May 6, 2024 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com This week’s edition of Athletes Beyond Bartow includes updates for the week ending Sunday, May 5. It highlights the contributions made by locals with their professional and collegiate teams across the nation. Vic Beasley, Jr., a defensive end and outside linebacker for the United Football League’s Arlington Renegades, had his most productive game of the 2024 season but his team lost its sixth straight. In addition, you will find updates from Minor League Baseball, the Basketball Super League, college softball, baseball, golf, and track and field. MiLB MASON BARNETT — Northwest Arkansas Naturals (3rd-yr. pro; Kansas City Royals Double-A affiliate; Auburn; Cartersville HS) … made a five-inning start last Wednesday for a no-decision in an eventual 6-5 home loss to the Wichita Wind Surge. Barnett allowed two earned runs on three hits, one walk, and one hit batsman. He struck out seven facing 20 batters. The Naturals (12-13) went 3-2 last week against Wichita and have a six-game home series on Tuesday through Sunday with the Springfield Cardinals. LOGAN MARTIN — Columbia Fireflies (2nd-yr. pro; Kansas City Royals Single-A affiliate; Kentucky; Cartersville HS) …. rainouts this past Saturday and Sunday interrupted Martin’s pitching rotation last week. The Fireflies (13-11) host the Salem Red Sox for a six-game series on Tuesday through Sunday. ANTHONY SEIGLER — Somerset Patriots (7th-yr. pro; NY Yankees Double-A affiliate; Cartersville HS) … made five starts at second base last week in a home series with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Seigler was 3-for-16 at the plate with one double and one walk. The Patriots (12-14) have a six-game series on Tuesday through Sunday at the Altoona Curve. UFL VIC BEASLEY, JR. — Arlington Renegades (10th-yr. pro; Clemson; Adairsville HS) … had his most productive game of the season with four total tackles including one sack but the Renegades lost this past Sunday at the Michigan Panthers, 28-27. Arlington (0-6) hosts the Memphis Showboats on Saturday at noon. BASKETBALL SUPER LEAGUE A.J. MOSBY, JR. — Sudbury Five (6th-yr. pro; Alcorn State; Cartersville HS) … scored 22 points with six assists, five rebounds, and two steals in The Five’s first playoff game this past Saturday. Sudbury lost 106-101 at the London Lightning and will host Game 2 in the best-of-five series on Monday night. Game 3 is on Wednesday in London. Game 4 and Game 5 (if needed) will be a home game for The Five on Friday and the series will wrap in London on Sunday. SOFTBALL ANSLEY EVANS — Reinhardt University (Jr., Woodland HS) … went 4-for-10 with two walks, two runs scored, and three RBIs as the Eagles went 4-0 to win the Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament in Kingsport, Tennessee. RU had tourney wins over Bryan, Brenau, and two over Tennessee Wesleyan. The Eagles (42-8) await their NAIA Opening Round double-elimination tournament assignment to be announced on Tuesday. The Opening Round will be May 13-16. ALYSSA JARRETT — Piedmont University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … was entered defensively at catcher in the sixth inning last Friday in a 4-2 loss to Maryville College (Tenn.) at the Collegiate Conference of the South Tournament in Birmingham. Piedmont finished the season with an 18-21 record. Jarrett his .233 with three RBIs in her freshman season in 30 at-bats. She had a .966 fielding percentage in 58 defensive chances. SADYE JOHNSON — University of North Georgia (Jr., Adairsville HS) … entered as a pinch hitter and remained in the game as the designated hitter in an 8-2 conference tournament home loss to Columbus State University this past Saturday. She was 0-for-2. 6th-ranked UNG (47-10) lost the best-of-three Peach Belt Conference championship series to the Cougars. The Nighthawks await their NCAA D2 Regional assignment. The regionals begin on Friday. ERYN LEE — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … started all four of the Eagles’ Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament games last week in Kingsport, Tennessee. Reinhardt defeated Bryan, Brenau, and Tennessee Wesleyan twice to win the tournament title. Lee was 4-for-12 at the plate including a walk, six runs scored, and three RBIs. She also stole a base. Reinhardt (42-8) will be assigned to an NAIA Opening Round double-elimination tournament on Tuesday. The national tournament begins May 13-16. AVA PERKINS — Lee University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … appeared as a pinch hitter last Wednesday in a 6-5 Gulf South Conference tournament loss to Mississippi College in Oxford, Alabama. The Flames were eliminated in two straight games and finished the season 20-27. Perkins hit .304 with four homers and 13 RBIs in 46 official at-bats and 60 plate appearances this season. She also pitched 2-⅔ innings with a 13.12 ERA. BASEBALL HARRISON CHILDERS — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … hit a solo homer and was 2-for-5 in an 8-6 home loss to Gordon State College last Thursday. The Stallions (18-29) begin the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association tournament on Monday against East Georgia State. The tournament continues through Thursday at Georgia Highlands College. MICAH EARWOOD — Georgia State University (So., Cartersville HS) … gave up four earned runs on three hits, one walk, and one hit batsman and was charged with the pitching loss last Tuesday at home against Jacksonville State. He recorded two outs including one strikeout. The Panthers (23-26) have a three-game Sun Belt Conference series