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November 12, 2024 Tuesday night, the Excel Christian Academy boys basketball team lost for the first time this season at South Paulding, 99-70. The host Spartans (1-0) raced to a 29-12 lead in the first eight minutes and never trailed. South Paulding led 57-32 at halftime and 78-52 through three quarters. Malachi Hogan led six South Paulding players in double-figure scoring with 23 points. Evan Chappell paced Excel with 23 points. Kaiyu Huffman followed with 13. ECA (3-1) hosts Galloway on Friday at 7:30 p.m. CHATTOOGA 74, WOODLAND GIRLS 16 The Lady Cats opened the 2024-25 season in Summerville Tuesday night with a 74-16 loss at Chattooga. Chattooga (1-0) led by 16 after one quarter and built a 36-6 halftime advantage en route to the non-region victory. Woodland (0-1) hosts Gordon Central on Thursday at 6 p.m. CHATTOOGA 75, WOODLAND BOYS 62 The Wildcats and Indians traded the lead several times Tuesday night in Summerville, but Chattooga pulled away in the fourth quarter to win 75-62. Woodland led 19-15 after the opening eight minutes, but Chattooga grabbed a 31-30 advantage at the intermission. Both teams posted 18 points in the third quarter, leaving the Indians with a 49-48 lead. Chattooga (1-0) scored the first seven points of the fourth quarter to take a 56-48 lead. Woodland narrowed the margin to six points with approximately six minutes remaining, but the Indians eased away for a 13-point win. Woodland (0-1) hosts Gordon Central on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. NOTE: Coaches are asked to send their results to Bartow Sports Zone after every game.

November 12, 2024 The Woodland High School swim team finished sixth in combined scores Saturday (Nov. 9) at the 19-team TikTok Classic, hosted at the Calhoun Aquatic Center. The Woodland boys were fourth, and the Lady Cats were seventh, with Marist winning the combined team score title.  Calhoun had the top boys' score, with Marist taking the girls' top spot. Top performances for Woodland swimmers: Boys 400-yard freestyle relay 2nd - Isaac Muriel, Kadin Keith, Grayson Moore, Isaiah Muriel (3:40.14) Boys 200-yard medley relay 4th - Grayson Moore, Isaac Muriel, Isaiah Muriel, and Keith Kadin (1:54.51) Boys 100-yard backstroke 4th - Grayson Moore (1:02.15) Girls 400-yard freestyle relay 5th - Emily Guin, Paisley Harp, Karynne McKenney, Natalie Guin (4:43.95) Boys 100-yard freestyle 5th - Isaac Muriel (55:06) Boys 100-yard butterfly 6th - Grayson Moore (1:01.08) Boys 50-yard freestyle 6th - Isaac Muriel (25.11) In the Swim for a Cause meet at the Cherokee County Aquatics Center earlier this season, Wildcats' team captain Grayson Moore qualified for the 2025 GHSA State Meet in the 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, and the boys' 200-yard freestyle relay events. Teammates Isaiah Muriel, Isaac Muriel, and Kadin Keith joined Moore in the relay. Natalie Guin won the girls' butterfly. Emily Guin was second in the 50-yard freestyle, and Isaiah Muriel took second place in the 100-yard backstroke. Woodland's girls' medley relay team (Ka'rynne McKenney, Natalie Guin, Peighton Young, and Emily Guin) finished second. The same group was second in the 400-yard freestyle relay. Woodland is scheduled for a meet at Calhoun on Thursday, November 21, and will host the Woodland Invitational at the Adairsville High Aquatics Center on Saturday, November 23. Complete meet results from the TikTok Classic in the attached file:

November 11, 2024 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com This week’s report includes updates on more than three dozen local athletes in six different sports across the nation. NFL TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL, 4th-yr. pro; Clemson; Cartersville HS) …missed just the second NFL game of his career Sunday in the Jaguars’ 12-7 home loss to the Minnesota Vikings. NFL Network reported that rest and rehab are the plans for the 25-year-old signal-caller dealing with an AC joint sprain in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. Surgery, however, remains an option. He sustained the injury in the second quarter of the Jaguars’ loss in Week 9 at the Philadelphia