August 8, 2024 Cartersville’s Zoie Shiflett struck out ten, tossed a complete game, and had a pair of extra-base hits with two RBI as the Lady Canes won their third straight to open the 2024 season in a 5-1 Region 7-4A victory Thursday night at Cass. Shiflett allowed just one earned run in the circle while scattering five hits and three walks. She tripled home the Hurricanes’ first run in the opening inning and doubled to drive in another run in the fifth inning. Four other Canes produced two hits including Jordan Bishop (solo home run), Kinsey Woodard,  Reese Dumas (triple, two RBI), and Kennedy Crenshaw. Allana Williams added one hit for the Cartersville offense. Lily Powell (4 IP, 2R, 1ER, 2H, 2BB, 2K) started in the circle for Cass and was tagged with the pitching loss. Kylie Gentry (3 IP, 3R, 2ER, 7H, 0BB, 4K) pitched the final three frames.  The only Cass run of the night tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the second inning. Chloe Hill doubled into left field scoring Harlee Thomason who reached on a walk. Braelyn Franklin, Darianna Sosa (double), Cayce Brown, Thomason, and Hill (double) had one hit for the Lady Colonels. Cartersville (3-0, 2-0) will play Lanier on Friday at 8 p.m. and then face Northgate (9 a.m.) and Kell (11 a.m.) on Saturday morning in the Colonel Back to School Bash. All three games are at Hamilton Crossing Park. Cass (1-2, 1-1) has games against Temple (9 a.m.) and White County (1 p.m.) on Saturday in the Hamilton Crossing Park event. ADAIRSVILLE 18, CHRISTIAN HERITAGE 1 The Adairsville Lady Tigers needed only three innings Thursday evening in Dalton to close out an 18-1 win at Christian Heritage. The Tigers posted six runs in the top of the first inning and 12 more in the second to make short work of the host Lady Lions. Ashlyn Carlton (3 IP, 1ER, 4H, 0BB, 3K) tossed all three innings to pick up the Adairsville pitching win. She also paced the Tiger offense with three hits including a triple and two RBI. Brie Patterson (home run, double, four RBI), Taylor Evans (home run, three RBI), and Kylie Perine (RBI) finished with two hits. Ashlynn Durden (double, two RBI), Ansley Powell (two RBI), Lily Roberts (RBI), and Riley Mounger added one hit. Christian Heritage falls to 0-1 following their season opener. Adairsville (3-0) plays Walker (9 a.m.) and Hampton (1 p.m.) on Saturday in the Colonel Back to School Bash at Hamilton Crossing Park. CEDARTOWN 13, WOODLAND 1 The visiting Cedartown Lady Bulldogs scored runs in all four frames to win at Woodland on Thursday night, 13-1, in four innings. Cedartown scored six runs in the top of the first, added a single run in the second, and added three more runs in the third and fourth innings. Bailey Ryan walked and later scored the Lady Cats run in the bottom of the first inning on a passed ball. Kamryn Smith (4 IP, 13R, 9ER, 12H, 2BB, 1K) was the pitcher of record for Woodland. Jordan Hammonds had two hits for the Wildcats. Gracie Korb added one hit. Cedartown improved to 3-0 overall and 2-0 in Region 7-4A. Woodland (0-3, 0-2) plays Murray County (4 p.m.) and Coahulla Creek (6 p.m.) on Friday at the Dalton Invitational.

August 6, 2024 The Cass Lady Colonels strung together five hits in the second inning to take a 4-0 lead and added two insurance runs in the top of the seventh on Tuesday night to collect a 6-2 Region 7-4A win at Woodland. The Lady Cats scored their two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning and were threatening for more but a line-out double play ended the final frame. Lily Powell made the pitching start for Cass and earned the victory in the circle. She did not allow a run while scattering three hits with two walks. Powell fanned two. Kylie Gentry (3 IP, 2R, 1ER, 3H, 1BB, 2K) closed out the final three innings for the Lady Colonels. Ashlyn Baines was charged with the pitching loss for Woodland. She tossed all seven innings allowing six earned runs on ten hits and two walks with five strikeouts. Cass received a lot of production from the bottom third of their batting order. Sydney Satterfield (double, RBI) and KK Evans had three hits. Bailey York (double, RBI) added two hits. Braelyn Franklin (RBI), Darianna Sosa (two RBI), Molli Morrow (double), and Harlee Thomason produced one hit for the Colonels. Six Wildcats finished with one hit including Gracie Korb (double, RBI), Bailey Ryan (RBI), Destiny Eckhart, Bitsy Hartsfield, Kamryn Smith, and Baines. Woodland (0-2, 0-1) hosts Cedartown in a region game on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Cass (1-1, 1-0) entertains Cartersville on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. CARTERSVILLE 15, DALTON 1 Jordan Bishop and LaKaiya Banks combined for seven hits and five RBI. At the same time, Lady Canes’ pitchers Zoie Shiflett and Kennedy Stevens limited the host Dalton Catamounts to just one unearned run in a 15-1 Region 7-4A rout on Tuesday night in Whitfield County. Bishop was 4-for-4 with a walk, three runs scored, and two stolen bases. Banks was 3-for-5 with two RBI, scored twice, and stole a base. Shiflett made the Purple Hurricanes’ pitching start and went four innings. She allowed one unearned run on three hits and one walk. The sophomore hurler recorded one strikeout. Stevens worked a scoreless fifth inning. She walked one and struck out the side. Reese Dumas produced two hits including a double for Cartersville with three RBI. Allana Williams also had two hits. Shiflett (RBI), Taryn Bradley (two RBI, two steals), Addi Burns, Ansleigh Tilley, and Layne Callan added one hit. The loss dropped Dalton to 0-2 overall and 0-1 in region play. Seventh-ranked Cartersville (2-0, 1-0) visits Cass on Thursday for a 5:30 p.m. start.