at Coastal Carolina on Friday through Sunday. COLIN EATON — Gordon State College (So., Cartersville HS) … made a ninth-inning relief appearance last Thursday at ABAC, retired just one batter, and picked up the pitching victory in an 8-6, 10-inning win. The Highlanders (31-20, 17-8) will be the No. 2 seed this week at the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association tournament in Cartersville at Georgia Highlands. Gordon plays the South Georgia State/Andrew College winner on Tuesday. The tournament continues through Thursday. KENNY JINKS — Wheeling University (R-Sr., Woodland HS) … made a four-inning pitching start with no decision last Friday in an eventual 15-1 home win over West Liberty University. The lefty allowed one earned run on three hits and struck out 10 of 15 batters faced. The Cardinals (25-24, 13-15 Mountain East Conference) play the University of Charleston on Wednesday in the first round of the MEC Tournament at GoMart Ballpark in Charleston, West Virginia. DREW ROTHSCHILD — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (So., Cartersville HS) … went 2-for-10 including one double, one walk, and one run scored last week in losses to East Georgia and Gordon State. The Stallions (18-29) begin the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association tournament on Monday against East Georgia State. The tournament continues through Thursday at Georgia Highlands College. TREY SCOTT — Alabama A&M University (Jr., Cass HS) … retired the six outs of the fourth and fifth innings last Thursday in a 35-1 loss at Austin Peay. Scott was responsible for seven earned runs on five hits and three walks. He struck out three. The Bulldogs (12-32, 8-14 SWAC)  visit Mississippi Valley State for conference games Friday through Sunday. SCOTTY SMITH — Covenant College (Jr., Woodland HS) … made a 2-⅓ inning pitching start and was tagged with the loss last Thursday at Berea College (Ky.). He allowed five earned runs on five hits, four walks, and one hit batsman while striking out one in an eventual 17-8 loss. The Scots (16-24, 7-11 Collegiate Conference of the South) will play in the CCS Tournament that runs Wednesday through Saturday at Maryville College (Tenn.). STEVEN SPELL — Young Harris College (Grad student, Cass HS) … went 6-for-18 in five games last week. The Mountain Lions lost three times to Belmont Abbey, beat Barton College, and lost to Erskine College. They went 1-2 and were eliminated at the Conference Carolinas Tournament. Spell’s offensive week included one walk, one double, and two runs scored. He has a .321 batting average this season in 52 starts and 190 official at-bats. Spell has 18 extra-base hits, three homers, and 39 RBIs. YHC (39-13, 22-8) awaits its post-season fate and the NCAA D2 Baseball selection announcement on May 12. PRESTON WELCHEL — Cumberland University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … went 3-for-11 last week in two home games and one tournament game against Lindsey Wilson College (Ky.). The 6-5 loss on Wednesday ended the Phoenix season. Welchel had one walk and one RBI in the three games. He had a .301 batting average this season in 46 games (38 starts) and 147 official at-bats. He hit 15 homers and had 47 RBIs slugging .621 and a .438 on-base percentage. CU finished the season with a 22-28 record. COHEN WILBANKS — Georgia Gwinnett College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … made home starts last Wednesday against Carolina University (NC) in a regular season game and Sunday against College of the Ozarks (AR) in the conference tournament. He was 3-for-7 with one walk and one RBI. The Grizzlies (46-6) are hosting the Continental Athletic Conference tournament that continues through Tuesday. JORDAN WILKIE — Augusta University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … made a conference playoff start last Friday at Georgia College as the Jaguars lost 8-0 to the Bobcats. Wilkie was 0-for-2. Augusta finished the season with a 24-27 record. He played in 30 games and made 22 starts this season. He had a .187 batting average in 75 official at-bats and 87 plate appearances. He hit one home run and had eight RBIs. He hit .317 in 2022 with one homer and 23 RBIs. He also batted .292 in 2023 with three homers and 15 RBIs. TRACK AND FIELD DANIELLE THAYER — Augusta University (Fr., Woodland HS) … finished ninth in the 3000-meter steeplechase (12:38.61) at the Peach Belt Conference Outdoor Championships April 29-30 in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Lady Jaguars finished fifth. GOLF BUCK BRUMLOW — University of Georgia (Jr., Cartersville HS) … the Bulldogs will be the No. 4 seed for the NCAA Austin Regional on May 13-15 at the University of Texas Golf Club. Joining UGA will be Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, Wake Forest, Notre Dame, UNC-Greensboro, BYU, Utah, San Jose State, Grand Canyon, Arkansas State, and Kansas City. The top five teams from each of six regionals will advance to the 30-team NCAA Championship at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California from May 24-29. The lowest-scoring individual not on a qualifying team also advances. Brumlow has played in all nine events for Georgia this season with a 71.37 scoring average across 27 rounds. His score has counted in 23 of his 27 rounds. JAKE LAWSON — Grand Canyon University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … Lawson was not one of the active participants but is a member of the Antelopes’ golf team that has qualified for the NCAA Austin Regional. GCU won a second consecutive Western Athletic Conference title on April 26-28 in Payson, Arizona.