Eagles but finished the game. Mac Jones started at quarterback in the loss to the Vikings. Lawrence, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has completed 61.3 percent of his passes for 2,004 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions through nine starts in 2024. The Jags (2-8) visit the Detroit Lions on Sunday. COLLEGE FOOTBALL KOLBE BENHAM — Marist College (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … made eight tackles in a 40-31 win at Stetson University this past Saturday. The Red Foxes (1-9, 1-6 Pioneer Football League) host Presbyterian College on Saturday afternoon to close the season. HAYDEN CAGLE — Berry College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … a starter on the Vikings’ offensive line that helped produce 360 total yards last Saturday in a 45-7 home win over Millsaps College (Miss.). Berry (7-2, 5-1 Southern Athletic Association) visits Rhodes College on Saturday afternoon. TODD GADDY — Berry College (So., Cass HS) … saw action this past Saturday during the Vikings’ 45-7 home victory over Millsaps College (Miss.). The Vikings (7-2, 5-1 Southern Athletic Association) visit Rhodes College on Saturday afternoon. JONAH GAMBILL — University of Memphis (R-Sr., Cartersville HS) … a starter on the Tigers’ offensive line that helped produce 366 total yards last Friday night in a 27-20 home win over Rice. Memphis (8-2, 4-2 American Athletic Conference) hosts UAB on Saturday night. KEVIN HENDERSON — University of Findlay (Fr., Cass HS) … a starter at linebacker, Henderson led the 24th-ranked Oilers with ten tackles, including one for a 2-yard loss this past Saturday during a 27-17 home win over Northwood University (Mich.). Findlay (9-1, 7-1 Great Midwest Conference) plays at Tiffin University (Ohio) this Saturday afternoon. SHADRE HURST — Tulane University (So., Cartersville HS) … was part of an offensive line rotation that helped produce 589 total yards in a 52-6 home win over Tulane. The Green Wave (8-2, 6-0 American Athletic Conference) will try to extend a seven-game win streak on Saturday at Navy. TYLER MARTIN — Berry College (Jr., Cass HS) … a starter on the Vikings’ offensive line that helped produce 360 total yards last Saturday in a 45-7 home win over Millsaps College (Miss.). Berry (7-2, 5-1 Southern Athletic Association) visits Rhodes College on Saturday afternoon. JAKE PARKER — Judson University (So., Cartersville HS) … completed 11-of-29 passes for 147 yards and one touchdown this past Saturday in the Eagles’ 76-6 loss at 7th-ranked Marian University (Ind.). He was intercepted twice. Judson (1-8, 0-4 Mid-States Football Association) completes the regular season on Saturday at 9th-ranked Saint Xavier University (Ill.). SAM PHILLIPS — UT-Chattanooga (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … had three receptions for 39 yards this past Saturday in the Mocs’ 31-7 victory at The Citadel. Chattanooga (6-4, 5-2 Southern Conference) hosts Samford on Saturday afternoon. STEPHEN ROWSER — Morehouse College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … a starter at defensive back but did not have a stat line in this past Saturday’s 28-17 loss to Clark Atlanta University. Rowser had 24 tackles, five tackles for loss, including four sacks, one quarterback hurry, and one forced fumble this season. The Maroon Tigers finished the season with a 1-9 record. COURTNEY SLOCUM — Mars Hill University (Sr., Adairsville HS) … made seven tackles this past Saturday in the Lions’ 31-16 win at Anderson University. Mars Hill (5-3, 5-2 South Atlantic Conference) plays at Limestone University on Saturday afternoon.  