August 6, 2024 The Woodland High volleyball team started the 2024 season on Tuesday night in Jasper and suffered a trio of non-region losses in straight sets. The Lady Cats fell to the host Pickens Dragons 16-25 and 13-25, lost to the Gilmer Bobcats 7-25 and 13-25, and fell to the Fannin County Rebels 7-25 and 13-25. Woodland coach Caroline Gore credited Dayana Jaimes as the Lady Cats’ defensive leader in the three matches with Abygail Childs and Emily Guin leading the offense. Woodland (0-3) will host Temple and East Paulding on Thursday in a 5 p.m. start.

August 5, 2024 The Adairsville softball team pounded out 13 hits and cruised to a 14-1 home win over Pepperell on Monday night in four innings. Adairsville took a 3-0 lead in the second inning and added eleven more runs in the bottom of the third inning to put the game away. Maddie Baggett earned the pitching win for the Tigers by scattering five hits without issuing a walk. She struck out seven. Ashlyn Carlton (two doubles, two RBI), Taylor Evans (two doubles, three RBI), Lily Roberts (triple, four RBI), Brie Patterson (double), and Riley Mounger produced two hits each for Adairsville. Kylie Perine (RBI), Ansley Powell (RBI), and Alivia Joslin added one hit. The loss dropped Pepperell to 0-3 on the season. The Lady Tigers (2-0) play at Christian Heritage on Thursday at 5 p.m.

August 5, 2024 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Former Cartersville High School and Auburn University pitcher, Mason Barnett, was recently traded from the Kansas City Royals organization to the Oakland A’s organization but remain in the same Double-A league. Barnett moves from the Northwest Arkansas Naturals to the Midland Rockhounds in the Texas League. Meanwhile, this week’s update includes the two other former Canes and their MiLB action this past week plus results for former Woodland High hurler, Kenny Jinks, who has signed a professional contract with the Independent Pioneer League’s Missoula Paddleheads in Missoula, Montana. MiLB MASON BARNETT — Midland RockHounds (3rd-yr. pro; Oakland A’s Double-A affiliate; Texas League; Auburn; Cartersville HS) … ranked as the Kansas City Royals No. 4 prospect by MLB Pipeline and 11th by Baseball America, the 23-year-old right-hand pitcher was traded this past week to the Oakland A’s organization. Barnett was part of a deal that sent Oakland’s set-up man, Lucas Erceg, to Kansas City. Barnett had a 4.91 ERA in 91-⅔ innings with 109 strikeouts this season with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals before the trade. In his first pitching start for Midland this past Saturday, he allowed a solo home run, two hits, two walks, and hit one batter en route to his sixth win of the season. He fanned six of the 20 batters he faced as the RockHounds won at the Arkansas Travelers, 5-1. Midland (60-42 overall) is 20-13 in the Texas League’s second-half race and is tied for first place in the South Division. The ‘Hounds host the co-division-leading Frisco RoughRiders this week for six games. LOGAN MARTIN — Columbia Fireflies (2nd-yr. pro; Kansas City Royals Single-A affiliate; Carolina League; Kentucky; Cartersville HS) … appeared in relief this past weekend in a game that started on Saturday and was suspended to be completed on Sunday. Martin entered in the second inning and worked 4-⅓ innings on the mound with no decision in an eventual 13-12 loss at the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. The righty allowed three earned runs (four total) on five hits and one walk while striking out six. For the season, the 23-year-old has a 2-3 record in 19 appearances covering 75 innings. He has made a dozen starts and has three saves in relief appearances. His season WHIP is 1.23 and he has 75 strikeouts. Columbia (54-46 overall) is 18-16 in the Carolina League's second-half standings and second place in the South Division. The Fireflies host six games this week with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers. ANTHONY SEIGLER — Somerset Patriots (7th-yr. pro; NY Yankees Double-A affiliate; Eastern League; Cartersville HS) … appeared in five games last week at the Bowie Baysox as the Patriots went 4-2 in six games. Seigler hit solo home runs last Tuesday and Saturday — his eighth and ninth of the season — and was 4-for-15 at the plate in the series. He walked four times and scored four runs during the week. The 25-year-old has a .210 batting average with nine homers and 33 RBI in 257 official at-bats in 2024. Somerset (52-50 overall) is 20-13 in the Eastern League’s second-half race and trails Portland by one game in the standings. The Patriots host six games with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.  