February 8, 2024 The Adairsville tennis teams won matches over visiting Woodland on Wednesday with the Lady Tigers winning 4-1 and the Tigers taking a 3-2 decision. ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 4, WOODLAND 1 Singles Line 1 — Madison Abernathy (A) d. Caleigh Williams (W), 6-2, 6-2 Line 2 — Kathryn Kovacic (W) d. Adyson Garvey (A), 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) Line 3 — Camdyn Collins (W) d. Diana Librado (W), 6-2, 4-6 (10-4) Doubles Line 1 — Ella Baker/Stella Rood (W) d. Ellie Holt/Ella Bridges (A), 6-3, 7-5 Line 2 — Allison Potter/Caroline O’Kelly (W) d. Ryleigh Hawley/Sarah Smith (A), 6-2, 6-3 ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 3, WOODLAND 2 Singles Line 1 — Peter Heins (W) d. Braden Potter (A), 6-4, 6-0 Line 2 — Domenic Ciavarro (W) d. Michael Spinks (A), 6-1, 6-1 Line 3 — Adairsville received point by forfeit Doubles Line 1 — Camden Teems/Carter Collum (A) d. Jack Gore/Alex Gerstner (W), 6-1, 6-0 Line 2 — Adairsville received point by forfeit Adairsville is back in action on Thursday (Feb. 8) at Rockmart. Woodland hosts North Paulding on Thursday.

February 7, 2024 The Cartersville boys won easily but the Lady Canes came up short in tennis matches Tuesday at Rockmart. The Canes won 5-0 while the Cartersville girls lost 3-2. The Cartersville boys won all three singles lines. Brock Wilson (6-1, 6-2), Jack Minhinnett (6-0, 6-1), and Walker Cooney (6-0, 6-1) each collected wins. The doubles teams of Eli Odell/Bryce Summey (6-1, 6-0) and Julian Cline/Chandler Mathison (6-0, 6-1) swept the boys’ doubles. In girls' action, freshman Chloe Bush battled from behind in the first set to win (7-6, 6-0) at Line 2 singles. The other Cartersville point was earned by the doubles team of Katherine Brown and Eden Olson who came from behind in the first set to win 7-6, then won their second set 6-2. Both teams will be back in action on Thursday at Dellinger Park against the Rome Wolves.

February 7, 2024 DJ Paradis Jackson Barkley’s goal gave CHS a brief 1-0 lead against Cedartown Tuesday night, but it wasn’t enough as the visiting Bulldogs would come back late to win 2-1. Both teams played to a 0-0 stalemate in the first half before Barkley collected a loose ball and directed it into the net with four minutes gone in the second half. However, Cedartown would tie it up five minutes later. A 12th-minute whistle in the box by the Canes brought the penalty kick that pushed the Bulldogs in front. Cartersville’s last best opportunity at an equalizer came in the 14th minute when Yosvanni Pineda’s shot clicked off the Cedartown keeper’s heel and rolled to the left of the goal. Canes keeper Avery Sexton kept hope alive with a little over four minutes to play by kick-saving a point-blank shot. “It was a close game, but we didn’t play to our ability tonight,” said coach DJ Paradis. “We didn’t have our best foot forward, and Cedartown took advantage of those chances. We didn’t. Tomorrow’s a new day.” Cartersville (1-1) travels to Villa Rica on Friday. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 10, CEDARTOWN 0 February 7 Alex Farmer The Cartersville Lady Hurricanes took down the visiting Cedartown Bulldogs last night as the Lady Canes shut out Cedartown 10-0 Tuesday night in Weinman Stadium. The sister duos were on display as Hattie Williams scored a career-high five goals with her sister, Annabelle, recording two of her own while Maci and Mallory Nicklas also got on the board, the latter ending the contest via mercy rule with two consecutive goals. The Lady Canes jumped out early as Hattie Williams netted a pass from Kiley McMichael that she collected from an Annabelle Williams corner kick in the fourth minute. McMichael recorded 3 assists on the night. Ten minutes later it was Nicklas’ turn, as the senior made it 2-0 with a beautiful header at the far post off a corner kick from her sister. Two short minutes after that Hattie Williams got her second goal of the evening with a run down the right flank and a cool side-net