EVAN SLOCUM — Wake Forest University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … made eight tackles this past Friday night in the Demon Deacons’ 46-36 home loss to California. Wake Forest (4-5, 2-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) hosts North Carolina on Saturday night. VOLLEYBALL AILEE ENGLAND — Berry College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … had ten kills and one dig in two sets of action during a three-set win over Averett this past Saturday in Newport News, Virginia. Last Friday, she also saw action in two sets in a straight sets loss at Christopher Newport. Berry (13-13, 9-3 Southern Athletic Association) will open SAA Conference Tournament play Friday night in Danville, Kentucky against Sewanee in the first round. MAKAYLA MALONE — Toccoa Falls College (Fr., Excel Christian Academy) … saw action in the Screamin’ Eagles’ 3-0 loss to Pensacola Christian last Friday in the NCCAA D-II South Region Semifinals. Toccoa Falls finished the season with a 9-17 record. SOCCER ABBEY CRAIG — Reinhardt University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … was a defensive starter and logged all 90 minutes in the Eagles’ 2-1 conference semifinal loss at Tennessee Wesleyan. Craig started all 17 games this season for the Eagles and had one assist. Reinhardt finished the season with a 10-6-1 mark.  GOLF BUCK BRUMLOW — University of Georgia (Sr., Cartersville HS) … carded rounds of 68-68-69 and tied for 21st place at the Ka’anapali Classic Collegiate Invitational November 2-24 in Lahaina, Hawaii. The Bulldogs tied for sixth place in the 21-team event that second-ranked Oklahoma won. Georgia will return to action February 9-11 at the Puerto Rico Classic at Grand Reserve Golf Club. WRESTLING ANGEL BANDA — Reinhardt University (Sr., Adairsville HS) … won his 133-pound bout by technical fall as the Eagles defeated Truett McConnell last Friday 44-12. Next for Reinhardt is the Southeastern University (Fla.) Duals on Saturday. COLTON BISHOP —  Reinhardt University (Sr., Woodland HS) … went 4-1 and placed second in the 125-pound weight class this past weekend at the Georgia Open hosted by Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs. Next for Reinhardt is the Southeastern University (Fla.) Duals on Saturday. LEE CAMP — Reinhardt University (Fr., Cass HS) … won his 125-pound bout with a 7-1 decision as the Eagles defeated Truett McConnell last Friday 44-12. He also placed second on November 2 in the Open Division at the University of the Cumberlands’ Patriot Open. Next for Reinhardt is the Southeastern University (Fla.) Duals on Saturday. CHARLES HIGDON — Lander University (So., Woodland HS) … finished 1-2 in the 197-pound weight class this past weekend at the Georgia Open hosted by Emmanuel College. Next for the Bearcats is a dual meet at Coker University on Thursday night. TYLER-XAVIER McKNIGHT — Davidson College (So., Cass HS) … went 2-1 in the 149-pound division and finished runner-up this past Saturday at the Mountaineer Invitational in Boone, North Carolina. The week before, McKnight lost in the first round to the eventual bracket winner but battled back to win five straight matches in the consolation bracket, one by tech fall and another via major decision, to finish fifth on November 2 at the Southeast Open hosted by Virginia Tech.  LIAM NEAL — Reinhardt University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … went 4-2 November 2 in the 133-pound Freshman/Sophomore division at the Patriot Open Tournament hosted by the University of the Cumberlands.  JAXSON SMITH — University of Maryland (R-Jr., Woodland HS) … won his 184-pound bout against Kent State by technical fall and defeated his Bucknell opponent by major decision as the Terrapins swept both teams in a home tri-match on November 3. Maryland hosts American University on Saturday night. ELORA WATERMAN — Brewton-Parker College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … went 1-2 in the 103-pound division with a win by technical fall at the Mount Olive University Trojan Open on November 2. She also went 0-2 at the Life University Eagle Madness Open this past Saturday. Next for the Lady Barons is the Liberty Duals on Saturday in Lynchburg, Virginia. JABRIL WILLIAMS — Midway University (Grad Student, Cartersville HS) … lost his 184-pound bout on November 1 in a 35-9 home loss to Rochester Christian University (Mich.). Next on the schedule for the Eagles is the King Open in Bristol, Tennessee, on Sunday. ANETRA WITHERSPOON — Life University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … went 2-2 in the Open 180-pound division as Life hosted the Eagle Madness Open this past Sunday. Next on the Life schedule is the Blue Hose Open at Presbyterian College on Saturday. BASKETBALL