May 5, 2024 Early morning showers delayed the starting time of Saturday’s GHSA Class 5A state quarterfinal doubleheader between Cartersville and Locust Grove at Richard Bell Field by more than three hours. Then a 45-minute lightning delay pushed the second game into early Sunday morning but the Purple Hurricanes pulled out two wins to take the best-of-three series. Cartersville managed only one hit in the opener but took advantage of nine walks to beat the Wildcats 9-2. In Game 2, timely hitting lifted the Canes into the Final Four for the 13th time since 1999 with a 3-2 victory. The Canes have consecutive sweeps over Chattahoochee, Jefferson, and the Wildcats through the first three rounds of the playoffs. GAME ONE:  CARTERSVILLE 9, LOCUST GROVE 2 Cartersville pitchers Ryan Johnson and Logan Shrewsbury combined on a one-hitter in the series opener limiting the Locust Grove Wildcats’ bats for a 9-2 win. Johnson, a University of Georgia signee, struck out eleven. He gave up two runs (only one earned) on one hit and one walk. Shrewsbury closed out a scoreless seventh inning. He walked one and struck out one. The Canes produced their nine runs on only one hit in the victory. They took advantage of nine walks. Cartersville took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first on two walks, two balks, and a sacrifice fly by Andrew Purdy. In the bottom of the third, the Hurricanes added three more runs to their lead on three walks, a hit batsman, and two wild pitches. Locust Grove narrowed the margin to 5-1 in the top of the sixth. Third baseman Bowen Bradbury doubled and later scored on an outfield error. The Canes responded with four more runs in the bottom of the sixth to go up 9-1. They took advantage of four walks and their only base hit by Cole Crawford. The Wildcats added a single run in the top of the seventh but Shrewsbury’s strikeout ended the game. GAME TWO: CARTERSVILLE 3, LOCUST GROVE 2 Georgia signee Caleb Daniel produced the Canes’ clutch hit in the top of the seventh to drive home the game-winning run in a 3-2 win that stretched into Sunday morning. With the game tied 2-2, Aidan Larkin doubled with two outs and scored on the Daniel hit into right field. The Canes then turned the mound over to Alabama signee Andrew Purdy who worked a 1-2-3 seventh for his ninth save of the season. Batting first and playing as the visitors, Cartersville led 2-0 through 2-½ innings. Daniel singled and scored in the first and Purdy had a run-producing single in the top of the third. Locust Groves’ Logan Burrell doubled home a run for the Wildcats in the bottom of the third to cut the Canes’ lead in half. In the bottom of the sixth, the Wildcats utilized a leadoff walk, a stolen base, and a run-producing single by Liam Collier to knot the score at 2-2. Sawyer Wilson made the pitching start for Cartersville. He allowed one, unearned run on four hits while striking out nine. Nate Russell (1 IP, 1ER, 1H, 1BB, 2K) picked up the win as the pitcher of record after working the sixth inning on the mound. Daniel and Purdy had two hits and one RBI each for the Purple Hurricanes. Cole Crawford (double), Larkin (double), and Thomas Peters added one hit. Locust Grove has its season end with a 22-14 record. Cartersville (29-5) advances to the Class 5A state semifinals but will be on the road for the first time in the 2024 playoffs. The Canes will play the winner of the best-of-three series between Greater Atlanta Christian (30-4) and Ware County (24-11). The Spartans and Gators split their doubleheader on Saturday and will play a winner-take-all third game on Monday in Waycross. GAC won the first game Saturday 5-1 with Ware County winning the second game 3-0. The state semifinal best-of-three series will be on Friday (doubleheader) and Saturday (if needed).

May 3, 2024 The Cass boys’ soccer team's state playoff run ended Friday night at Cochran Stadium with a 2-1 overtime loss to the Decatur Bulldogs. Decatur scored early in the first half on a penalty kick and carried that lead deep into the second half. Cass’ Camden Hillhouse scored an equalizer in the 65th minute unassisted and the contest went to overtime knotted 1-1. The Bulldogs (15-5-3) got their go-ahead goal in the first overtime and the Colonels could not match the goal. Decatur advances to the GHSA Class 5A championship match on Tuesday night at Duluth High School to face the McIntosh / Midtown winner. Cass has its season end with a 15-4-1 mark.

Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Elite Stone Supply, in conjunction with WBHF and Bartow Sports Zone, presents the ELITE ATHLETES OF THE MONTH. Each month, local high schools are provided the opportunity to 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. The Adairsville High Elite Athlete of the Month for April 2024 is Claire Brown. A junior golfer and the top player on the Lady Tigers’ team, she has qualified as an individual for the GHSA Class 3A state golf championship tournament. The daughter of Derron and Megan Brown, she is a 4.0 GAP Magnet Program student, a member of the BETA Club, and is active with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. “Claire played really well at our Area Tournament, which serves as the state qualifier. She was able to shoot the lowest score of anyone whose team did not make it to the state championship tournament. That earned her a spot as an individual. She works extremely hard and competes each time she is on the course,” remarked coach Troy Hester. Brown’s goal is to play golf in college. Caleb Daniel is the April 2024 Elite Athlete of the Month for Cartersville High School. A senior outfielder on the top-ranked Canes’ baseball team, Daniel is a three-year starter and a multiple-time All-State and All-Region selection. “Caleb is an outstanding young man who works hard and represents himself and his family very well both on and off the field,” said Cartersville baseball coach Kyle Tucker. He is the son of Wynell and Richard Daniel and will continue his academic and athletic career with the University of Georgia baseball team. The April 2024 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Woodland High School is Andy Forsyth. A senior member and captain of the Wildcats’ cross country team and a member of the track and field team, he is the son of Allan and Marianne Forsyth. He is the Region 7-5A champion and state qualifier in the 800 meters and is a member of the region champion 4x800 meter relay team. Woodland coach Rob Forbes shared his pleasure in working with Forsyth. “Andy has stepped into a leadership role the past two years. His work ethic and dedication to reaching his