finish into the left side of the goal. “We wanted to come out and be strong early,” said Williams, a senior who recently committed to Reinhardt University. “We did just that and never backed down, pushing to the very end. The defense was really strong for us and our midfield got the ball back to the top. It was just up to us to finish from there.” “Our energy out there was really good,” said Maci Nicklas, a Truett-McConnell University signee. “I could tell that we were playing for each other and that’s what made it work.” Maci and Mallory Nicklas, Hattie Beth Williams, and Kiley McMichael also all learned on Tuesday that they had been selected for the preseason first-team All-State honorable mention list. Annabelle Williams finished the first half scoring with two goals. The first came in the 24th minute with the ball glancing off the goalie’s fingertips into the upper right corner. Five minutes later in a breakaway the Cedartown keeper stopped Williams’ first shot before the sophomore collected the rebound and finished the sequence to make the halftime lead 5-0. Hattie Williams completed her hat trick within the first minute of the second half, collecting a Mallory Nicklas long ball over the back line to push the lead to 6-0. Williams then collected goals four and five on the evening, the last one set up by a Lundyn Eubanks pass that sliced between several defenders. Mallory Nicklas ended the scoring with two goals, the first coming off a free kick from 32 yards out that fell just under the crossbar. The final score came courtesy of another Eubanks pass with 45 seconds showing on the clock. Goalkeepers Claire Tucker and Helen Leaming secured the shutout, with Leaming punching one scoring threat over the bar in the 18th minute. The Lady Canes (1-1) are on the road at Villa Rica on Friday, February 9th to face off with the Wildcats. Kickoff is set for 5:30.

February 7, 2024 Tuesday night’s local high school basketball results: CARTERSVILLE BOYS 61, CALHOUN 57 The Purple Hurricanes road a big come-from-behind fourth quarter Tuesday night to win at Calhoun, 61-57. Calhoun led most of the way with a 22-12 lead after one quarter; 33-25 advantage at halftime; and a 50-45 lead through three periods. Cartersville rallied to win the fourth quarter 16-7 to squeeze out an important four-point region win. Kaden Baldwin led Cartersville with 15 points. DJ Cain followed with 10. Nas Bennett, Monte Tolbert, and Ced McClinic added nine points each. Emaree Winston led Calhoun with 22 points. Landon Chattam finished with 12 for the Yellow Jackets (8-14, 3-6). Cartersville (11-12, 7-2), currently second in the Region 7-5A standings, finishes the regular season at region-leading Hiram on Friday night. ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 72, BREMEN 43 The Tigers powered to a 29-7 lead in the first eight minutes and were not threatened in a 72-43 win on Tuesday night at Bremen. Adairsville led 37-18 at halftime and 53-37 by the end of the third quarter. Tayshaun Jackson paced the Tigers with 18 points. Xavious Nalls totaled 16 and Gabriel Gomez added 13 points for Adairsville. Evan Brown led the Blue Devils (0-22, 0-13) with 15 points. Adairsville (16-9, 12-2) secured the top seed for the Region 6-AAA tournament and will host the event beginning next week. EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 67, OAKWOOD CHRISTIAN 39 The Eagles won their first-round game Tuesday night at the GAPPS Region 1, Division I-A tournament in Powder Springs. Excel led 39-22 by halftime and added to their advantage in the second half. David Jinks led the Eagles with 15 points. Kamarion Profit scored 13 and King Eleazer added nine points for ECA. Trey Tindall led Oakwood Christian with 11 points. Excel (8-17) advances to the region tournament semifinals on Thursday against The Stonehaven School of Marietta. The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. HIRAM 62, CASS BOYS 49 The hosting Hornets built a 13-point lead by halftime and maintained that advantage through the second half to top the Cass Colonels Tuesday night, 62-49. Chase Tyler scored 26 points and Ryan Williams finished with 12 points for Hiram (15-8, 8-1). Dylan Miller led Cass with 14 points. Kevin Henderson followed with 11. Jayden Foster and Kyron McClendon added eight each for the Colonels. Cass (6-14, 2-7) plays at Woodland on Friday night. DALTON 76, WOODLAND BOYS 36 Dalton defeated visiting Woodland on Tuesday, 76-36. The Catamounts evened their season record at 12-12 overall and 6-3 in Region 7-5A. Woodland (7-16, 1-8) hosts Cass on Friday. ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 37, BREMEN 25 The Lady Tigers locked up the No. 3 seed for the Region 6-AAA tournament Tuesday night with a 37-25 road win at Bremen. Adairsville led 18-14 at the intermission and led 27-20 through three quarters. Alissa Winters scored 11 points and NaXyria Roberts finished with 10 points for the Lady Tigers. Marley Beringer led the Lady Blue Devils (11-9, 4-9) with 10 points. Adairsville (16-9, 10-4) will play in the Region 6-AAA tournament next week. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 61, CALHOUN 58 (OT) The Lady Canes maintained their hold on second place in Region 7-5A Tuesday night with a 61-58 overtime win at Calhoun. Cartersville led 27-17 by halftime and led 41-28 through three quarters. The Lady Canes then held off a late charge by the Yellow Jackets in the fourth quarter to pull out a three-point overtime win. Sa’Niah Dorsey paced Calhoun with 26 points. Allie Duke added 11 for the Jackets (15-9, 6-3). KK Arnold led the Lady Canes with 18 points. Taff Bradley contributed 11 and Ansley Griffin finished with 10 points for Cartersville. Arnold added six assists and four rebounds. Bradley added three rebounds and two assists. Griffin had a pair of steals and one rebound. Cartersville (14-10, 7-2) wraps up the regular season on Friday at Hiram. DALTON 60, WOODLAND GIRLS 19 Grace Ridley scored 13 points and Emma Hefner added 11 as Dalton defeated visiting Woodland on Tuesday night, 60-19. Gracie Shipp led Woodland with 12 points. Dalton (16-8, 8-1) continues to lead the Region 7-5A standings with one game remaining. Woodland (7-14, 0-9) hosts Cass on Friday. HIRAM 64, CASS GIRLS 40 The Cass girls led 17-9 after one quarter and were up 25-22 at halftime Tuesday night at Hiram, but the host Lady Hornets overpowered the Lady Colonels in the second half for a 64-40 Region 7-5A win. Hiram (9-13, 3-6) outscored Cass 24-10 in the third quarter to take control with a 46-35 lead. Hadiya Kennerly led Hiram with 17 points. T’Nasia Nance finished with 15 and Taylor Crawford contributed 14 points. Zion Hayes led Cass with 13 points. Kiana McDaniel added 10 points for the Lady Colonels. Cass (14-10, 3-6) completes the regular season schedule on Friday at Woodland.

February 7, 2024 The Woodland High tennis teams were swept in losses to Rome on Tuesday by identical 5-0 final scores. ROME 5, WOODLAND GIRLS 0 Singles: Line 1 — Caleigh Williams lost 0-6, 0-6 Line 2 — Kathryn Kovacic lost 2-6, 0-6 Line 3 — Diana Librado lost 1-6, 2-6 Doubles: Line 1 — Ellie Holt & Ella Bridges lost 3-6, 6-7 Line 2 — Ryleigh Hawley & Katie Anne Jones lost 3-6, 3-6 ROME 5, WOODLAND BOYS 0 Singles: Line 1 — Peter Heins lost 0-6, 1-6 Line 2 — Domenic Ciavarro lost 0-6, 0-6 Line 3 — Jack Gore lost 0-6, 0-6 Doubles: Line 1 — Kaiden Holbrook & Alex Gerstner lost 0-6, 1-6 Line 2 — forfeit Woodland plays Wednesday at Adairsville.

February 7, 2024 The Cass High soccer teams split matches at Kennesaw Mountain Tuesday night with the boys' team winning 3-1. The Lady Colonels were blanked, 10-0. The Cass boys posted two goals in the first half and added a third goal with about 10 minutes remaining. No individual data was provided. The host Mustangs added a late goal for the 3-1 final score. The Colonels (1-0) host Northwest Whitfield on Thursday. KENNESAW MOUNTAIN 10, CASS GIRLS 0 Kennesaw Mountain scored five goals in each half to defeat the Lady Colonels, 10-0. The Cass girls host Northwest Whitfield on Thursday.