BRAXTON BENHAM — Berry College (Sr., Cass HS) … totaled 40 points, 14 assists, eight rebounds, two blocks, and two steals as the Vikings dropped games at Hanover College (Ind.) last Friday and at Emory University Sunday. Berry (0-2) hosts LaGrange College on Tuesday and plays at Centenary College (La.) on Saturday. NA’YEL CAMPER — Reinhardt University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … scored one point and had three rebounds on November 2 in a 68-66 home win over Point University. She also had one rebound this past Saturday in a 69-63 home win over Life University. The Eagles (2-0) host Brenau on Wednesday and St. Andrews (NC) on Saturday. JA’KA’YAH DRAUGHN — Chattanooga State CC (So., Cartersville HS) … a starter in the Tigers’ first three games this season, Draughn totaled 25 points, four rebounds, five assists, and four steals in wins over Gadsden State CC (Nov. 2), Milligan University JV this past Wednesday, and at Volunteer State CC this past Saturday. Chatt State (3-0) visits Cleveland State CC on Wednesday and hosts Jackson State CC on Saturday. ANSLEY GRIFFIN — North Carolina Wesleyan (Fr., Cartersville HS) … scored two points and grabbed one rebound in an 81-65 Rams’ win Monday night at home over Roanoke. North Carolina Wesleyan (1-0) hosts Warren Wilson College and Averett University in the Jean Edge Classic on Saturday and Sunday. ZION HAYES — Weatherford College (Fr., Cass HS) … scored 12 points with seven rebounds, four assists, and one steal. She also had one rebound, assist, and steal this past Saturday in a 106-34 home win over Dallas College Cedar Valley. November 4 in an 87-52 home win over Southwestern Assemblies of God University. The Coyotes (2-2) host Western Texas College on Tuesday night. DAVID JINKS — University of Maine-Augusta (Fr., Excel Christian Academy) … scored three points in a 101-57 home loss last Wednesday to Central Maine CC. The Moose (0-1) host Maine-Presque Isle on Tuesday night and visit Maine-Farmington on Saturday. HALEY JOHNSON — Reinhardt University (Jr., Cass HS) … scored two points with five rebounds on November 2 in a two-point home win over Point University. She scored five points with three boards and two assists this past Saturday in a 69-63 home win over Life University. The Eagles (2-0) host Brenau on Wednesday and St. Andrews (NC) on Saturday. KEARA McDANIEL — Toccoa Falls College (Jr., Cass HS) … made a start this past Friday and grabbed three rebounds with one assist in a 55-48 loss at Morris College (SC). She scored three points with two assists last Wednesday in a 91-56 loss at Truett-McConnell University. The Screamin’ Eagles (0-4) host Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College on Tuesday and visit Southern Wesleyan (SC) on Saturday. MEGAN SCHULTZ — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (Fr., Woodland HS) … totaled three points and two rebounds in home games last weekend against LaGrange College and Beacon College. The Fillies (1-3) lost to LaGrange and beat Beacon. They play at Toccoa Falls College on Tuesday, host Middle Georgia State on Thursday, and host Point University on Saturday. LONDAISHA SMITH — St. Andrews University (Sr., Cass HS) … scored 11 points, grabbed five rebounds, and added one steal this past Wednesday in a 62-51 home loss to Spartanburg Methodist. The Knights (0-3) visit Columbia College on Wednesday and Reinhardt University on Saturday.

November 10, 2024 The GHSA football pairings for Class AAA have been released, and the final results now reflect the new Post-Season Rankings. The Adairsville Tigers will open the first round at Sandy Creek. The Patriots are the No. 4 seed in the 32-team bracket. Adairsville is the No. 29 seed. The winner of the Sandy Creek/Adairsville matchup will play the winner of LaGrange/Lumpkin County. Four other Region 7-AAA teams made the state playoffs in the new format. They include Gilmer (No. 28) at North Hall (No. 5), Calhoun (No. 6) hosting Spalding (No. 27), Heritage-Catoosa (No. 15) hosting Southeast Bulloch (No. 18), and Northwest Whitfield (No. 23) at Jenkins (No. 10).  Locally in Class 4A, Cartersville will host Westminster and Cass will play at Blessed Trinity on Friday night.