goals as a runner inspire those around him to do their best. He has been a pleasure to coach and I look forward to what he can accomplish in his collegiate endeavors.” Forsyth is a Woodland Scholar-Athlete and plans to run cross country and track at Berry College. Ryan Camden “Cam” Hillhouse is the April 2024 Elite Athlete of the Month from Cass High School. A senior and three-year starter for the Colonels soccer team, Hillhouse has proven to be a leader on and off the field serving as one of the team’s captains. Hillhouse is one of the team’s top goal scorers again this season and a leader in assists. He was a Region 7-5A All-Region selection in his junior season. In addition to excelling on the pitch for the Colonels and the Cherokee Impact UPSL team, Hillhouse also excels in the classroom as an Advanced Placement Magnet Scholar. He has a 4.0 grade point average. “Cam is a true example of hard work and dedication that all his teammates and peers can look up to,” noted Cass head coach Justin Fitzgerald. He is the son of Ryan and Candace Hillhouse and plans to study Business at Shorter University. Editors Note: Photos and bios are supplied to Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF by the respective schools and athletic departments. Elite Stone Supply Co., LLC is the monthly sponsor. Athletes receive a plaque along with recognition during a radio feature on WBHF. #EliteAthletesoftheMonth #Cass #Cartersville #Woodland #Adairsville #highschool

May 2, 2024 A fast start offensively and a five-run sixth inning lifted Georgia Highlands baseball Thursday afternoon in a 10-5 win over Andrew College to close out the Chargers’ regular season slate. Georgia Highlands heads into the conference tournament on a 10-game winning streak and has won 15 of 16. GHC led the Tigers 3-2 through two innings on Thursday and added single runs in the fourth and fifth innings to go up 5-2. The Chargers built a 10-2 lead in the sixth inning to take command. The big inning included a hit batsman, three consecutive singles, and a bases-clearing double by third baseman Grayson Godbee. Thomas Murcia hit a three-run homer for the Tigers in the top of the ninth and Andrew had two more baserunners in the late rally, but go no closer. Michael Sharman made the pitching start for Georgia Highlands and picked up his ninth win of the season. He gave up two earned runs on two hits and two walks while striking out four in three innings. Seven other Chargers’ pitchers were utilized in short stints out of the bullpen including Brodie Chestnutt (1 IP, 0R, 2H), Garrett Goblish (1 IP, 0R, 1H), Jake Willis (0.2 IP, 0R, 1H), Trace Horne (0.1 IP), Oliver Wood (1 IP, 2K), Andrew Arnold (1 IP, 3K), and Reece Robertson (1 IP, 3ER, 4H, 3K). Seven Chargers contributed at least one hit in the win. Catcher Will Cawthon led the way with a 3-for-4 performance that included a double and three RBIs. Clay Wiesen (double, RBI) and Ryan Martin finished with two hits. Gray Wilson hit a solo home run in the fifth inning. Godbee (double, three RBIs), Barrett Eldridge (RBI), Ryan Wideman, and Luke Orfi (double, RBI) added one hit. Andrew finishes the regular season with a 21-32 record overall and 7-18 in Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association conference games. The Tigers will be the No. 6 seed in the conference tournament and will open the double-elimination event on Monday at 3 p.m. against No. 3 seed South Georgia State. Third-ranked Georgia Highlands (48-7, 20-5) will host the GCAA Tournament on Monday through Thursday at the Cartersville campus stadium. The No. 1 seeded Chargers will receive a first round bye and begin tournament play on Tuesday at noon against the East Georgia State / ABAC winner from Monday.

May 1, 2024 The Georgia Highlands baseball team trailed 1-0 through two innings at South Georgia State College on Tuesday but powered past the Hawks for a 6-1 conference road win. The Chargers posted two runs in the third, one in the fifth, two in the seventh, and one more in the ninth inning for good measure. GHC pitcher Chandler Anderson improved to 8-0 on the season with a four-inning start backed up by five other hurlers out of the bullpen. Anderson allowed one earned run on two hits and two walks. He struck out three. Logan Spivey (2K), Hunter Ward (2K), Max Eichenberger, Oliver Wood (1K), and Reece Robertson worked one scoreless inning each for the Chargers. Ryan Wideman had four hits including two doubles, a triple, and one RBI to lead the offense. Barrett Eldridge doubled, homered, and had three RBIs. Clay Wiesen (RBI) and Ali Banks added one hit. South Georgia (28-26, 11-13) is currently in third place behind the Chargers and Gordon State in the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association standings with one game remaining. Georgia Highlands (47-7, 19-5) wraps up regular season play at home on Thursday against Andrew College at 4 p.m. The Chargers will host the GCAA double-elimination tournament next Monday through Thursday on the Cartersville campus.

May 1, 2024 The Cass boys’ soccer team defeated the Tucker Tigers 3-2 Tuesday night at Adams Memorial Stadium in Atlanta to advance to the GHSA Class 5A Final Four. Tucker, the Region 4-5A champions, opened the scoring in the 20th minute by converting a penalty kick but the Colonels responded quickly. Cass evened the score in the 27th minute on a goal by Christian Villela from Edgar Abeja. Five minutes later, the Colonels took the lead on an unassisted goal by Melvin Velasquez and carried that 2-1 advantage to the intermission. The two teams traded chances in the second half until the Colonels’ JJ Grimaldo made it 3-1 in the 63rd minute with the assist coming from Mason Madrid. The Tigers (8-11-2) scored with seven minutes remaining for a 3-2 final. Cass goalkeeper Saul Villela had seven saves in the quarterfinal victory. “It was a great team win,” said Cass head coach Justin Fitzgerald. “We received a red card with about 30 minutes remaining and had to go the rest of the way with only 10 players. The players adjusted positions and did a great job finding a way to get it done.” Cass (15-3-1) will host the state semifinal match at Cochran Stadium on Friday night. The Colonels, champions of Region 7-5A, get the home pitch advantage and will host the Decatur Bulldogs (Time TBA). Decatur (14-5-3) has state playoff wins over Greenbrier, Harris County, and Chattahoochee in the first three rounds. The other state semifinal will be Midtown (12-6) at McIntosh (21-0). Friday’s state semifinal winners will play on Thursday, May 9 for the Class 5A state championship at 7:30 p.m. at Duluth High School.

