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January 15, 2025 KK Arnold (shown in a recent home game) scored 15 points Wednesday night in the Lady Canes' non-region win at Adairsville. The Cartersville Lady Canes won at Adairsville Wednesday night in a non-region basketball game between the intra-county rivals, 50-41.  Cartersville led 16-7 after the opening eight minutes and held leads of 25-20 and 37-28 at the end of the next two periods. Zoe McCurry and KK Arnold led the Lady Canes in the scoring column with 16 and 15 points, respectively. Bayley Stanley added six points. NaXyria Roberts scored 16 points for the Lady Tigers. Alivia Joslin and Lily Roberts finished with nine points. Cartersville (11-8, 7-1) returns to Region 7-4A play Friday at Allatoona at 6 p.m. Adairsville (9-9, 2-3) plays a Region 7-3A game Thursday night at 6 p.m. at Calhoun. The Lady Tigers then host region foe Gilmer on Friday night in a 7 p.m. tip.

January 16, 2025 In games that were rescheduled from last weekend, the Adairsville High basketball teams split Region 7-3A contests Thursday night at Calhoun. ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 71, CALHOUN 54 Tre Winters scored 24 points in the Tigers' win Thursday at Calhoun. The Tigers moved to within one-half game of first place in Region 7-3A Thursday night with a 71-54 win at Calhoun. As a result, Adairsville, Calhoun, and Northwest Whitfield have one loss at the top of the region standings. The Tigers held an 18-15 lead at the end of the first quarter and were up 35-29 at the intermission but built an 18-point lead by the end of the third quarter, 59-41. “It was another great defensive effort,” said Adairsville coach Alex Disbrow. “A good win, but we have another important region game tomorrow night.” Tre Winters and Xavious Nalls led Adairsville with 24 and 22 points, respectively. Tyrek Hames and Ben Abernathy added eight points for the Tigers. Trace Hawkins led Calhoun (8-3, 4-1) with 17 points, and Jaxon Moore scored 16. Adairsville (10-8, 5-1) hosts Gilmer on Friday at 8:30 p.m. CALHOUN 50, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 20 The Lady Tigers had a problematic scoring night Thursday at Calhoun and fell to the Lady Jackets, 50-20. Calhoun led 16-6 at the end of the opening period and 28-12 at halftime.  Adairsville then managed only eight more points in the second half. Jaylene Johns led Calhoun (10-5, 4-1) with 12 points. Jaylen Moore scored 10 for the Lady Jackets. NaXyria Roberts and Alivia Joslin scored five points for the Lady Tigers. Adairsville (9-10, 2-4) hosts Gilmer in a Region 7-3A game on Friday at 7 p.m.

January 15, 2025 In a quad swim meet hosted by Cass Tuesday night at the Adairsville High School pool, Coahulla Creek (191) outscored Cass (121), Woodland (96), and Southeast Whitfield (78) for a combined team victory. Event winners for Cass and Woodland: Emily Guin, Woodland — Girls 200-yard freestyle (2:33.07) Marta Trezza, Cass — Girls 200-yard individual medley (2:42.24) Jordan Russell, Cass — Boys 50-yard freestyle (25.82) Natalie Guin, Woodland — Girls 50-yard freestyle (28.74) Gavin Hubbard, Woodland — Boys 100-yard freestyle (1:03.08) Marta Trezza, Cass — Girls 100-yard freestyle (1:04.58) Cass girls 200-yard freestyle relay — Jimena Perez, Ryland Piatt, Adyson Doolittle, and Marta Trezza (2:03.60) Isaiah Muriel, Woodland — Boys 100-yard breaststroke (1:16.57) Cass and Woodland will return to the Adairsville High School pool on Thursday for the Bartow County Championship.