November 10, 2024 Cartersville golfer R.B. Clyburn was named the 2024 GSGA Men’s Player of the Year this week at ceremonies at the Bobby Jones Golf Course in Atlanta and the inaugural Layne Williams Celebration of Champions Invitational. The Player of the Year is determined by earning points at Georgia State Golf Association events throughout the year. Clyburn paired with partner McLain Leberte of Roswell to win the 52nd Georgia Four-Ball Championship in April. He also won the 105th Georgia Match Play Championship in July. In other events, he tied for third in the 103rd Georgia Amateur Championship in July, tied for seventh in the 43rd Georgia Mid-Amateur Championship in May, tied for 29th in the Georgia Open in August, and qualified for the U.S. Four-Ball Championship in June. Jackson Buchanan of Dacula finished runner-up in the Men’s Player of the Year race, followed by Jake Peacock of Milton. Other local golfers in 2024 Player of the Year races included Christina Surcey (fourth in the Women’s Player of the Year), Chad Branton (fifteenth in the Men’s Senior), Charles Wilson (tied for 53rd in the Men’s Senior), and Randy Charles of Acworth (tied for 81st in the Men’s Super Senior).

November 9, 2024 The Cartersville High School competition cheerleading team won the Region 7-4A championship on Saturday and matched Central-Carroll for the top score in the Class 4A Sectional at Walnut Grove High School. Cartersville (101.5 points) finished ahead of Cedartown (89), Dalton (81.5), and Woodland (78.5) in 7-AAAA. Cambridge (98.5), Harris County (96.5), Starr’s Mill (92), and Union Grove (90) were among the top scoring teams in the Class 4A Sectional. Adairsville (89) finished fifth in Region 7-3A won by Northwest Whitfield (103.5) at the Class 3A Sectional at West Laurens High School. Cass competed in the Co-Ed Division held at Walton High School that was won by Denmark (110.5). Cass scored an 88.5. All local teams finished in the top sixteen in their respective classifications and have advanced to the GHSA State Finals next weekend at the Macon Coliseum. Cartersville and Woodland will compete in the Class 4A State Finals on Friday. Adairsville will be in the Class 3A State Finals and Cass in the Co-Ed State Finals on Saturday. (click to expand photos)

November 9, 2024 The Cartersville and Woodland cross country teams competed Saturday at the GHSA Class 4A State Championships in Carrollton. The Cartersville boys finished 10th, and the Woodland boys placed 18th among 24 teams in the classification finals. Cambridge won the team championship. The Cartersville girls placed 15th, and the Woodland girls placed 18th out of 23 teams in Class 4A. The Marist girls won the state title. Results for each of the local teams: CARTERSVILLE BOYS Will Feuerbach (23rd, 17:10), Kaleb Lanier (52nd, 17:54), Ethan Empie (66th, 18:08), Hayden Mitchell (88th, 18:34), Barrett Stepp (96th, 18:45), Kyle Camper II (98th, 18:49), and Carson Robinson (115th, 19:18) WOODLAND BOYS Juan Mendoza (25th, 17:11), Will Parker (95th, 18:44), James Morris (110th, 19:08), Logan Marr (139th, 20:03), Charlie Hennington (142nd, 20:08), Connor Cruz (147th, 20:23), and Gabe Hardin (155th, 20:54) CARTERSVILLE GIRLS Sofia Burns (14th, 20:08), Kylie Ham (97th, 24:02), Hadley Finnemore (108th, 24:35), Genevieve Alessandro (111th, 24:40), Samantha Stepp (119th, 25:08), Jordan Hathaway (128th, 25:40), and Vivi Vest (141st, 27:08). WOODLAND GIRLS Allison Snead (61st, 21:57), Addison Brown (81st, 22:54), Miranda Pelow (93rd, 23:38), Abby George (129th, 25:41), Sophia St. James (142nd, 27:20), Lily Hiott (147th, 27:49), and Katie Anne Jones (158th, 29:09).