April 29, 2024 The Woodland Wildcats had their playoff run end Monday night when they lost both games of a Class 5A second-round doubleheader at perennial Georgia baseball power Loganville. The host Red Devils won the opening game 2-1 in 10 innings and then held off Woodland in the second game, 5-2. Mason Williams singled home a run in the top of the third inning of Game 1 to give the Wildcats an early 1-0 lead but Loganville answered with a run in the bottom of the fifth. The pitching duel extended into the tenth inning when the Red Devils’ Jordan Johnson singled home the winning run. The loss spoiled strong pitching performances by Woodland’s Zach Lambert (5 IP, 1R, 0ER, 7H, 1BB, 2K) and JD Trail (4 IP, 1ER, 3H, 2BB, 2K). Ayden Ray had two hits in the first game. Brett Good and Williams (RBI) had the only other Woodland base hits. In Game 2, Woodland led 2-0 through three innings but Loganville tied the game with two runs in the fourth before grabbing the lead with a three-run sixth inning. Austin Daves (5 IP, 4ER, 4H, 2BB, 6K) was tagged with the pitching loss for Woodland. Ray (2 IP, 1ER, 4H, 2BB, 4K) also pitched in Game 2. Logan Bentley (double), Jake Clowers, Connor Stermer, and Williams had one hit for the Wildcats. Loganville (21-12) advances to the Class 5A state quarterfinals to host McIntosh in a best-of-three series that begins with a doubleheader on Saturday. Woodland has its year end with a 17-15 record.

April 29, 2024 The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes swept the Jefferson Dragons in a doubleheader Monday night at Richard Bell Field to advance to the quarterfinals of the Class 5A state playoffs for the 25th time in the last 28 seasons. The Canes won the opening game 1-0 and completed the sweep in the second game 10-1. Sawyer Wilson made the Game 1 start on the mound for Cartersville and went six shutout innings. He allowed just two hits, no walk, and struck out seven. Ryan Johnson returned to action and picked up a save by closing the seventh inning. Johnson yielded one hit and struck out two. The opener was scoreless through the first 2-½ innings when Luke Miller opened the Canes’ half of the third with a triple. Two outs later, Andrew Purdy lined a single into center field driving in the game’s only run. Batting first in Game 2 the Hurricanes started quickly scoring four runs in the first and four more in the second inning to build an 8-0 lead. The Dragons’ only run crossed in the bottom of the second inning. Cartersville added a single run in the fourth inning and Purdy hit a solo home run for the Canes’ tenth run in the sixth inning. Nate Russell collected the Game 2 pitching win. He allowed one, unearned run on five hits. He issued no walks and struck out eight. Logan Shrewsbury pitched the final two innings. Shrewsbury gave up no runs on two hits with one strikeout. Miller had four hits in the two games including a triple. Purdy (home run, triple, five RBIs) and Tristan McKibben (RBI) followed with three hits. Landon Cole (triple, three RBIs) and Cole Crawford (RBI) had two hits. Caleb Daniel added one hit and scored three runs after being hit by a pitch three times in the series. The season for Jefferson ends with a 17-15 record. Cartersville (27-5) will host the Locust Grove Wildcats (22-12) in a best-of-three state quarterfinal series that begins with a doubleheader on Saturday. If a third game is needed, it will be on Monday. Locust Grove, the third-place team from Region 2-5A, swept Decatur on Monday night 12-2 and 6-3.

April 29, 2024 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Minor League Baseball season winds down its first month of action as the collegiate softball and baseball seasons reach their conference championships. This week’s Athletes Beyond Bartow report includes updates on all three former Cartersville Hurricanes in the MiLB and individual reports on 26 local contributions on collegiate softball and baseball diamonds nationwide. The update includes pro basketball, professional football, college golf, tennis, and track and field. MiLB MASON BARNETT — Northwest Arkansas Naturals (3rd-yr. pro; Kansas City Royals Double-A affiliate; Auburn; Cartersville HS) … made a 3-⅓ inning start last Wednesday for no-decision in an eventual 6-3 loss at the Tulsa Drillers. The right-hand pitcher allowed three runs on five hits and three walks. He faced 16 batters and struck out four. Northwest Arkansas went 2-3 last week at Tulsa. The Naturals (9-11) host a six-game series on Tuesday through Sunday with the Wichita Wind Surge. LOGAN MARTIN — Columbia Fireflies (2nd-yr. pro; Kansas City Royals Single-A affiliate; Kentucky; Cartersville HS) … closed out the final four innings last Tuesday to earn his first save in an 8-0 home win over the Augusta GreenJackets. Martin allowed no runs on two hits and one walk while striking out four. This past Sunday, he retired nine outs across the sixth through eighth innings for no decision. He allowed three earned runs on five hits and one walk with four strikeouts in an eventual 9-8 loss to Augusta. The Fireflies (12-8) are currently in second place in the Carolina League’s South Division. Columbia has a six-game series on Tuesday through Sunday at the Carolina Mudcats. ANTHONY SEIGLER — Somerset Patriots (7th-yr. pro; NY Yankees Double-A affiliate; Cartersville HS) … made four starts at second base last week as the Patriots went 2-4 at the Reading Fightin’ Phils. Seigler was 5-for-16 at the plate with two doubles, two walks, and two RBIs. He scored one run. Somerset (9-12) hosts the New Hampshire Fisher Cats for a six-game series on Tuesday through Sunday. UFL VIC BEASLEY, JR. — Arlington Renegades (10th-yr. pro; Clemson; Adairsville HS) … made two solo tackles