January 14, 2025 This week’s update is for athletes with local connections nationwide and worldwide at the collegiate and pro level. CHINA — CBA PRO BASKETBALL ASHTON HAGANS — Xinjiang Flying Tigers (5th yr. pro; Cartersville native; University of Kentucky; Newton HS) … in losses last week to Fujian and Nanjing, Hagans totaled 14 points, 18 assists, eight rebounds, and two steals. Xinjiang (20-9) has slipped to fifth place in the 20-team pro league. The Flying Tigers play at Jiangsu and host Guangzhou this week. WRESTLING ANGEL BANDA — Reinhardt University (Sr., Adairsville HS) … went 3-1 in bouts wrestling at 125 pounds and 133 pounds as the Eagles finished third at the NAIA Virginia Duals this past weekend in Hampton, Virginia. Banda had a pair of tech fall wins and one win by pin. Reinhardt defeated Davis & Elkins College (WV), Johns Hopkins University (MD), and Ferrum College (VA). The tournament loss was to the eventual champion, Kutztown University (PA). The Eagles return to the mat Thursday at the Emmanuel University Duals. They will also participate in the Southeastern University Open on Saturday in Lakeland, Florida. LEE CAMP — Reinhardt University (Fr., Cass HS) … went 3-0 in his bouts as the Eagles finished third at the NAIA Virginia Duals. Camp recorded 125-pound wins in Reinhardt’s victory over Johns Hopkins and loss to Kutztown. He added a major decision win at 133 pounds in the Eagles’ third-place match victory over Ferrum. Reinhardt wrestles at the Emmanuel University Duals on Thursday and the Southeastern University Open on Saturday. KYLE GOLLHOFER — University of Northern Iowa (Sr., Woodland HS) … lost a 4-2 decision in his 125-pound bout, but the 7th-ranked Panthers defeated 14th-ranked South Dakota State 31-3 this past Saturday to win the NWCA National Dual Meet Championship in Cedar Falls, Iowa. UNI also defeated Sacred Heart, Ohio University, and Northern Colorado in the tournament. The Panthers travel to Tempe, Arizona to face Arizona State on Friday and will participate in the Iowa State Cyclone Open on Sunday. BRYCE KRESHO — Franklin & Marshal College (Jr., Cass HS) … went 4-1 in his 141-pound bouts and placed fifth this past weekend at the David Lehman Open hosted by the Diplomats, where 23 D-I schools were represented. Kresho’s wins were against Kent State, Harvard, American University, and Long Island opponents. Franklin & Marshall hosts an EIWA conference dual on Saturday against Binghamton. TYLER-XAVIER McKNIGHT — Davidson College (So., Cass HS) … went 5-3 on January 5-6  in the 149-pound bracket at the 23-team Chattanooga Southern Scuffle to place sixth. McKnight and teammate Tyson Sherlock became the first Wildcats in seven seasons to place at the tournament. The team scored 30.5 points at the Scuffle to register a new program best in that event. McKnight is now 20-7 this season. The Wildcats will host the Davidson Duals on Saturday. EAIDEN NEAL — Reinhardt University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … dropped his only bout at 133 pounds in a team win over Davis & Elkins this past weekend at the Virginia Duals in Hampton. The Eagles went 3-1 as a team to place third. Reinhardt heads to the Emmanuel University Duals on Thursday and will participate in the Southeastern University Open on Saturday. JAXON SMITH — University of Maryland (R-Jr., Woodland HS) … won his 184-pound bout Saturday as the visiting Terrapins upset 10th-ranked Michigan in Ann Arbor, 19-18, on criteria. Smith, ranked 11th nationally as an individual, won a 4-1 decision in his bout.  