November 9, 2024 The Excel Eagles remained unbeaten on Friday night with an 85-71 win at Cornerstone Prep in Acworth.  The host Cougars led 17-13 after one quarter and the game was tied at the intermission before the Eagles took a four-point lead in the third quarter.  Excel extended the advantage in the final stanza and outscored Cornerstone 24-14 in the final period to secure the win. Evan Chappell paced Excel Christian with 23 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. Jayden Jinks scored 15 points. TJ Hubert and Jorge Ricardo followed with 11 points. Carter May and Kaiyu Huffman contributed nine points, while Connor Garland finished with seven points, ten rebounds, and three steals.  Seth Blalock led Cornerstone (1-1) with 27 points and 11 boards. ECA (3-0) plays at South Paulding on Tuesday night and will host Galloway on Friday.

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. Sadie Abernathy is the Adairsville High School Elite Athlete of the Month for October 2024.  A senior on the Tigers’ sideline and competition cheer teams, Abernathy is a captain and primarily a back spotter.  “Sadie exhibits our team values of dedication and 100% effort,” cheer coach Katie Forsyth noted. “She gives her best at each practice, game, and competition. She is a mentor and example to our younger athletes on the team. Sadie demonstrates leadership by taking the initiative to lead practices. She truly goes above and beyond for the team. Her desire to achieve excellence is shown through her consistency and drive. We appreciate everything that she does for our team!” Abernathy has a 3.7 GPA and is a Magnet Program student. She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, BETA Club, Environmental Club, and Women in STEM. She plans to continue her studies in business marketing and public relations. She is the daughter of Rondi Abernathy. Braylon Hill is the Elite Athlete of the Month for October 2024, representing Cass High School. Hill, a junior running back on the Colonels’ football team, had his workload increase dramatically during October following a shift in offensive philosophy. In three games during the month, Hill rushed for 453 yards on 57 attempts with four touchdowns — good for a 7.95 average per rushing attempt. As a result, he has 1,049 yards on 152 attempts for the 2024 season with ten touchdowns. In addition, Hill has six receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns as Cass clinched a state playoff berth for a fourth straight year. He is the son of Rashad Hill and Crystal Jefferies. Grayson Moore is the Woodland High School Elite Athlete of the Month for October 2024. A senior on the Wildcats swim team, Moore competes in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. He has been on the team for four years and has been captain for three seasons. In his first meet of the season, Moore qualified for the 2025 GHSA State Meet in three events. “Grayson has been a great role model in the water and out,” noted Woodland coach Rebecca Beard-Arndt. “He excels in the classroom while practicing six days a week, averaging 18 hours weekly in the water. The younger swimmers feed off his energy and excitement of the sport.” The son of Jennifer and Aaron Moore, he is an “All A’s” student and a member of the National Honor Society, National Society of High Scholars, Spanish Honor Society, Food Club, and Journalism.  He will receive an academic scholarship at Berry College, where he plans to continue his competitive swimming career. Nate Russell is the October 2024 Elite Athlete of the Month, representing Cartersville High School. Russell is a Canes football and baseball team junior, a quarterback, and a standout right-hand pitcher. Russell was 43 of 63 passing in his last four games and threw for eleven touchdowns. He added 112 yards rushing in victories over Cedartown and Hiram. His efforts helped the Hurricanes complete a 10-0 regular season and a Region 7-4A championship. “Nate is a fantastic teammate that loves being a Purple Hurricane,” noted Canes’ quarterback coach Brent Rickman. “He consistently works hard and competes to be his best whenever he gets the opportunity. I’m thankful that Nate is on our team and experiencing success on and off the field.” He is the son of Eric and Caroline Russell. 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

November 5, 2024 The Excel Christian Academy boys improved to 2-0 on the season Tuesday night with an 85-69 win at home over Fideles Christian. The Eagles led 21-16 after one quarter and 51-27 at halftime. Fideles narrowed the margin to t65-49 by the end of the third quarter, but Excel held on for a 16-point victory. Evan Chappell led ECA with 25 points. Kaiyu Huffman scored 13 and TJ Hubert finished with ten. Carter May added nine points for the Eagles. Xander Lipinski paced the Rangers (0-1) with 20 points. Eli Shadburn scored 16. Excel plays at Cornerstone Prep Academy on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

November 5, 2024 The Cartersville Lady Canes volleyball team lost the Class 4A State Championship match to Pace Academy Monday night at the Champions Center at LakePoint, 27-25, 25-12, and 25-17. The title for the Knights (43-6) is their eighth straight. The Lady Canes battled in a back-and-forth opening set before falling. Pace Academy controlled the next two to take the match in straight sets. Pace Academy's only in-state loss this season was to Class 5A state champion Pope in four sets in August. Cartersville finished the season as state runner-up with a Region 7-4A championship and a 33-12 overall record. The Lady Canes’ year included winning streaks of seven, eight, and nine matches.

