December 9, 2023
By: dwayne page
DCHS closed out Alumni week Friday night in Smithville by crowning the 2023 Baron and Baroness and with the Tigers and Lady Tigers defeating their visiting border rivals from Warren County.
The Lady Tigers won their game 70 to 59 while the Tigers knocked off the Pioneers in the nightcap 61 to 53.
Prior to the games, the Alumni Homecoming ceremony was held to recognize the 2023 Baron and Baroness Alex Antoniak and Ella VanVranken, both Seniors on the Tiger and Lady Tiger basketball teams.
Each year a member of both the Tiger and Lady Tiger basketball programs are honored with the title of “Baron” and “Baroness.”
The DCHS Alumni Homecoming Attendants were: Freshmen Chase Young and Brylee Kirby; Sophomores Jon Hendrix and Chloe VanVranken;; Juniors Jordan Parker and Annabella Dakas; and Seniors Conner Close and Elaina Turner.
“Alumni Week” is observed at DCHS much in the same way as homecoming week is celebrated during the football season and each year a member of both the Tiger and Lady Tiger basketball programs are honored with the title of “Baron” and “Baroness”. The name “Baron” and “Baroness” is taken from Revolutionary War hero Major General Baron Johann De Kalb for whom DeKalb County was named when the county was created by the Tennessee General Assembly in 1837.
With the victories Friday night, both the Tigers and Lady Tigers improve to 4-4 on the season. DCHS will host Smith County Tuesday night, December 12 and travel to Cannon County Friday night, December 15. Action begins each night with the girls contest at 6 p.m. followed by the boys game and WJLE will broadcast LIVE.
In the girls game Friday night, the three-point shots were falling for both DeKalb and Warren County. The Lady Tigers had 12 three pointers and all but one came in the first half. Warren County also had 12 three pointers in the game.
The Lady Tigers opened up a 24 to 15 lead after the 1st period and built a 53 to 31 advantage by halftime. DeKalb County led 65 to 45 after the 3rd period and went onto claim a 70 to 59 victory.
Chloe VanVranken led DC in scoring with 23 points followed by Ella VanVranken with 18, Avery Agee 12, Cam Branin 9, Tess Barton 5, and Allie Melton with 3.
The Tigers trailed the Pioneers 14 to 8 after the 1st period of the boys game but fought back for a 24 to 22 halftime lead. DC held a 41 to 33 advantage after the 3rd period and won 61 to 53.
Conner Close led the Tigers in scoring with 25 followed by Alex Antoniak with 12, Jon Hendrix 8, Jordan Parker and Seth Fuson each with 6 and Dallas Kirby 4.