On Sunday, he pinned his opponent at Michigan State in the first period as the Terps toppled the Spartans 27-11. Maryland, now 2-0 in the Big Ten, hosts Wisconsin on Friday night. ANETRA WITHERSPOON — Life University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … the Eagles won the 2025 NWCA National Duals this past weekend with wins over Missouri Baptist University, Campbellsville University (KY), University of Providence (MT), and Grand View University (IA). Witherspoon won her only 207-pound bout in Life’s 48-0 victory over Missouri Baptist. The Eagles host Lindsey Wilson College (KY) and Presbyterian College on Wednesday. BASKETBALL BRAXTON BENHAM — Berry College (Sr., Cass HS) … scored 23 points with eight assists, six rebounds, and two steals last Thursday in an 81-78 home loss to Sewanee-University of the South (TN). This past Sunday, Benham finished with three points, eight assists, five rebounds, four steals, and one blocked shot in a 91-68 home victory over Centre College (KY). The Vikings (8-7, 1-1 Southern Athletic Association) host Oglethorpe University on Wednesday and travel to Millsaps College (MS) for a Saturday conference tilt. NA’YEL CAMPER — Reinhardt University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … scored two points and added two steals and one assist Tuesday, January 7, in a 67-59 win at Johnson University (TN). Reinhardt (13-3, 9-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) plays at Brenau University on Wednesday and plays Montreat College (NC) on the campus of UNC-Asheville on Saturday. CLAIRE DAVIS — Kennesaw State University (Jr., Cass HS) … did not have stat lines but saw brief floor time last Thursday and Saturday in the Owls’ home losses to Middle Tennessee (59-47) and Western Kentucky (72-62). KSU (5-9, 0-3 Conference USA) seeks to snap a four-game skid Thursday at Sam Houston. The Owls also play at Louisiana Tech on Saturday. JA’KA’YAH DRAUGHN — Chattanooga State CC (So., Cartersville HS) … scored nine points with four assists, two rebounds, and two steals on Wednesday, January 8 in a 66-39 home win over Motlow State CC. The Tigers (10-5, 6-1 Tennessee Community College Athletic Association) play at Dyersburg State CC on Saturday. ANSLEY GRIFFIN — North Carolina Wesleyan (Fr., Cartersville HS) … did not have stat lines but saw brief action in the Bishops’ wins at Greensboro College on January 7 and Meredith Colege this past Sunday. North Carolina Wesleyan (7-6, 4-2 USA South Athletic Conference) hosts Methodist University on Wednesday night and Pfeiffer University on Saturday. ZION HAYES — Weatherford College (Fr., Cass HS) … collected three rebounds in losses to Collin County CC on January 8 and at McLennan CC this past Sunday. The Coyotes (7-7, 0-2 North Texas Junior College Conference) visit Hill College on Wednesday and host Southwestern Christian College on Saturday. ZYON HEATH — LaGrange College (Fr., Woodland HS) … saw action in a 96-65 road loss on January 7 at Belhaven University. Heath had two rebounds and two assists. The Panthers (4-11, 0-3) host Maryville College (TN) and Asbury University (KY) this weekend. HALEY JOHNSON — Reinhardt University (Jr., Cass HS) … grabbed four rebounds and added one assist and one point Tuesday, Jan. 7, in the Lady Eagles’ 67-59 win at Johnson University (TN). Reinhardt (13-3, 9-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) plays at Brenau University on Wednesday and plays Montreat College (NC) on the campus of UNC-Asheville on Saturday. MEGAN SCHULTZ — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (Fr., Woodland HS) … collected two rebounds last Thursday (Jan. 9) in a 79-54 home loss to the University of Mobile. The Fillies (5-11, 0-5 Southern States Athletic Conference) host Tennessee Southern on Thursday and Blue Mountain Christian on Saturday. LONDAISHA SMITH — St. Andrews University (Sr., Cass HS) … totaled 24 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, four steals, and one blocked shot as the Lady Knights won at Columbia International University but lost at home to Johnson University (TN) last week. St. Andrews (6-10, 3-7 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts Winston Salem State on Monday, visits Truett McConnell University on Wednesday, and entertains Bluefield University (VA) on Saturday.  ALISSA WINTERS — Truett McConnell University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … scored four points with one rebound and one assist on January 7 in a 52-49 Lady Bears’ home win over Bryan College (TN). She added six points, four rebounds, and one steal on Monday in a 43-32 victory at Toccoa Falls College. TMU (8-7, 5-4 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts St. Andrews University on Wednesday and plays at Johnson University (TN) on Saturday.