The Adairsville girls soccer team opened the 2024 season Monday night with a 1-0 victory at Darlington. Following a scoreless first half, Ella Edwards punched in the Lady Tigers’ goal in the 41st minute off an assist from Alexa Damer. Adairsville outshot Darlington 11-1 in the matchup. “It was a great match,” noted Adairsville assistant coach Amanda Jones. “Both teams showed some physicality and our team connectedness and passing improved as the game went on.” Jacksyn Elrod was the recipient of the game ball from head coach David Sexauer, “she brought her position to life offensively and defensively and in return fueled many of her teammates to be successful on our counterattacks.” The Lady Tigers (1-0) return to the pitch Thursday at Cedartown. DARLINGTON 4, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 1 The Adairsville boys soccer team lost its season opener Monday evening at Darlington 4-1. Darlington led 4-0 at the intermission. Greg Munoz scored the Adairsville goal. Alex Gollaz had an assist on the scoring play. The Tigers (0-1) return to action on Friday night at Sonoraville.

February 5, 2024 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com It is the busiest time of the year for our local Athletes Beyond Bartow. Winter sports are moving into the final weeks of the regular season and preparing for conference tournaments and post-season play. Meanwhile, Spring sports are kicking off their seasons. This week’s update includes more than three dozen athletes from Cartersville and Bartow County and their contributions to their teams and programs across North America. MLB MASON BARNETT — Kansas City Royals (3rd yr. pro; Auburn; Cartersville HS) … the 23-year-old right-hand pitcher is a non-roster invitee to participate in the Royals’ spring training in Surprise, Arizona. Barnett was a 3rd round selection of the Royals in 2022, the 87th pick overall. He finished the 2023 season with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, the Royals’ Double-A affiliate. LOGAN MARTIN — Kansas City Royals organization (2nd yr. pro; Kentucky; Cartersville HS) … the 22-year-old right-hand pitcher saw action in 2023 with the Rookie-level ACL Royals and the single-A Columbia Fireflies. His 2024 assignment is undetermined. ANTHONY SEIGLER — New York Yankees organization (7th-yr. pro; Cartersville HS) … the Yankees first-round selection in 2018 (23rd overall) finished the 2023 season with the Double-A affiliate Somerset Patriots. The 24-year-old’s 2024 assignment is undetermined. NBA G LEAGUE ASHTON HAGANS — Rip City Remix (4th yr. pro; Cartersville native; Kentucky; Newton HS) … had a pair of double-double performances last week. He scored 16 points and had 10 assists last Tuesday in a 112-107 win at the Salt Lake City Stars. On Friday, he scored 12 points with 10 assists in a 121-102 home loss to the South Bay Lakers. Hagans also totaled 10 rebounds and three steals in those two games. Rip City (9-5, 4th in the Western Conference) plays at the Motor City Cruise on Tuesday and has two games at the Sioux Falls Skyforce on Friday and Saturday. BASKETBALL SUPER LEAGUE A.J. MOSBY, JR. — Sudbury Five (6th-yr. pro; Alcorn State; Cartersville HS) … scored 26 points with nine assists, eight rebounds, and two steals last Friday in a 126-125 home win over the Newfoundland Rogues. Sudbury (6-4) hosts the London Lightning on Saturday night. COLLEGE BASKETBALL BRAXTON BENHAM — Berry College (Jr., Cass HS) … scored 17 points with six assists, five rebounds, and three steals this past Sunday in an 89-72 win at Hendrix College (Arkansas). He also had eight points with six rebounds, six assists, and three steals last Friday in a 76-65 win at Rhodes College in Memphis. The Vikings (13-9, 10-1 Southern Athletic Association) host Centre College on Friday and Sewanee on Sunday. ZAYLAN CHANEY — Tallahassee CC (So., Cartersville resident, Legacy Academy) … scored eight points with four rebounds and two steals this past Saturday in a 96-86 win at Northwest Florida State. The Eagles host Pensacola State on Wednesday and Chipola College on Saturday. CLAIRE DAVIS — Palm Beach Atlantic University (So., Cass HS) … scored 13 points and grabbed six rebounds with three steals, two assists, and one blocked shot last Wednesday in a 91-63 home win over Barry University. She also scored six points and had seven rebounds this past Saturday in a 75-72 win at Rollins College. The Sailfish (12-9, 6-7 Sunshine State Conference) visit Lynn University on Wednesday and host Tampa on