INDEPENDENT PIONEER LEAGUE BASEBALL KENNY JINKS — Missoula Paddleheads (1st-yr. pro; Independent Pioneer League; Wheeling University; Woodland HS) … made home pitching starts July 19 against the Glacier Range Riders, July 28 against the Billings Mustangs, and this past Saturday against the Great Falls Voyagers but has yet to receive a pitching decision. The three starts by the lefty have covered a total of nine innings. He has allowed seven earned runs on 11 hits and eight walks for a 7.00 ERA. Missoula is 12-5 in the Pioneer League’s second-half schedule and trails the Boise Hawks by two games. The Paddleheads (49-16 overall) won the first half race with a 37-11 mark. Missoula plays six games this week at the Glacier Range Riders.

August 4, 2024 Union County scored six runs in the bottom of the fourth inning Saturday afternoon en route to a 10-2 win over the visiting Woodland Lady Cats. The game marked the season opener for Woodland while the host Panthers improved to 2-1. The Wildcats trailed 1-0 after two innings but took a 2-1 lead in the top of the third on a run-producing single by Bitsy Hartsfield and a sacrifice fly by Ashlyn Baines. The Panthers regained the lead with a walk and three consecutive hits to push ahead 4-2. Four hits by Union County, combined with three more walks, produced a six-run fourth inning and a commanding advantage. Gracie Korb (3 IP, 10ER, 7H, 3BB, 3K) made the start in the circle for Woodland and suffered the pitching loss. Baines entered the circle in relief and allowed one hit and one walk but retired three outs in the fourth inning. Hartsfield (RBI) and Jordan Hammonds finished with two hits for the Lady Cats. Korb and Bailey Ryan added one hit. Woodland (0-1) begins play in Region 7-4A on Tuesday at home against Cass at 5:30 p.m.

August 3, 2024 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The 2024 high school volleyball schedule opens this week for three of the five local high school programs and will continue into the post-season in October. The Cartersville Lady Canes and the Woodland Lady Cats will try to make return appearances to the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) state playoffs.  Cartersville has won 17 consecutive Bartow County Championships and was Region 7-5A runner-up in 2023. Woodland will be under the direction of a new coaching staff after coach David Condon handed off the reins of the Wildcats program. Excel Christian Academy, a member of the Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools (GAPPS), will also seek a return trip to their postseason. Meanwhile, Adairsville and Cass will look to get back into state playoff contention this season. Local programs will also compete in new region alignments as the GHSA begins a new 2024-25 and 2025-26 reclassification cycle. ADAIRSVILLE TIGERS Head coach: Kailey Martin 2023 record: 10-25 overall, 2-6 in Region 6-3A New region 7-3A includes Calhoun, Gilmer, Heritage-Catoosa, LaFayette, Northwest Whitfield, and Ridgeland. State Playoffs: Did not qualify in 2023 The Lady Tigers return six senior starters from last year’s team including Addie Pearson (Setter/Opposite Hitter), Cara Harp (Libero/Setter), Abby Farr (Opposite Hitter), Mallory Kimbrel (Opposite Hitter), Alivia Wynn (Defensive Specialist), and Lexi Adcock (Defensive Specialist). The veterans will be joined by varsity newcomers  Ella Steward (Middle Blocker, Jr.), Ansley Mims (Middle Blocker, Jr.), Myka Colston (Outside Hitter, Jr.), Alexis Scott (Outside Hitter, So.), and Alexa Wynn (Setter, So.). The Adairsville program continues to grow. The Tigers have 36 players heading into the season with many playing for the JV and "C" teams. Coach Martin identified Addie Pearson and Cara Harp for their expected leadership roles in 2024, “Pearson’s leadership will shine on the court. She has earned her team captain title and is a three-year varsity member. Addie leads this group both on and off the court. Harp was our second setter last year but will step into the libero role this season and command the backcourt.  