January 15, 2025 All local high school basketball teams were in action Tuesday night as local schedules returned to region action. CASS BOYS 76, WOODLAND 62 Dylan Miller scored 12 points in the Colonels' win Tuesday night over visiting Woodland. The Colonels trailed by five points at halftime Tuesday night but came out of the third quarter with a five-point lead in a come-from-behind region win at home over Woodland. The Wildcats led 18-15 after one quarter and 37-32 at halftime before Cass rallied in the third quarter to take the lead. The Colonels led 55-50 entering the fourth quarter en route to a 14-point victory. “Our defensive intensity in the second half was great,” Cass coach Kevin Cunningham said following the game.  “We played well and turned our defense into offense. I’m pleased to get this win.” Xavier Lowe scored 20 points for Cass. Dylan Miller finished with 12. Parnell Gamble and Jason Brown totaled 11 points, while Jakai Baldwin and Comari Nettles added eight. Jayden Metcalf poured in 27 points for the Wildcats. Isaiah Livsey finished with 12 points, and Bryson Van Tonder added seven for Woodland. The Wildcats (5-14, 1-7) travel to Hiram for a 7:30 p.m. tip on Friday. Cass (6-11, 3-5) hosts Southeast Whitfield on Friday at 7:30 p.m. CASS GIRLS 49, WOODLAND 13 The Lady Colonels held a 24-9 lead by halftime and cruised to a 49-13 home win Tuesday night over Woodland. KK Evans scored 16 points to pace the Cass girls. Cadie Paez finished with eight points, and Yvonne Ellison added five for the Lady Colonels. Nevaeh Smith-Ferman scored four points for the Lady Cats. Woodland (1-19, 1-7) plays at Hiram on Friday at 6 p.m. Cass (8-9, 5-3) hosts Southeast Whitfield on Friday at 6 p.m. ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 52, LAFAYETTE 34 Xavious Nalls poured in 18 points Tuesday night in the Tigers' win over LaFayette. Three Tigers scored double figures Tuesday night as Adairsville rolled by visiting LaFayette, 52-34. Adairsville led 33-20 at the intermission and extended the lead to 43-27 by the end of the third quarter. “I was pleased with our defensive effort tonight,” noted Adairsville coach Alex Disbrow. Xavious Nalls led the Tigers with 18 points. Ben Abernathy scored 13, and Tre Winters scored 10 points in the Region 7-AAA win. Bryson Penson and Isaiah McKenzie led the Ramblers (9-8, 1-4) with eight points. Khalas Finley added six points for LaFayette. Adairsville (9-8, 4-1) plays at Calhoun on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and hosts Gilmer on Friday at 8:30 p.m. EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 74, UNITY CHRISTIAN 52 The Eagles led visiting Unity Christian 32-24 at halftime Tuesday night and pulled away in the second half for a 22-point region win. Carter May and Kamarion Profit led Excel in scoring with 13 points. Connor Garland contributed 10 points, while Evan Chappell and Jorge Ricardo added eight points for the Eagles.  Ondreo Sawyer led the Lions (1-15, 0-2) with 25 points. Excel Christian (10-7, 3-0) hosts Arlington Christian of Fairburn on Friday at 6 p.m. CARTERSVILLE BOYS 53, DALTON 48 The Hurricanes improved to 10-9 overall and 5-3 in Region 7-4A Tuesday night with a 53-48 home win over Dalton. Kyron McClendon scored 15 points with three rebounds for Cartersville. Wyatt Thomason totaled 13 points, six boards, two assists, and two steals. Kaden Baldwin contributed eight points and four rebounds, while Grayson Warmack had 11 rebounds with three points and three assists. The Catamounts slipped to 9-6 overall and 6-2 in region play. The Canes play at Allatoona on Friday at 7:30 p.m. DALTON 60, CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 45 Trinity Montgomery had seven points and five rebounds on Tuesday in the Lady Canes' home loss to Dalton. Visiting Dalton built a 20-point lead in the first half and held off the Cartersville girls Tuesday night at The Storm Center, 60-45. Dalton led 34-14 at the intermission and 48-35 through three quarters. Aubry Camp paced Dalton with 19 points. Alexia Gonzalez and Jolie Wingfield contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively. KK Arnold scored 11 points with four assists and three steals for Cartersville. Zoe McCurry followed with 10 points, five assists, and three steals. Trinity Montgomery and Senai Camper added seven points for the Lady Canes. Montgomery had five boards. Dalton improved to 14-3 overall and 7-1 in Region 7-4A. Cartersville (10-8, 7-1) visits Adairsville on Wednesday at 6 p.m. and Allatoona on Friday at 6 p.m. LAFAYETTE 47, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 42 In a game that was close from start to finish Tuesday night, the visiting LaFayette girls held on to defeat the Lady Tigers, 47-42. The Lady Ramblers led 25-24 at halftime and 37-31 at the end of the third quarter in their eventual five-point win. Tamra Yancey led all scorers with 16 points for LaFayette (11-8, 2-4). NaXyria Roberts scored 14 points for Adairsville. Alivia Joslin, Rihanna Crittendon, and Lily Roberts contributed seven points for the Lady Tigers. Adairsville (9-8, 2-3) hosts Cartersville on Wednesday at 6 p.m., visits Calhoun on Thursday for a 6 p.m. start, and hosts Gilmer on Friday at 7 p.m.