this past Saturday night but the Renegades fell to 0-5 on the season with a 25-15 home loss to the San Antonio Brahmas. Arlington plays at the Michigan Panthers in Detroit on Sunday. BASKETBALL SUPER LEAGUE A.J. MOSBY, JR. — Sudbury Five (6th-yr. pro; Alcorn State; Cartersville HS) …  in The Five’s final two regular-season wins at the KW Titans and at the Windsor Express, Mosby averaged 26 points, seven assists, and three rebounds. He also had one blocked shot. The Sudbury Five qualified for the Basketball Super League playoffs along with the KW Titans, London Lightning, and the Newfoundland Rogues. The playoff schedule is TBA. PGA CHAMPIONS TOUR JASON BOHN — Champions Senior Tour (Acworth, 50, 32-yr. pro; Cartersville CC member)  … shot 81-72-73 (10-over par) and tied for 70th this past weekend at the Mitsubishi Electric Classic at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, Georgia. The next PGA senior event is the Insperity Invitational at The Woodlands, Texas on Friday through Sunday. GOLF BUCK BRUMLOW — University of Georgia (Jr., Cartersville HS) … shot 70-72-71 (3-over par) in the medal play portion of the Southeastern Conference Championship. He tied for 41st individually as the Bulldogs qualified for match play with a fourth-place finish. The tournament was held at Sea Island Golf Club in St. Simons Island, Georgia last Wednesday through Sunday. Brumlow won his match 1-up against Arkansas in the SEC Match Play quarterfinals, but the team fell to the Razorbacks, 3-2. Auburn defeated Vanderbilt in the conference championship match, 3-2. UGA awaits the NCAA Selections for the NCAA Regionals which will be announced on Wednesday, May 1. DALTON HENSON — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cartersville HS) .. shot 86-74-74 and placed 14th individually at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championship last week at Barnsley Gardens Resort. The Eagles failed to qualify for the NAIA national tournament by placing fourth. Truett-McConnell won the conference title ANDERSON McCARY — Birmingham-Southern College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … recorded rounds of 98-84-88 and placed 45th individually as the Panthers placed eighth at the Southern Athletic Association Conference Championship held at Greystone Golf Club this past weekend in Dickson, Tennessee. Oglethorpe University won the conference tournament. BRODY TIDWELL — Georgia State University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … carded rounds of 80-78-74 and tied for 56th individually at the Sun Belt Conference Championship held last week at Annandale Golf Club in Madison, Mississippi. The Panthers finished 14th with Arkansas State winning the conference title. JAKE WEHUNT — Young Harris College (So., Cartersville HS) … shot 77-76-76 and tied for 22nd individually at the Conference Carolinas Championship last week at Cutter Creek Golf Club in Snow Hill, North Carolina. The Mountain Lions placed seventh in the conference tournament won by Barton College. CHANC WILLIS — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … shot 78-72-77 last week and placed sixth at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championship held at Barnsley Gardens Resort. His performance earned him AAC First Team All-Conference honors. The Eagles missed qualifying for the NAIA national tournament by placing fourth. TENNIS EMILY BUSH — Young Harris College (So., Cartersville HS) … the Mountain Lions defeated the University of Mount Olive and Barton College in the Carolinas Conference tournament before falling to Erskine College in the semifinals. Bush was 1-1 in her singles matches and 0-2 in doubles sets with partner Meghna Mallath. She also had one doubles set and one singles match that were not completed. Bush was 10-9 in singles matches this season and 7-13 in doubles. Young Harris finished the season with a 13-12 mark. BRYCE VAN ORDER — Piedmont University (Sr., Woodland HS) … the Lions reached the finals of the Collegiate Conference of the South Tournament with a win over Huntingdon College in the semifinals but lost to Covenant College for the title. Van Order won his Line 3 singles match 6-0, 6-0 against Huntingdon but his Line 2 singles match in the championship round was halted in the third set. He was 11-6 in singles matches this season and 12-4 in doubles. TRACK AND FIELD ERIC TOVIAVE — Belmont University (So., Cartersville HS) … placed eighth (55.37) in the 400-meter hurdles this past weekend at the Music City Challenge at Vanderbilt University. The Bruins head to the Missouri Valley Outdoor Championships in Terre Haute, Indiana on May 10-12. SOFTBALL KYLIE ARNOLD — University of West Alabama (Fr., Cartersville HS) … saw action at Miles College and had an unsuccessful pinch-hitting appearance at Shorter University last week. The Tigers went 4-0 with a three-game sweep at Shorter. UWA (33-16, 16-14 Gulf South Conference) begins the double-elimination GSC Tournament on Wednesday in Oxford, Alabama against 16th-ranked Auburn Montgomery. HAYLEE DISHMON — Georgia Highlands College (Fr., Cass HS) … in four games against Chattanooga State and two with Gordon State College last week, Dishmon, an outfielder named to the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association First Team this week, was 4-for-19 at the plate with two walks. She also added to her school season-record stolen base total with nine to finish the season with 54. She hit .371 with one home run and 22 RBIs in 47 games. The Chargers failed to qualify for their conference tournament and finished with a 14-33 mark. ANSLEY EVANS — Reinhardt University (Jr., Woodland HS) … went 3-for-14 with three RBIs and scored three runs as the Eagles went 4-0 at Johnson