She also noted the development of two newcomers, “I’m also expecting middles Ella Steward and Ansley Mims to make large contributions. They join the varsity for the first time but I can see their hunger to dominate and their speed on the net will benefit our defense.” “I am excited for this year,” Martin continued. “We have some new region opponents and fresh faces on our side of the court. It makes me eager to get the season going. The girls have worked hard this summer. I can’t wait to see where it goes.” The Adairsville coach picked LaFayette, Heritage-Catoosa, and Calhoun as three of the expected playoff contenders in the newly configured Region 7-3A. The Lady Tigers begin the regular season on Thursday at home against North Murray and Rome at 5 p.m. CARTERSVILLE HURRICANES Head coach: Kyle Lundberg 2023 record: 28-18 overall, 4-1 in Region 7-5A New Region 7-4A includes Allatoona, Cass, Cedartown, Dalton, Hiram, Southeast Whitfield, and Woodland. State Playoffs: Lost to Chattahoochee in the first round The Lady Canes return six starters from a 2023 squad that was Region 7-5A runner-up to Dalton. The returnees include Riley Jarrett (Defensive Specialist, Sr.), Aubree Barrett (Setter, Right Side Hitter, Sr.), Addison Marisko (Middle Hitter, Jr.), Sydney McNair-Seigler (Defensive Specialist, Jr.), McKenzie Wilkie (Libero, So.), and Holly Dufrene (Outside Hitter, So.).  Team newcomers Riley Huff (Middle Hitter, Jr.), Addie Rickman (Right Side Hitter, Jr.), Amara Ejieke (Outside Hitter, So.), and Emma Wall (Setter, Right Side Hitter, Fr.) are expected to contribute right away. First-year head coach Kyle Lundberg’s program includes 14 varsity squad members and 12 on a JV roster that will participate in 13 play dates. Lundberg likes the composition of this year’s team and highlighted their skills. “McKenzie Wilkie will bring a national skill level to our back row and should be one of the best Libero’s in Class 4A, if not the state. Aubree Barrett was a GVCA 1st Team All-State player last year and she will bring a consistent balance to our all-around performance. Addison Marisko and Riley Huff will be big in our offensive attacking and blocking in the middle with both around 6’2”. Holly Dufrene and Amara Ejieke will be big for our offensive attacks this year. They both bring power and can use their smarts to hit open spots on the floor. Riley Jarrett brings great leadership skills, athleticism, and a competitive nature. She will be another big piece to our defense and Emma Wall brings great experience and composure for a freshman,” said coach Lundberg. “The entire program — varsity and JV — have been working their tails off all summer. They have been coming in four days a week for weights and skills work to prepare for this season. Class 4A is a tough classification for volleyball but we are ready to compete and work towards a state title,” Lundberg continued.“I think we have the most complete program in the new region but I know Dalton is coming off a Final Four appearance and Allatoona has a rich volleyball culture and will challenge as well.” Cartersville begins regular season play on Saturday in Jonesboro where the Lady Canes will participate in the “You Got Served” Kickoff Tournament. CASS COLONELS Head coach: Amanda Manson 2023 record: 4-29-1 overall, 1-4 in Region 7-5A New Region 7-4A includes Allatoona, Cartersville, Cedartown, Dalton, Hiram, Southeast Whitfield, and Woodland. State Playoffs: Did not qualify in 2023 Four players return to first-year head coach Amanda Manson’s roster including Carson Brannon (Setter/Libero), Harlee Davis (Outside Hitter), Andrea Vergara (Defensive Specialist), and Leah Boarman (Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist). That core will be joined by a group of freshman players who have played both middle school and club volleyball. Coach Manson expressed excitement and confidence in the abilities of these newcomers to help rebuild the program for years to come. “We have 19 total players in the program,” noted Manson. “The JV will play a schedule similar to that of the varsity.” The 2024 Cass team will seek to build on its youth. “We have a lot of new faces on the court this season,” added Manson. “and we’re asking returning players to play positions new to them as well. I have high hopes and expectations for everyone on the team and expect everyone to step up and work together. I’m excited to see this team grow.” The Lady Colonels begin the regular season on Thursday, August 15 where they will face Temple and Adairsville at Adairsville High School. WOODLAND WILDCATS Head coach: Caroline Gore 2023 record: 13-27 overall, 2-3 in Region 7-5A New Region 7-4A includes Allatoona, Cartersville, Cass, Cedartown, Dalton, Hiram, and Southeast Whitfield. State Playoffs: Lost to Greater Atlanta Christian in the first round Former assistant coach Caroline Gore takes the helm of the Lady Cats’ program after long-time head coach David Condon stepped down. Gore inherits a team that