January 14, 2025 The Georgia Athletic Coaches Association (GACA) recently released its 2025 pre-season all-state recognition, including five local athletes. Junior forward/striker Annabelle Williams (Cartersville) and sophomore forward/striker Ansley Burns (Woodland) were named Girls’ Pre-Season Class 4A First Team selections. Senior midfielder Melvin Velasquez (Cass) was also named Boys’ Pre-Season Class 4A First Team. Senior forward/striker LIbby Morgan (Woodland) and junior midfielder Mallory Nicklas (Cartersville) were recognized as Girls’ Pre-Season Honorable Mention.

January 13, 2025 Five local high school football players were recognized by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and named 2024 Class 4A All-State. Two offensive linemen, Cartersville’s Langston Hogg (6-2, 255, Jr.) and Bear McWhorter of Cass (6-4, 305, Jr.), were named to the Class 4A First Team Offense. Junior offensive lineman Kail Ellis of Cass, junior wide receiver Brady Marchese of Cartersville, and senior defensive back Jordyn Woods of Cartersville received honorable mention. The complete 2024 AJC Class 4A All-State Team: Offensive player of the year: Harrison Faulkner, North Oconee Defensive player of the year: D.J. Jacobs, Blessed Trinity Coach of the year: Tyler Aurandt, North Oconee First Team Offense: QB - Harrison Faulkner, North Oconee, 6-0, 180, Jr. RB - Quinterrius “Moonie” Gipson, Kell, 5-11, 205, So. RB - Jonaz Walton, Central-Carrollton, 5-10, 205, Jr. WR - Kamari Maxwell, New Hampstead, 6-1, 185, Sr. WR - Landon Roldan, North Oconee, 6-1, 185, Sr. WR - Jaivon Solomon, Jones County, 6-2, 175, Sr. OL - Tre Glover, Warner Robins, 6-5, 305, Jr. OL - Langston Hogg, Cartersville, 6-2, 255, Jr. OL - Bear McWhorter, Cass, 6-4, 305, Jr. OL - Gabe Smith, Cambridge, 6-5, 330, Sr. OL - Jacobe Ward, Benedictine, 6-5, 350, Sr. ATH - Jayden Barr, Eastside, 6-1, 195, Sr. ATH - Jontavius Wyman, Jonesboro, 6-0, 180, Jr. PK - Connor Ferguson, Benedictine, 5-10, 165, Sr. First Team Defense DL - Cassius Burch, Creekside, 6-2, 245, So. DL - Kameron Cody, Benedictine, 6-3, 285, Jr. DL - Isaiah Gibson, Warner Robins, 6-5, 245, Sr. DL - Jack Richerson, Marist, 6-4, 205, Jr. LB - Khamari Brooks, North Oconee, 6-4, 225, Jr. LB - Christian Gass, Eastside, 6-3, 225, Sr. LB - David “D.J.” Jacobs, Blessed Trinity, 6-5, 230, So. LB - Herbert “Third” Scroggins III, Benedictine, 6-3, 230, Sr. DB - Rasean Dinkins, Warner Robins, 6-0, 173, Sr. DB - Fenix Felton, Eagle’s Landing Christian, 6-1, 185, Sr. DB - Tae Harris, Cedartown, 5-11, 190, Sr. DB - Cortez Redding, Jonesboro, 6-0, 180, Jr. P - William Bates, Ware County, 6-0, 170, Sr. Honorable Mention ATH Decorrion Daniels, Perry, Jr. DB Demarcus Gardner, Cedartown, Sr. DL Jeremiah Ticket, Jonesboro, Sr. DB Marcelous Townsend, Blessed Trinity, Sr. DB Jordyn Woods, Cartersville, Sr. LB Bailey Benson, Eastside, Sr. LB Jordan Donald, Perry, Sr. LB Noah Gerrick, Marist, Sr. LB Michael Gibbons, Cedartown, Sr. LB Savion Husband, Mays, Sr. LB/HB Macklin Sanders, Ola, Sr. LB/TE Brayden Rouse, Kell, Jr. OL Kail Ellis, Cass, Jr. OL Jahari Medlock, Drew, Sr. QB Cayden Benson, Creekside, Jr. QB Devin Edmonds, Jones County, Sr. QB Jack Euart, Marist, Sr. QB Weston Taylor, Cambridge, Sr. QB Rashawn Truell, New Hampstead, Sr. QB Skyler Williams, Warner Robins, Sr. WR Craig Dandridge, Cambridge, Jr. WR Lincoln DeLaere, Starr’s Mill, Sr. WR Brady Marchese, Cartersville, Jr. WR Samuel Turner, Southwest DeKalb, Sr. WR Dylan Vickerson, Creekside, Sr.