Saturday night. JA’KA’YAH DRAUGHN — Chattanooga State CC (Fr., Cartersville HS) … scored three points with two steals, two rebounds, and one assist last Wednesday in a 76-60 win at Cleveland State CC. The Tigers (19-1, 9-1 TCCAA) play at Motlow State CC on Wednesday and host Dyersburg State CC on Saturday. JUSTICE HAYES — Point University (Jr., Cass HS) … scored 14 points with four rebounds and two assists this past Saturday in an 83-61 home loss to Middle Georgia State. The Skyhawks (6-16, 0-14 Southern States Athletic Conference) play at Blue Mountain Christian on Thursday night and at Tennessee Southern on Saturday. DiANTHONY HEATHCOCK — Columbia International University (Sr., Woodland HS) … contributed a pair of double-double performances last week as the Rams split conference games. He scored 16 points and had 10 rebounds with a blocked shot and one assist in a 77-75 win at Montreat College last Wednesday. Heathcock then scored 19 points with 11 rebounds this past Saturday with one assist in an 86-83 home loss to Union College (Ky.). CIU plays at Reinhardt on Tuesday and at home against Milligan on Saturday. HALEY JOHNSON — Central Georgia Tech (So., Cass HS) … grabbed 10 rebounds and added a blocked shot and one steal in a 53-47 home win this past Saturday over Albany Tech. Johnson also scored three points with two assists last Wednesday in a 70-59 home win over Georgia Highlands. The Titans (10-11, 7-3 GCAA) host East Georgia State on Wednesday and Southern Crescent Tech on Saturday. T.J. PRINTUP — Tusculum University (R-Fr., Adairsville HS) … scored two points with seven rebounds and one blocked shot last Wednesday in a 73-72 win at Mars Hill University. Printup also scored five points with one rebound this past Saturday in a 73-62 home win over Newberry College. The Pioneers (9-10, 7-6) visit UVA-Wise on Wednesday and host Wingate on Saturday. LONDAISHA SMITH — Salem University (Jr., Cass HS) … saw action but did not record a stat line last Wednesday in a 69-58 loss at Davis & Elkins College. The Tigers (4-16) host Glenville State on Wednesday and play at Concord University on Saturday. WRESTLING COLTON BISHOP — Reinhardt University (Jr., Woodland HS) … finished 2-2 in the 125-pound division at the Cumberland Phoenix Open this past Saturday in Lebanon, Tennessee. Reinhardt competes in the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships on Saturday, February 17 in Lakeland, Florida. EASTON BISHOP — Reinhardt University (Jr., Woodland HS) … finished 2-2 in the 133-pound weight class at the Cumberland Phoenix Open this past Saturday in Lebanon, Tennessee. Next for Reinhardt is the AAC Championship Tournament on February 17 in Lakeland, Florida. CALEB HENSON — Virginia Tech (So., Woodland HS) … won his bout with a 7-1 decision as the Hokies defeated rival Virginia, 27-9 this past Friday. Henson remains the No. 2-ranked 149-pounder in the nation. Virginia Tech hosts Duke on Friday night. TYLER McKNIGHT — Davidson College (Fr., Cass HS) … lost his 149-pound bout 7-6 in the Wildcats’ 27-9 home loss last Friday to Bellarmine University. Davidson visits Gardner-Webb on Friday night and wrestles at The Citadel on Sunday. JABRIL WILLIAMS — Midway University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … lost his 165-pound bout in a 39-3 team loss to Campbellsville University last Friday. The Eagles will wrestle again on February 17 at the Mid-South Conference Championships in Bowling Green, Kentucky. COLLEGE BASEBALL CAL GOSS — Lee University (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … allowed two earned runs on one hit and a pair of walks this past Saturday in a sixth-inning appearance as the Flames beat visiting Southern Wesleyan, 12-2. Lee (2-1) hosts Lincoln Memorial University on Wednesday and Mars Hill University for a three-game series on Saturday and Sunday. COLT McKIBBEN — Lee University (So., Cartersville HS) … yielded four earned runs on three hits and one hit batsman last Friday in a sixth-inning appearance against visiting Southern Wesleyan. The Flames won the game 9-5 and won two of three in the series. Lee (2-1) hosts Lincoln Memorial University on Wednesday and entertains Mars Hill University on Saturday and Sunday in a three-game series. DREW ROTHSCHILD — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (So., Cartersville HS) … has gone 4-for-22 with a double, two walks, and one stolen base through the Stallions' first seven games this season. ABAC dropped four games to St. Johns River State on