University (Tenn.) and Union College (Ky.). Reinhardt (38-8, 27-1) will be the top seed at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament in Kingsport, Tennessee which begins on Tuesday, and has already earned an automatic bid to the NAIA national tournament for winning the regular season conference title. MEGAN GREGORY — Campbell University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … made a three-inning relief appearance with no decision last Wednesday in a 5-1 home loss to Queens University. Gregory allowed two earned runs on two hits and two walks. She struck out two. The Camels (31-19-1, 19-5 Coastal Athletic Association) play a three-game conference series at Delaware on Thursday through Saturday. ANSLEY HIGHT — University of Southern Mississippi (Fr., Cass HS) … made an unsuccessful pinch-hitting appearance in the sixth inning last Tuesday in a 6-3 home win over Marshall. The Eagles (21-26, 9-12 Sun Belt Conference) host a three-game conference series with South Alabama on Thursday through Saturday. SADYE JOHNSON — University of North Georgia (Jr., Adairsville HS) … made an unsuccessful pinch-hitting appearance in the sixth inning of the 8th-ranked Nighthawks’ 8-0 home win over Augusta last Friday in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament. UNG (46-8, 21-3) hosts Columbus State University in a best-of-three series on Friday and Saturday for the PBC championship. ERYN LEE — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … started three games last week and went 1-for-10 at the plate and scored one run as the Eagles won two games at Johnson University (Tenn.) and two at Union College (Ky.). Reinhardt (38-8, 27-1) is the No. 1 seed for the eight-team Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament that begins on Tuesday. The Eagles open against Bryan College and the tournament continues through Friday in Kingsport, Tennessee. RACHAEL LEE — Gulf Coast State (So., Cass HS) … in three starts last week, Lee was 6-for-10 at the plate including a home run, a double, two walks, and four RBIs. She also stole one base. The 11th-ranked Commodores beat Chipola and Tallahassee but lost to 2nd-ranked Northwest Florida State. Gulf Coast (39-13, 13-7) will play in the South Atlantic District tournament May 8-11 in Clearwater, Florida. AVA PERKINS — Lee University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … made one start and appeared in two games this past weekend as the Flames dropped two of three games at the University of West Florida. Perkins was 0-for-3 in her plate appearances. Lee (20-25, 14-16) begins the double-elimination Gulf South Conference tournament as the No. 8 seed on Wednesday night against No. 1 seed Mississippi College in Oxford, Alabama. HOPE SHORT — Shorter University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … started at second base this past Sunday and was 0-for-2 at the plate in a 9-0 home loss to the University of West Alabama. The Hawks’ season ends with a 2-45 record. ALEXA VARNER — Shorter University (Sr., Adairsville HS) … made two starts this past Saturday and Sunday in home losses to the University of West Alabama. Shorter finished 2-45 overall and 1-29 in the Gulf South Conference. ALEXIS WOODS — Tennessee State University (Fr., Cass HS) … went 3-for-11 at the plate in four starts last week. She added two walks and scored three runs. The Tigers dropped two of three games at Southern Indiana and also suffered a home loss to Chattanooga. TSU (24-22, 15-9 Ohio Valley Conference) hosts a three-game conference series with Tennessee Tech on Saturday and Sunday. BASEBALL DREW BILLINGS — Trinity Baptist College (Fr., Woodland HS) … made two short pitching appearances with no decision this past weekend in losses at Toccoa Falls College. He worked 1-⅓ innings and allowed two earned runs on two hits and one walk. Trinity dropped three of four games in the series. The Eagles (21-26, 8-5 NCCAA) will begin postseason play on Monday. CURT BONNER — LaGrange College (So., Cartersville HS) … made three home starts in left field against Maryville College (Tenn.) and went 2-for-7 with a sacrifice, one sac fly, two RBIs, and one run scored. The Panthers lost two of three games in the series. LaGrange (20-14, 6-9 Collegiate Conference of the South) plays a three-game conference series at Huntingdon College in Montgomery on Thursday through Saturday. HARRISON CHILDERS — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … made a start last Thursday at shortstop and went 3-for-5 with a double and scored one run as the Stallions won at Andrew College, 9-3. ABAC (18-27, 10-12 GCAA) hosts East Georgia College on Tuesday and Gordon State College on Thursday. COLIN EATON — Gordon State College (So., Cartersville HS) … made a six-inning start this past Saturday at Georgia Highlands College and received the pitching loss in a 5-0 defeat. Eaton allowed five runs (three earned) on nine hits and four walks. He hit one batter and struck out four. The Highlanders (29-20, 15-8 GCAA) visit Andrew College on Tuesday and ABAC on Thursday. KENNY JINKS — Wheeling University (R-Sr., Woodland HS) … was the winning pitcher this past Saturday in the Cardinals’ 13-6 home victory over Salem University. Jinks worked six innings and allowed five runs (three earned) on eight hits and two walks. He fanned four while improving to 5-3 on the season. Wheeling (23-22, 11-13 Mountain East Conference) has a four-game, home-and-home series on Friday and Sunday with West Liberty University (WV). COLT McKIBBEN — Lee University (So., Cartersville HS) … pitched two scoreless innings of middle relief last Tuesday in a 14-2 loss at 8th-ranked Young Harris College. He hit two batters but allowed only one hit and struck out