November 5, 2024 Each of the high school cross country teams in Bartow County competed in their respective GHSA State Sectional Championships this past weekend. The Cartersville girls and boys, along with the Woodland girls and boys, advanced to the Class 4A State Championship Meet. The Cartersville boys finished sixth at the Class 4A Sectional 2 (Regions 3, 5, 6, 7) at One Church Course in Fayetteville. The Woodland boys placed eleventh, and Cass was 18th of 24 teams. The boys’ race included 170 runners. Cambridge won the sectional with five runners in the top 19. Starrs Mill was second, followed by Westminster, Blessed Trinity, and Marist. The Cartersville girls placed tenth of 23 teams in Fayetteville. Woodland was 12th, and Cass was 22nd. There were 165 runners in the Class 4A sectional. The Harris County girls won Sectional 2, with five runners finishing in the top fifteen. The Westminster girls were runner-up, followed by Northview. The Adairsville boys team placed 15th of 20 teams at the 141-runner Class 3A Sectional 2 (Regions 5, 6, 7, 8) at Unicoi State Park in Helen. The Lady Tigers did not field enough runners to have a team score. The top 12 teams at each sectional advanced to the State Championship in Carrollton. The Class 4A races will be on Saturday at Carrollton High School. Top five scoring runners for each team: Cartersville girls Sofia Burns (7th, 19:02), Hadley Finnemore (80th, 22:42), Jordan Hathaway (83rd, 22:49), Samantha Stepp (85th, 23:03), and Genevieve Alessandro (88th, 23:17). Woodland girls Allison Snead (38th, 20:46), Miranda Pelow (69th, 22:05), Addison Brown (76th, 22:32), Abby George (102nd, 24:00), and Lily Hiott (124th, 26:05) Cass girls Jimena Perez (128th, 26:40), Charley Doyle (129th, 26:53), Peyton Waldrop (144th, 27:59), Peyton Brennan (152nd, 29:39), and Alina Murrillo (153rd, 29:39). Cartersville boys Will Feuerbach (11th, 16:09), Barrett Stepp (18th, 16:42), Kaleb Lanier (29th, 17:07), Kyle Camper II (44th, 17:28), and Ethan Empie (45th, 17:29). Woodland boys Juan Mendoza (15th, 16:33), Will Parker (64th, 17:56), James Morris (68th, 18:04), Charlie Hennington (112th, 19:04), and Conner Cruz (116th, 19:09). Cass boys Nicholas Robinson (61st, 17:53), Leonardo Galeana (97th, 18:43), Booker Gearhart (120th, 19:19), Sawyer Foy (124th, 19:23), and Adam Brush (126th, 19:25). Adairsville boys Jonathan Ringwell (41st, 18:01), Griffin Bozeman (50th, 18:18), Aaron Souders (102nd, 10:16), Owen Kelly (122nd, 22:14), and Logan Brown (132nd, 23:13). Adairsville girls Fernanda Singer (78th, 24:37) of 139 runners. EXCEL CROSS COUNTRY RUNNERS COMPETE AT GAPPS STATE MEET Excel had individual runners compete in the GAPPS (Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools) State Cross Country Championships on October 26 in Macon. Hugo Jara (19th, 20:16), Raul Vazquez (21st, 20:24), and Kasen Higginbotham (35th, 23:13) were among 43 competitors at the GAPPS Division 1 5K Championship. St. John Bosco Academy won the team title.