January 26 and 29 and swept a three-game series with Cleveland State CC this past weekend. The Stallions (3-4) visit Santa Fe College in Gainesville on Wednesday and play at LaGrange College on Saturday. STEVEN SPELL — Young Harris College (Grad, Cass HS) … went 3-for-10 with one hit in each game this past weekend as the Mountain Lions swept visiting Union University (Tenn.). Spell doubled and drove in a run in Friday’s game. He hit a home run in Saturday’s second game and finished with four RBIs in the series. YHC (3-0) has a three-game series this Friday and Saturday at the University of West Georgia. COHEN WILBANKS — Georgia Gwinnett College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … went 2-for-6 with a double, a walk, a sac fly, and five RBIs appearing in three of four Grizzlies’ wins this past weekend. GGC swept two games with Rust College (Miss.) and Midway University (Ky.). The No. 2 Grizzlies (4-0) will play four games this Friday through Sunday in Sherlington, Louisiana against four NAIA-ranked opponents — No. 25 Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.), No. 22 Central Methodist (Mo.), No. 10 Missouri Baptist, and No. 5 LSU-Shreveport. PRESTON WELCHEL — Cumberland University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … in four losses to 10th-ranked Webber International University (Fla.) and Warner University (Fla.), Welchel was 3-for-11 at the plate with one walk. The Phoenix (0-4) host 14th-ranked Indiana Wesleyan University on Friday and Saturday. JORDAN WILKIE — Augusta University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … the Jags’ first baseman was hit by a pitch and scored a run but was 0-for-9 at the plate in three starts at home against West Georgia this past weekend — all losses. Augusta (0-3) hosts Erskine College on Tuesday and faces Kentucky Wesleyan College Friday through Sunday in a three-game home series. SOFTBALL KYLIE ARNOLD — University of West Alabama (Fr., Cartersville HS) … had one at-bat in each of two wins last Friday over Saint Leo University and Nova Southeastern University at the Gulf Shores Invitational. The Tigers also won over Lubbock Christian and a loss to No. 1 University of North Georgia. UWA (3-1) will play six games this Friday through Sunday against Embry-Riddle, 10th-ranked Tampa, and Eckerd College at the Daytona Beach Invitational. LAINEY BAKER — Union University (So., Woodland HS) … a transfer from Samford University, Baker collected her first pitching with Union on Saturday by tossing a complete game shutout at the Mardi Gras Invitational in Youngsville, Louisiana. She scattered four hits and struck out seven in a 2-0 win over Southeastern Oklahoma. Baker was tagged with a pitching loss last Friday working 3-⅔ innings of relief in a 5-4 loss to Southern Arkansas. She yielded four earned runs on five hits and four walks with three strikeouts. The Bulldogs (2-2) will play Lenior-Rhyne University, Columbus State University, Tuskegee University, and Georgia College on Friday and Saturday at the Columbus State Classic. HAYLEE DISHMON — Georgia Highlands CC (Fr., Cass HS) … went 8-for-16 at the plate with a triple, two walks, and scored five runs as the Chargers beat Calhoun CC twice last Wednesday and lost three games to Florence-Darlington Tech over the weekend.  Dishmon also stole five bases in those games. GHC (2-3) hosts Snead State CC on Wednesday and Walters State CC on Friday. ANSLEY EVANS — Reinhardt University (Jr., Woodland HS) … went 4-for-13 at the plate with a double, three runs scored, two walks, and two RBIs as the Eagles won twice at Warner University (Fla.) but lost twice at Southeastern University (Fla.). The Eagles host Midway University (Ky.) for a doubleheader on Friday, February 16. SADYE JOHNSON — University of North Georgia (Jr., Adairsville HS) … was 0-for-1 in a pinch-hitting role last weekend as the top-ranked Nighthawks went 4-0 at the Gulf Shores Invitational. UNG (4-0) beat West Florida, Spring Hill, Valdosta State, and West Alabama. The Nighthawks will play five games this Friday through Sunday as they host the Surf ’N Turf Classic in Dahlonega. ERYN LEE — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … went 3-for-10 with one RBI, one stolen base, and two runs scored in doubleheaders at Warner University (Fla.) and Southeastern University (Fla.) last Friday and Saturday. The Eagles (2-2) return to action on February 16 at home against Midway University (Ky.). RACHAEL LEE — Gulf Coast State CC (So., Cass HS) … through the