graduated its entire starting lineup from 2023 and multiple seniors from the roster. “We have some sophomores that we are excited to see play in their first varsity game,” said coach Gore. “Emily Guin (Outside Hitter) and freshman Dayanna Jaimes (Libero) will be immediate contributors. The Wildcats have 14 girls on the 2024 varsity roster and have additional JV players. The JV will participate in an almost identical playdate schedule as the varsity. “Seniors Brooke Kozlowski (Middle) and Rylei Morris (Defensive Specialist) will provide us with leadership,” noted Gore. “They bring great leadership skills and help motivate the other players each day. Both are returning varsity players so we expect to see some growth from last season to now. Brooke dominates on the net with her kills and constant blocks. Rylei has also shown great potential throughout the summer with improved skills.” “Bella King is another sophomore that will contribute,” added the Woodland coach. “She has club team experience as a setter so we are excited to see her in the lineup.” “During tryouts, the coaching staff was looking for girls that bring charisma and leadership skills to the team,” Gore continued. “we lost so many girls from a year ago that we are rebuilding. We know teams like Cartersville and Allatoona will be challenging at the top of our new region. We are trying to develop a group with a passion for the sport.” The Lady Cats will begin the 2024 regular season at Pickens High School on Tuesday night at 5 p.m. Woodland will square off with Gilmer County and Fannin County. EXCEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY EAGLES Head coach: Katie Jones 2023 record: 8-8 overall, 3-2 in GAPPS DI-A Region 2 This season: Region 1, GAPPS DI-A includes Covenant Christian School, Hearts Academy, Oakwood Christian, Praise Academy, and Unity Christian School. GAPPS State Playoffs: defeated Forest but lost to The Stonehaven School and Holy Ground Baptist Academy. The Lady Eagles return three starters from last season’s team including libero Clara Holley (Sr.), outside hitter Chae Vieria (Jr.), and right-side hitter Aliyah Dunning (So.).  Carolina Otalora (Jr.) is expected to contribute immediately from her outside hitter position. She was a team member last season but did not participate in varsity matches due to eligibility. Another newcomer for the Eagles will be Giovanna Vieria. Only a seventh grader, Vieria is eligible to play varsity in GAPPS. Coach Jones expects her to see substantial playing time early in the season and has been impressed with her skill level and knowledge of the game. “Clara Holley is our team captain,” noted coach Jones. “She has contributed to our program since the inaugural 2022 season. Clara brings one hundred percent effort every day. I think we will see evidence of that in her senior season.” Coach Jones expects the Eagles to contend again for a GAPPS state tournament berth. “Praise Academy is always a tough region match for us and I also expect a well-coached and strong Unity Christian team this year,” she concluded. Excel will begin regular season play at home on Monday, August 12 in a home match against Hearts Academy at 5:30 p.m.

August 2, 2024 Defensive miscues led to four, unearned runs by host Wheeler Friday night as the Wildcats broke open a 5-5 game and held off the Cass Lady Colonels, 9-7. Cass scored twice in the top of the seventh and had the potential tying run at the plate in their final frame but could get no closer. Lily Powell (3.2 IP, 4R, 0ER, 1H, 1BB, 4HBP, 3K) was tagged with the Colonels’ pitching loss in relief of starter Kylie Gentry (1.2 IP, 5R, 4ER, 4H, 2BB, 1K) despite not allowing an earned run. Emma Gibson (0.2 IP, 0R, 0H, 2BB) retired the final two outs of the sixth inning in the circle. The Lady Colonels trailed 3-1 after one inning and 5-2 through two innings before knotting the score at 5-5 in the top of the third inning.  The game remained a stalemate until Wheeler (1-0) took advantage of a single, a hit batsmen, three infield errors, and a bases-loaded walk to take the lead for good in the bottom of the sixth inning. Cass outhit the Wildcats ten to five but five errors, five walks, and four hit batsmen led to their defeat. Molli Morrow led the Colonels’ offense with three hits and two RBI. Darianna Sosa followed with two hits including a first-inning solo homer. Harlee Thomason (double, RBI), Bailey York (RBI), Payton Mize (RBI), Cayce Brown, and Braelyn Franklin added one hit. The Lady Colonels (0-1) return to action on Tuesday with their first Region 7-4A game at Woodland.