January 10, 2025 The Cass High School swim team finished runner-up to Rome at a Wolves’ home quad meet Thursday night. Rome won the meet with 237 points. Cass was second with 101, followed by Model (48) and Armuchee (13). Adyson Doolittle of Cass won the girls’ 200-yard individual medley at 3:12.07. Two other Cass individuals had runner-up finishes. Anniston Duckett was second in the girls’ 100-yard butterfly (1:17.71), and Marta Trezza was second in the girls’ 100-yard freestyle (1:02.50). Additionally, the all-freshman girls’ 200-yard freestyle relay team of Lily Fekete, Jersi Best, Rylee Bullock, and Willow White finished second in 1:53.27. The Colonels will host Coahulla Creek and Southeast Whitfield on Tuesday at the Adairsville High School pool. The Bartow County Swim Championship will be held at Adairsville on Thursday.

January 10, 2025 Jett Johnson finished 4-0 in his bouts at the Region 7-AAA Duals Thursday night. The Adairsville HIgh School wrestling team finished fourth Thursday night at the Region 7-AAA Duals Championship at Heritage-Catoosa in Ringgold. Jett Johnson was the top performer for the Tigers. He was undefeated in four bouts and pinned each opponent. Adairsville fell to Lafayette (49-28) in the first round but had wins over Calhoun (46-33) and Northwest Whitfield (53-26) before losing the Third Place match to Lafayette, 60-21. The Area Traditional Championship for Adairsville is at Lafayette on February 1.

January 10, 2025 The Cartersville girls’ and boys’ basketball teams won home games over visiting Woodland Thursday night at the Storm Center, while the Cass teams split games at Allatoona. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 74, WOODLAND 9 Zoe McCurry goes up for two of her 18 points in Cartersville's win over Woodland. The Lady Canes built a big lead early and rolled to a 74-9 win over Woodland Thursday night at home. Zoe McCurry scored a game-high 18 points to pace Cartersville. Senai Camper followed with 17 points, and KK Arnold finished with 14 points for the Lady Canes. McCurry added seven steals and five assists. Camper had 10 rebounds and five steals, while Arnold contributed five assists and four steals. Zay Bryan scored four points for the Lady Cats. Woodland (1-18, 1-5) visits Cass on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Cartersville (10-7, 6-0) hosts Dalton (13-3, 6-1) in a showdown of the Region 7-4A leaders on Tuesday. CARTERSVILLE BOYS 71, WOODLAND 46 Wyatt Thomason scored 22 points and collected six rebounds Thursday vs. Woodland. The Hurricanes started fast Thursday night, leading Woodland 38-25 by halftime in an eventual 71-46 Storm Center win over the Wildcats. Wyatt Thomason paced the Canes with 22 points and grabbed six rebounds. Kyron McClendon scored 15 points, and Zac Tolbert added nine. Grayson Warmack collected seven rebounds, and Shakai Taylor added six boards. Tylen Metcalf and Isaiah Livsey led the Wildcats with 16 and 13 points, respectively. Woodland (4-13, 0-6) visits Cass on Tuesday for a 7:30 p.m. tip. Cartersville (9-9, 4-3) hosts Dalton on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. CASS GIRLS 47, ALLATOONA 22 The Lady Colonels led 17-3 after the opening eight minutes and built a 29-8 lead by halftime Thursday night in Cobb County en route to a 25-point victory at Allatoona, 47-22. KK Evans had 12 points to lead a balanced Lady Colonels’ scoring attack. Kiana McDaniel finished with nine points. Darianna Sosa scored eight, and Kylie Gentry scored seven for Cass. Anna de Oliveira and Ava Glassmeyer led the Lady Buccaneers (2-12, 0-7) with 12 and 10 points, respectively. Cass (7-9, 4-3) hosts Woodland on Tuesday at 6 p.m. ALLATOONA 64, CASS BOYS 53 Region 7-4A leading Allatoona kept its league record unblemished Thursday night by holding off the Cass boys, 64-53, in come-from-behind fashion. The Colonels led 18-12 after one quarter and 37-25 at halftime before the host Buccaneers rallied in the third quarter to take the lead. Allatoona outscored Cass 23-5 in that fateful period to take a 48-42 advantage leading into the fourth quarter. Dean Soulsby led Allatoona (12-5, 7-0) with 25 points. Matt McAuley and Lewis Nganga added 10 points for the Buccaneers. Jason Brown scored 14 points for Cass. Xavier Lowe followed with 12 points and Jakai Baldwin added eight. Cass (5-11, 2-5) hosts Woodland on Tuesday in a 7:30 p.m. start.

Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com In conjunction with WBHF and Bartow Sports Zone, Elite Stone Supply presents the ELITE ATHLETES OF THE MONTH. Each month, local high schools name an Elite Athlete of the Month from their varsity programs and present the information on their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3FM and AM1450, WBHF in Cartersville. Ben Abernathy is the December 2024 Elite Athlete of the Month for Adairsville High School. Abernathy is a senior forward on the Tigers’ basketball team, averaging 13.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, including a recent double-double of 16 points and 23 rebounds in just three quarters during a win over Ridgeland. He has recently received multiple offers to continue his education and basketball career, including John Melvin College, Belhaven University, Grove City College, and Oberlin College. “Ben has been a model of consistency from day one.  His physical growth and skill development testify to his hard work and dedication to making himself the best player.  His leadership and competitiveness have been an important part of the success of the Tiger Basketball program,” commented Tigers’ head coach Alex Disbrow. The son of Philip and Crystal Abernathy, he has a 3.7 GPA. Nas Bennett is the December 2024 Elite Athlete of the Month for Cartersville High School. A junior guard on the Hurricanes’ basketball team, Bennett is a team captain averaging 14 points, seven rebounds, and two assists per game. He also hit a last-second shot earlier this season to defeat Hiram in a key region game. “Nas is a hard-working student athlete on and off the floor,” noted Cartersville coach Mike Tobin. “He earned All-Region honors last year as a sophomore and has continued to improve daily. He has enjoyed an outstanding start to this season.” He is the son of Quincy and Taia Harris. The December 2024 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Cass High School is Nakayla Evans. Evans, a junior forward/guard on the Lady Colonels’ basketball team, also excels with the Cass softball and track teams.  “KK is averaging double figures in scoring and is the Lady Colonels’ top scorer through the first half of the season,” noted Cass athletic director Nicky Moore. Evans plans to attend a college or university after high school to continue her education and athletic career. She is currently undecided on an academic major. Tylen Metcalf is the December 2024 Elite Athlete of the Month for Woodland High School. A sophomore point guard on the Wildcats’ basketball team, he has been a leading scorer and recently earned all-tournament honors at the Carrollton SMI Christmas Classic. “Tylen always puts 100% effort into every day and works hard on both ends of the court,” said Woodland basketball coach Kip Dyer. “He can bring up our defensive energy each game and is the spark we need in many games.” The son of Nicole and Dwayne Metcalf, he wants to continue his education after high school and play college basketball. Editors Note: The respective schools and athletic departments supply Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF with photos and bios. Elite Stone Supply Co., LLC is the monthly sponsor. Athletes receive a plaque and recognition during a radio feature on WBHF. #EliteAthletesoftheMonth #Cass #Cartersville #Woodland #Adairsville #highschool

January 8, 2025 Local teams were involved in a complete schedule of high school basketball games on Tuesday night. ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 55, RIDGELAND 25 The Lady Tigers built a 20-point lead by halftime and cruised to a 55-25 home region win Tuesday night over Ridgeland. Adairsville led 32-12 at the intermission and 42-19 by the end of the third quarter. NaXyria Roberts scored 21 points to lead the Lady Tigers. Annslee Craig added 10 points. Sha Elliott’s 12 points led the Lady Panthers (4-13, 0-5).  The Adairsville girls (9-7, 2-2) are scheduled to play at Calhoun on Friday night. ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 80, RIDGELAND 30 Ben Abernathy scored 16 points and grabbed 23 rebounds in the Tigers win on Tuesday. Four Tigers reached double-figure scoring Tuesday night as Adairsville routed the visiting Ridgeland Panthers, 80-30. Adairsville led 16-3 after one quarter, 44-14 at halftime, and 73-25 through three quarters en route to a 50-point win. Ben Abernathy recorded a double-double with 23 rebounds and 16 points in three quarters of playing time. Tre Winters led the Tigers in scoring with 19 points. Xavious Nalls contributed 16 points, and Barrett Fuller added 11. TJ Foster scored 10 points for the Panthers (5-12, 0-5). Adairsville (8-8, 3-1) is scheduled to play at Calhoun on Friday. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 64, CEDARTOWN 28 The Lady Canes built a 27-11 lead by halftime and eased to a 64-28 victory Tuesday night at Cedartown to stay undefeated in Region 7-4A play. Senai Camper led a balanced scoring attack for Cartersville with 11 points. She added five assists and two rebounds. JaBryanna Henderson scored 10 points with one rebound. KK Arnold totaled nine points, five steals, and four assists. Zoe McCurry finished with nine points, two assists, and two boards.  Kenzlei Boozer and Hayvin Barclay led the Lady Bulldogs (4-11, 2-4) with 13 and 11 points, respectively. The Cartersville girls (9-7, 6-0) will host Woodland on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. CEDARTOWN 85, CARTERSVILLE BOYS 74 (OT) Grayson Warmack The host Bulldogs improved to 9-7 on the season and 3-3 in Region 7-4A Tuesday night with an 85-74 win over Cartersville. Cartersville rallied in the fourth quarter to send the game into overtime. Nas Bennett, Wyatt Thomason, and Grayson Warmack had seven rebounds for Cartersville in the loss. Kaden Baldwin finished with six assists. The Hurricanes (8-9, 3-3) will host Woodland on Thursday night. SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD 40, WOODLAND GIRLS 21 The Lady Cats (1-17, 1-5) dropped a 40-21 Region 7-4A contest Tuesday with visiting Southeast Whitfield. The Lady Raiders improved to 3-7 overall and 2-4 in region play. The Woodland girls visit Cartersville on Thursday for a 6:30 p.m. tip. WOODLAND BOYS 65, SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD 27 The Wildcats raced to a 21-5 lead in the first quarter and added to their advantage each period Tuesday night in a 65-27 home region win over Southeast Whitfield. Tylen and Jayden Metcalf led Woodland with 15 and 14 points. Isaiah Livsey contributed 11, and Caiden Moore scored nine for the Wildcats. Mason Williams led the visiting Raiders (0-13, 0-6) with 10 points. Woodland (5-12, 1-5) plays at Cartersville on Thursday night. EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 77, PRAISE ACADEMY 74 The Excel Christian Academy Eagles won a hard-fought, back-and-forth win Tuesday night at Praise Academy, 77-74. Excel led 20-14 after the opening eight minutes, and the score was tied at halftime 38-38. Praise Academy led 57-55 heading into the fourth quarter, but the Eagles outscored the Lions 22-17 in the final eight minutes to escape with a three-point win. Carter May scored 22 points for ECA. Evan Chappell followed with 19 points. Kaiyu Huffman chipped in 11 points, and Kamarian Profit added 10. Brandon Ivey paced Praise with 20 points. Joshua Ridge contributed 16 points, and Hunter Ivey added 15 for the Lions (7-5). Excel Christian (9-7) is scheduled to play at Fideles Christian on Friday.  HIRAM 63, CASS GIRLS 59 Cadie Paez scored 11 points Tuesday in the Lady Colonels' home loss to Hiram. The Lady Colonels went down to the wire with visiting Hiram Tuesday night, but the Lady Hornets escaped with a four-point Region 7-4A victory. Hiram led 18-13 after one quarter before Cass grabbed a 30-28 advantage at the intermission. The Lady Hornets regained the lead by the end of the third quarter, 47-43, and held on in the final stanza. Taylor Crawford and Danariah Windom led Hiram (6-10, 5-1) with 27 and 21 points, respectively. Anizah Taylor and KK Evans posted 15 points for the Lady Colonels. Cadie Paez finished with 11 points. Cass (6-9, 3-3) plays at Allatoona on Thursday at 6 p.m. HIRAM 60, CASS BOYS 49 The Colonels stayed close with the visiting Hornets for over three quarters, but Hiram outscored Cass 17-9 in the fourth quarter Tuesday night for a 60-49 Region 7-4A win. Hiram led 12-9 after one quarter, 24-23 at halftime, and 43-40 moving into the fourth quarter. “We kept it close but couldn’t hit a shot late,” said Colonels’ head coach Kevin Cunningham. “All we can do is get ready for Allatoona.” Kingston Wilcox led Hiram with 17 points. Dino Loyd scored 14 points, and Mason McKinney added 11 for the Hornets (6-10, 4-2). Xavier Lowe scored 19 points for the Colonels, and Jakai Baldwin scored 10. Cass (5-10, 2-4) is scheduled to play at Allatoona on Thursday night.