first eight games, the Commodores’ outfielder has gone 8-for-26 at the plate with one home run, one double, two walks, six runs scored, one stolen base, and four RBIs. GCSCC (5-3) will host Wallace State CC, Lurleen B. Wallace, Southern Union State CC, and Shelton State CC for games on Friday and Saturday. AVA PERKINS — Lee University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … in a three-game series sweep of visiting Cedarville University (Ohio) last Friday and Saturday, Perkins was 3-for-7 with two doubles, two walks, four runs scored, two stolen bases, and one RBI. The Flames (3-0) play a doubleheader on Wednesday at Lincoln Memorial University and will host the Lee Invitational with Mercyhurst and the University of Indianapolis this Saturday and Sunday. HOPE SHORT — Shorter University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … went 0-for-2 in a pair of pinch-hitting appearances this past Friday and Saturday as the Hawks won one of three at home against Young Harris College. Shorter (1-2) will face Kentucky Wesleyan, Miles College, Lincoln Memorial, Trevecca Nazarene, and Carson-Newman this Friday through Sunday in Huntsville at the UAH Charger Chillout. ALEXA VARNER — Shorter University (Sr., Adairsville HS) … went 5-for-10 with one double, three runs scored, and one RBI as the Hawks went 1-2 at home against Young Harris College this past Friday and Saturday. Shorter (1-2) will have five games this Friday through Sunday at the University of Alabama-Huntsville Charger Chillout. TRACK AND FIELD NOAH BAER — Baldwin Wallace University (Fr., Woodland HS) … cleared 4.10 meters (13 feet, 5-½ inches) to win the pole vault event last Friday at the Oberlin College Kinsey Invitational. The Yellow Jackets are back in action Friday and Saturday at the Mid-February Meet at home and at the All-Ohio Indoor in Westerville, Ohio. STEPHEN SMITH — Kennesaw State University (Sr., Cass HS) … placed fourth in the pole vault by clearing 4.70 meters (15 feet, 5 inches) at the Virginia Tech Doc Hale Meet this past Saturday. The Owls will be in action this weekend at the Music City Challenge in Nashville and the Tiger Paw Invitational at Clemson. ________________________________________________ Editor's note: If you know of someone we missed this week, send an email to BartowSportsZone@comcast.net. Keep in mind that the athlete must have made a statistical contribution during the week of Jan. 29 - Feb. 4 to be included in this edition.

February 5, 2024 DJ Paradis With a squad heavy on youth, Cartersville withstood an early onslaught from a senior-laden Cherokee team to surprise the Warriors 1-0 in the season opener in Canton on Friday, Feb. 2 The Canes aren’t without upperclassmen of their own. Senior Yosvanni Pineda’s penalty kick from 30 yards out in the fourth minute of the second half just cleared the goalie, giving the Canes a 1-0 lead while fellow senior goalie Avery Sexton kept shots out of the net in the first half. Cherokee placed a potential game-tying goal in the 23rd minute of the second half that was disallowed due to offsides. Goalkeeping proved key to the Canes’ victory, with freshman Cash Priest turning away several close shots in the second half. That included a point-blank blast midway through the second half turned away by a diving Priest and a low burner through the defense with eight minutes to play. Sophomore striker Colby Craig almost gave the Canes some insurance late in the game, but his volley off another Pineda penalty kick went just left of the goal. Canes coach DJ Paradis said the game revealed a lot about his team. “Coming in, I wasn’t sure what to expect because we’re so inexperienced,” he said. “We survived the first half and then made a tactical change at halftime to go with five backs, three in center and two at the wings. We kept the three center mids and put one more forward up top. That put more pressure on their back line because we were playing long out of the back. “We were able to cut their passes off when they were trying to move it around the back. It stymied their attack enough that we could get into a position to take the ball off their foot and push the attack.” His young goalie’s second-half play to preserve the win was crucial. “That’s a team with nine starting seniors over there,” said Paradis of Cherokee. “Cash had a great first night and balled out. I don’t know what else you can say.” The Canes play their home opener on Tuesday, Feb. 6 in Weinman Stadium against Cedartown. Kickoff is set for 7:30.