The Adairsville Lady Tigers overcame an early deficit on Thursday night to win their softball season opener at Southeast Whitfield 5-3. The Raiders scored twice in the bottom of the first inning for an early lead before Adairsville responded with five runs between the third and sixth innings to capture the victory. Pitcher Jordan Clay went all seven frames in the circle to collect the win. She allowed just one earned run on eight hits and two walks. Clay fanned five. Kylie Perine (two RBI), Brie Patterson, and Cheyenne Gunter paced the Tigers’ offense with two hits. Taylor Evans drove in two runs with a double. Ansley Powell and Alivia Joslin added one hit. Adairsville (1-0) hosts Pepperell on Monday at 5:55 p.m. CARTERSVILLE 4, MURRAY COUNTY 2 The host Lady Canes posted three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning Thursday night on their way to a 4-2 win over Murray County. The Indians took a 2-1 lead in the top of the fifth before Zoie Shiflett hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the frame. Shiflett also picked up the pitching win by working six innings in the circle. She allowed two earned runs on two hits and one walk with four strikeouts. Pressley Crabbe earned a pitching save with a scoreless seventh inning. Lakaiya Banks had two hits for the Hurricanes. Jordan Bishop (double), Reese Dumas, Kinsey Woodard, and Allana Williams contributed one hit. Layne Callan added one RBI. Cartersville (1-0) visits Dalton on Tuesday for a 5:30 p.m. first pitch and both teams’ first Region 7-4A game.

July 31, 2024 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Cartersville golfer R.B. Clyburn continued a season of strong performances this week by successfully defending his Georgia State Golf Association Match Play Championship title at Old Toccoa Farm in Mineral Bluff. Clyburn advanced out of Pod 1 on Sunday and Monday with competitors Christopher Demetree of Johns Creek, Ethan Kolisz of Valdosta, and Cameron Hood of Milton.  Despite shooting a 2-under-par 70, he dropped a 2-up match with Kolisz before rallying for a 5-up win over Demetree and a 6-up victory over Hood. Those wins sent him into the Round of 16 on Tuesday in the single-elimination bracket. Facing James Baker of Johns Creek in the Round of 16, Clyburn fired a 68 on the par-72, 6,655-yard course. Baker matched him with five birdies and one bogey on the round and sent the match to an extra hole by dropping a birdie on the 18th hole. Clyburn responded with a birdie on the first extra hole to advance. Against Chase Long of Buckhead in the Round of 8, he finished off the match in just 14 holes. Clyburn won the first three holes and extended his lead to 4-up through five holes.  After Long won the seventh hole, Clyburn reeled off four wins over the next six holes to close out the match. In the Wednesday morning semifinals, Clyburn topped Jacob Arnett of Kennesaw, 2&1. With the match even through the first six holes, Clyburn won No. 7, No. 9, and No. 11 to take a 3-up lead. Arnett won two of the next three holes but Clyburn matched him with two pars and a birdie on No. 15, No. 16, and No. 17 to close the match and reach the afternoon finals. His opponent in the finals was Preston Topper of Gainesville. Topper had wins over Keith Guest, Payne Sells, and Finley Burke to win his side of the bracket. Clyburn started quickly again in the championship match by winning five of the first nine holes en route to a 2-under-par 34 and a 3-up lead. Topper narrowed the margin to 2-up through 13 holes, but Clyburn made birdies on No. 15 and No. 16 to claim a 4-up victory.