three. The Flames (36-14, 23-7) begin play in the Gulf South Conference tournament on Friday night. Lee is the No. 1 seed and will open the tournament against No. 8 seed West Georgia. SAM MELTON — Rockingham CC (So., Cartersville HS) … started three and appeared in four games last week at Gardner Webb JV and at home against New River CC. Melton was 4-for-10 at the plate with three walks, one RBI, and three runs scored. Rockingham (21-31, 9-14 NJCAA DIII Region 10) hosts Virginia Peninsula CC on Thursday. DREW ROTHSCHILD — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (So., Cartersville HS) … made two starts last week — a home loss to Georgia Highlands and a win at Andrew College. He was 2-for-6 at the plate with a solo home run, three walks, two RBIs, and two runs scored. ABAC (18-27, 10-13 GCAA) hosts East Georgia College on Tuesday and Gordon State College on Thursday. TREY SCOTT — Alabama A&M University (Jr., Cass HS) … made a five-inning start with no decision last Tuesday in an eventual 14-13 win over Tuskegee University. Scott yielded five earned runs on five hits, four walks, and one hit batsman. He recorded three strikeouts. He also induced a groundout from the only batter he faced last Friday in a 20-3 home loss to Bethune-Cookman. AAMU (11-31, 7-14 SWAC) plays at Austin Peay on Tuesday night before hosting a three-game conference series with Alabama State on Saturday through Monday. PHILLIP SCHILTZ — Coastal Alabama - South CC (Fr., Cartersville HS) … made a three-inning start with no decision this past Saturday in an eventual 13-12 loss at Snead State CC. Schiltz allowed ten earned runs on ten hits, three walks, and one hit batsman. He recorded one strikeout. The Coyotes (23-25, 20-12 Alabama Community College Conference) have home-and-home doubleheaders on Thursday and Saturday with Southern Union State CC. STEVEN SPELL — Young Harris College (Grad student, Cass HS) … in a home win over Lee University plus two losses and one win at Belmont Abbey College, the Mountain Lions’ third baseman was 3-for-16 at the plate including one double, two walks, three RBIs, and three runs scored. YHC (38-11, 24-6) is the No. 2 seed in the Conference Carolinas tournament that begins Wednesday in Gastonia, North Carolina. PRESTON WELCHEL — Cumberland University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … the Phoenix lost three of four games last week at home falling to 8th-ranked Reinhardt and dropping two games to Lindsey Wilson College (Ky.). Welchel was 5-for-17 with one walk, four runs scored, and three RBIs. Cumberland (22-27, 5-13 Mid-South Conference) plays Lindsey Wilson in the first round of the conference tournament on Wednesday afternoon in Bowling Green, Kentucky. COHEN WILBANKS — Georgia Gwinnett College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … made two starts last weekend at home against Fisher College (Mass.). He was 3-for-7 at the plate including a double, one walk, and one RBI. The Grizzlies (42-6, 8-0 Continental Athletic Conference) will play a home doubleheader with Carolina University (NC) on Wednesday before hosting the conference tournament beginning Saturday through Tuesday, May 7. JORDAN WILKIE — Augusta University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … in two starts — both losses — this past weekend at Flagler College, he was 1-for-6 at the plate with one RBI on a sacrifice fly. The Jaguars (23-25, 12-15 Peach Belt Conference) are the No. 7 seed and will play host and No. 2 seed Georgia College on Friday in the first round of the double-elimination PBC tournament.

April 28, 2024 McLain Leberte of Roswell and R.B. Clyburn of Cartersville carded four-ball rounds of 65-64-65 (22-under-par) Friday through Sunday to win the 52nd Georgia Four-Ball Championship at Echelon Golf Club in Alpharetta. The 80-team field competed on the 7,142-yard, par-72 championship course with 32 teams making the 36-hole cut to play in Sunday’s round. Leberte and Clyburn finished two shots ahead of Brooks Colquitt and Cole Isban. They were four shots ahead of Keith Guest and Kyle Stiles of Athens. Cartersville Country Club member Lee Bowman (Mariettta) and Shawn Higgins of Atlanta tied for fifth and were six shots back. Laine Frazier of Adairsville and his partner Collin Doss of Rome tied for 18th at 11-under par. Christian Raynor of Kennesaw and Chad Branton of Cartersville finished 27th at 7-under par. Ryan Perry of Marietta and Greg Johnson of Cartersville missed the 36-hole cut with rounds of 70-68. Matt Green of Cartersville and partner Adam Yarbrough of Dallas shot 71-69.

April 27, 2024 Georgia Highlands baseball blanked Gordon State College 5-0 on Saturday in Cartersville to lock up the No. 1 seed in the upcoming Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association tournament hosted by the Chargers May 6-9. A trio of GHC pitchers combined to shut out the visiting Highlanders. Trip Dovale (10-1) started on the mound and collected his tenth win by working seven scoreless innings. He scattered four hits and one walk while fanning nine. Andrew Arnold allowed one hit but struck out two in a scoreless eighth inning and Chandler Anderson struck out one in the ninth. Ryan Wideman had three of the Chargers' eleven hits. Barrett Eldridge (double, RBI), Ryan Martin (solo home run), and Grayson Godbee followed with two hits. Luke Orfi (double, two RBIs) and Ali Banks (double) had the other GHC hits. Gordon State (29-20, 15-8) will be the No. 2 seed in the upcoming conference tournament. The Highlanders have regular season road games on Tuesday and Thursday at Andrew College and ABAC. The NJCAA 4th-ranked Chargers have regular season games on Tuesday at South Georgia and Thursday at home against Andrew College.