February 4, 2024 Georgia Highlands baseball completed a four-game series sweep of Central Alabama CC on Saturday with a pair of wins over the Trojans, 4-3 and 7-3. Trailing 3-1, the Chargers rallied for three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning of Game 1 on four singles and a walk. Grayson Godbee had the game-winning, two-RBI, two-out single to put GHC ahead. Brodie Chestnut (2 IP, 0R, 1H, 1BB, 1K) was credited with the pitching win in the opener in relief of starter Michael Sharman (4 IP, 3ER, 7H, 3BB, 2K). Hunter Ward worked the final hitless and scoreless frame with one strikeout to collect his first save. In Game 2, GHC grabbed an early 4-0 lead and pitchers Trip Dovale (6 IP, 3R, 1ER, 4H, 8K) and Logan Spivey (1 IP, 0R, 1H, 2K) made it stand up. Dovale earned the win and Spivey picked up a save. Clay Wiesen, who had four hits on the day, had three hits in Game 2 with three RBIs. Ali Banks finished the day with three hits including a double and two RBIs. Ryan Wideman also had a three-hit day with one RBI. Godbee (two RBIs) and Barrett Eldridge (solo HR) finished with two hits. Luke Orfi, Davis Newman, Gray Wilson, and Will Cawthon (RBI) added one hit on the day. The Chargers (6-0) will play a pair of doubleheaders this Friday and Saturday at home against Lincoln Trail College (Illinois). The Statesmen are 1-2 following this past weekend’s series at Northwest-Shoals CC. Both doubleheaders are 1 p.m. starts.

February 4, 2024 Georgia Highlands softball lost both games of a home doubleheader Saturday to Florence-Darlington Tech, falling 5-4 in the first game and 10-2 in Game 2. The visiting Stingers scored the go-ahead run of Game 1 in the sixth inning on a pair of singles with a stolen base in between. Chargers’ pitcher Hayden Joyner suffered the hard-luck loss in the circle but tossed a complete seven innings. She yielded five earned runs on 11 hits and three walks. Joyner fanned three. GHC held a 3-2 lead through the first three innings and knotted the score at 4-all in the bottom of the fifth inning. Cass product Haylee Dishmon had three hits and two RBIs for the Chargers. She also stole a base. Ally Graden had a pair of doubles with one RBI. Aliza Martinez (RBI), Cayden Warren, and Joyner added one hit. In Game 2, Florence-Darlington Tech took an early 4-0 lead and added on late for a 10-2 victory. Graden’s two-run double in the third inning produced the only two Lady Chargers’ runs. Dishmon, Hannah Mounce, Aliza Martinez, and Grace Kendrick added one hit each. Jaycie Hand (5 IP, 10R, 9ER, 12H, 2BB, 2K) took the pitching loss in Game 2. The wins by the Stingers completed a three-game series sweep as FDT started the season 3-0. Georgia Highlands (2-3) hosts Snead State CC on Wednesday for a doubleheader and will entertain Walters State CC for two games on Friday. Both doubleheaders are 2 p.m. starts.

Adairsville wrestling dominated the upper weight classes Saturday at the Area 5-AAA Traditional Championship but Bremen controlled the lower weight classes to edge the Tigers for the team title, 223-180. The top two teams had individuals to win 13 of the 14 weight classes. Bremen wrestlers won seven titles. Adairsville wrestlers won six. In addition to the Tigers’ six individual Area champions, Adairsville took second place in four weight classes and third in two more to advance 12 individuals to the GHSA State Sectionals next weekend at Coahulla Creek High School in Dalton. Advancing for Adairsville: 106:  Sam Bailey, 3rd 113:  Madden Boyce, 2nd 120:  Braxton Elrod, 2nd 126:  Riley Pope, 3rd 138:  Victor Singer, 2nd 144:  Jay Chancey, 2nd 157: Howard Bailey, 1st 165: Jacob Pasley, 1st 175: David Coon, 1st 190: Jaimen Long, 1st 215:  Seth Sellers, 1st 285:  Jett Johnson, 1st