July 29, 2024 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The three local Minor League Baseball players returned to action recently following baseball’s All-Star break with the two pitchers making a pair of starts each in the past week. MiLB MASON BARNETT — Northwest Arkansas Naturals (3rd-yr. pro; Kansas City Royals Double-A affiliate; Texas League; Auburn; Cartersville HS) … made home pitching starts July 23 and this past Sunday against the Arkansas Travelers working six innings in each appearance. On Sunday he scattered two hits and two walks and kept the visitors off the scoreboard earning his fifth win of the season. Northwest eventually won 8-6 to go 3-3 for the week. On the 23rd he allowed two earned runs on two hits and four walks and was tagged with the loss as the Naturals fell 6-1. The 23-year-old right-hander struck out eight in each start. Barnett is 5-6 in 18 starts in 2024 with a 4.91 ERA in 91-⅔ innings pitched. Northwest Arkansas is 13-13 in the Texas League second-half standings and trails the Springfield Cardinals by 3-½ games. The Naturals (48-47 overall) play a six-game series this week at the Wichita Wind Surge.  LOGAN MARTIN — Columbia Fireflies (2nd-yr. pro; Kansas City Royals Single-A affiliate; Carolina League; Kentucky; Cartersville HS) … made pitching starts this past Sunday and Tuesday (July 23) in a home series with the Lynchburg Hillcats. He worked five innings on the 23rd and yielded just one run on three hits in an eventual 13-1 victory. He issued no walks and struck out seven to collect his second win of the year. In a no-decision start on Sunday, the 22-year-old pitched 3-⅔ innings and allowed three earned runs on four hits and one walk with five Ks. Martin (2-3) has made 18 appearances (12 starts) this season covering 70-⅔ innings. He has a 4.33 ERA and 69 strikeouts with three saves out of the bullpen. Columbia is 15-13 in the Carolina League’s second-half standings and trails the Charleston RiverDogs by 3 games in the South Division. The Fireflies (50-43 overall) play six games at the Fayetteville Woodpeckers this week. ANTHONY SEIGLER — Somerset Patriots (7th-yr. pro; NY Yankees Double-A affiliate; Eastern League; Cartersville HS) … in nine home games since the All-Star break, Seigler is just 2-for-20 at the plate appearing in three against the Altoona Curve and six against the Portland Sea Dogs. He added four walks, a stolen base, two RBI, and scored two runs. In 239 official at-bats this season, the 25-year-old has a .209 batting average with seven homers and 31 RBI. He has swiped 18 bases and scored 34 runs with a .320 on-base percentage. Somerset is 16-11 in the Eastern League’s second-half standings trailing the Hartford Yard Goats by one-half game in the Northeast Division. The Patriots (48-48 overall) visit the Bowie Baysox this week for a six-game series. PGA CHAMPIONS TOUR JASON BOHN — Champions Senior Tour (Acworth, 51, 33-yr. pro; Cartersville CC member)  … shot 80-83 last Thursday and Friday and missed the cut at The Senior British Open Championship at Carnoustie Golf Club in Scotland. K.J. Choi won the title by two shots over Richard Green with a four-day, 10-under-par total (69-69-70-70). The PGA Champions Tour schedule moves to the Boeing Classic August 9-11 in Snoqualmie, Washington.

July 26, 2024 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The 2024 high school softball season begins this week with all four local teams opening their campaigns. Two local squads — Cartersville and Woodland — will seek to make return trips to the state playoffs while Adairsville and Cass will look to get back into the post-season mix. All four teams will face some new competition in 2024 for state playoff berths as the Georgia High School Association realignment begins for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years. The local coaches provided a season preview glance at their respective teams. CARTERSVILLE HURRICANES Head Coach: Glen Woodard Last Season: 21-11 overall; 13-2 in Region 7-5A; Region Champs Hosted and won their state playoff super-regional before losing two straight games in the Final Eight state tournament in Columbus. New Region: 7-4A includes Allatoona, Cass, Cedartown, Dalton, Hiram, Southeast Whitfield, and Woodland. The Lady Canes return nine starters from last season’s region title squad with a pair of newcomers — freshman Pressley Crabbe and junior transfer Kinsey Woodard — expected to contribute immediately. Sophomore pitcher Zoie Shiflett was the Region Pitcher of the Year last season as a freshman and Senior Kennedy Stevens will share some of the innings in the pitching circle. Offensively, Cartersville will be led by senior Jordan Bishop who collected Region Player of the Year honors last season. Layne Callan (Sr.), Reese Dumas (Sr.), Kennedy Crenshaw (So.), and Shiflett bring offense to the lineup as well. “We have won the region back-to-back years, so everyone will be coming for us,” remarked Woodard. “We have worked hard in the weight room this offseason and I expect us to be up for the challenge. Woodland is always considered a playoff contender and I expect Allatoona will be right in the mix as well. Dalton returns their best pitcher so they will compete.” The Lady Canes will host Villa Rica in a scrimmage on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and will open the regular season on Thursday with a home game against Murray County at 5:30 p.m. WOODLAND WILDCATS Head Coach: Erika Cook Last Season: 20-12 overall; 10-5 Region 7-5A Lost state playoff games to Villa Rica and Cambridge at the Villa Rica Super Regional New Region:  7-4A includes Allatoona, Cartersville, Cass, Cedartown, Dalton, Hiram, and Southeast