebounds, and was especially strong on the offensvie boards.

Antonio Glover had a solid game with 14 points and five rebounds, while DeVante Orebeau added eight points.

The girls opener was a mismatch from start to finish.

Arriving at the site late, Mt. Zion (2-9) was given 15 minutes to dress, warm up and start the game.

The Lady Bulldogs couldn’t handle the Lady Tigers press. DCHS, 9-1 and ranked No. 5 in the state by ga.sports.com, jumped out to an 8-0 advantage and was on top 21-7 after one period.

“We didn’t press after the first quarter,” said Lady Tigers’ coach Chet Forsh.

And the press certainly wasn’t necessary. The Lady Tigers were up 45-17 by halftime and 63-33 heading into the final quarter.

“Offensively, we looked better in several areas,” said Forsh. “Our passing was better, especially on the give-and-go to the basket.”

Latara Spriggs led a balanced scoring attack with 20 points, Kristina Wells had 18, Christin Mercer added 15 and Kianna Glover scored nine.

Everybody in uniform played and all but one of the Lady Tigers scored.

“We’ll get a much better test today - that’s for sure,” added Forsh.