Whitfield. The Lady Cats return eight starters from last season’s region runner-up lineup. Returnees include Bailey Ryan (shortstop), Kamryn Smith (third base/pitcher), Ashlyn Baines (utility/pitcher), Alana Carnes (second base), Mackenzie Araya (first base), Bitsy Hartsfield (catcher), Jordan Hammonds (centerfield), Lanie Calhoun (outfield). New head coach Erika Cook named five newcomers expected to contribute immediately: Carley Aspenwall, Charlee Byrd, Raya Taft, and freshman pitchers Evie Tucker and Gracie Korb. Ashlyn Baines and Smith are expected to carry the bulk of the pitching load for Woodland. Cook credits their ability to work the strike zone with a variety of pitches. On offense, the Lady Cats will lean on the bats and speed of Hammonds and Carnes with Hartsfield and Smith providing some power pop. The Woodland coach also noted the ability to get on base provided by Araya and Baines. “We have a strong team with various players bringing something different to the table,” added Cook. “I expect us to compete with Cartersville in the region race.” Woodland will open the 2024 regular season with a doubleheader on Saturday, August 3 at Union County. CASS COLONELS Head Coach: Taylor Washington Last Season: 9-18 overall, 3-12 in Region 7-5A Did not qualify for the state playoffs New Region:  7-4A includes Allatoona, Cartersville, Cedartown, Dalton, Hiram, Southeast Whitfield, and Woodland. The Lady Colonels had a three-year streak of qualifying for the state playoffs snapped last year but will seek a return to the post-season in 2024 with ten returning starters. Cayce Brown (LF), Darianna Sosa (SS), Payton Mize (RF), Braelyn Franklin (2B), Harlee Thomason (3B/1B), Bailey York (Utility-P/C/INF), Emma Gibson (P/OF), KK Evans (CF), Erin Clinard (C/INF), and Lily Powell (P) all made starts in 2023. In addition, three upcoming freshmen are expected to contribute in significant ways. Kylie Gentry and Chloe Hill will see time in the pitching circle and Sydney Satterfield will see time at catcher and in the field. Coach Washington noted that all three newcomers have been competitive at the plate in summer action. The Cass coach also noted that Molli Morrow will be eligible this season as a junior catcher and will provide some offensive power. The Lady Colonels will present a staff of five pitchers: York, Gibson, Powell, Gentry, and Hill. “We get a lot of variation in terms of speed and spin from each of these players,” noted Washington. “We plan to use them according to matchups along with a rotation.” The Cass offense will revolve around senior Darianna Sosa. She was the Colonels’ offensive leader in multiple categories last season. Sosa hits for power but also has quickness and the ability to challenge defenses using small ball. “Our coaching staff is extremely excited about this upcoming season, stated Washington. “This fall, we are going to have the capability of moving girls around to determine what puts us in the best position to win. That may change from game to game depending on matchups. We can do this because so many of our girls are utility players and each of them has been working hard offensively to be able to produce wherever and however we may ask them to do that.” Washington expects the new region to be competitive from top to bottom. “We cannot take any team lightly and will have to be ready to compete in each matchup to earn a top-four spot,” the coach added. “We have a talented group, but we want to take it game-by-game and not get caught looking ahead to things we are not able to control.” Cass begins the 2024 regular season on Friday at Wheeler with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m. ADAIRSVILLE TIGERS Head coach: Justin Evans Last Season: 6-18 overall, 3-11 in Region 6-3A Did not qualify for the state playoffs New Region: 7-3A includes Calhoun, Gilmer, Heritage-Catoosa, LaFayette, Northwest Whitfield, Ridgeland The Lady Tigers will return a few starters from last season including Ashlynn Durden, Brie Patterson, Ashlyn Carlton, Gabi Becerra, and Riley Mounger. Coach Evans also welcomes the addition of freshmen Ansley Powell and Maddie Baggett who are expected to contribute right away. Powell will start at shortstop and bat in the leadoff spot. Baggett will be an addition to the pitching staff. Three pitchers will make up the Tigers’ rotation — Shorter University commit Jordan Clay, junior Carlton, and freshman Baggett. Clay and Baggett will rely on spin for weaker contact while Carlton will throw with more velocity. Coach Evans expressed excitement over the offensive potential for this season’s team and identified several players expected to produce including Mounger, Durden, senior Taylor Evans, Carlton, senior and Lee commit Paterson, and Powell. “Riley Mounger had a great summer,” noted Evans. “She hit for power and average. She can also lay a bunt down and swipe a base making her a multifaceted threat. Durden and Evans have gap power while Carlton and Patterson can smack a homer at any time. Powell is just a hard-nosed player with the ability to reach base, steal, and score runs.” The Adairsville coach spoke about 2024 expectations.“This season’s team is completely different than last season. We started working during the off-season and we put in the hours this summer. We want a taste of the playoffs. It has been a very long time since Adairsville softball played a playoff game. We want to change that. Adding new assistant coaches has been crucial in our player development.” “We know Heritage will be solid again,” added Evans. “Lafayette always puts together a great team too.” The Lady Tigers begin their 2024 campaign on Thursday, August 1 at Southeast Whitfield at 5 p.m.