February 3, 2024 Woodland wrestling finished second, Cass was third, and Cartersville placed fifth Saturday at the Region 7-5A Traditional Championship hosted by Cartersville High School. Dalton won the team title with 243 points. Woodland (231.5), Cass (186), Calhoun (158.5), Cartersville (156), and Hiram (86) rounded out the team scoring. The top four individuals in each weight class from the Region tournament have now advanced to the GHSA Sectional Tournament next weekend at Harris County High School. Woodland and Cass both advanced eleven wrestlers. Cartersville will have seven individuals at the state sectional. The top six in each weight class at the state sectional will advance to the GHSA State Championships in Macon on February 15-17. Results from the Region 7-5A tournament: 106 1st Place - Amari Kinnamore of Woodland, Cartersville 2nd Place - Nathen Ridley of Dalton 3rd Place - Jair Flores of Cartersville 4th Place - Couper Tate of Calhoun 1st Place Match Amari Kinnamore (Woodland, Cartersville) 13-4, So. over Nathen Ridley (Dalton) 31-11, So. (Fall 1:40) 3rd Place Match Jair Flores (Cartersville) 13-12, Fr. over Couper Tate (Calhoun) 14-17, Fr. (Inj. 0:00) 5th Place Match () , . over () , . (Bye) 113 1st Place - Hunter Barrett of Cass 2nd Place - Noah Cates of Woodland, Cartersville 3rd Place - Dominick Parks of Dalton 4th Place - Zaatren Bennett of Calhoun 5th Place - Jacob Ramirez of Hiram 6th Place - Will Benson of Cartersville 1st Place Match Hunter Barrett (Cass) 25-4, Jr. over Noah Cates (Woodland, Cartersville) 11-10, So. (TF-1.5 4:45 (20-4)) 3rd Place Match Dominick Parks (Dalton) 25-8, So. over Zaatren Bennett (Calhoun) 19-24, Fr. (Dec 9-2) 5th Place Match Jacob Ramirez (Hiram) 8-18, So. over Will Benson (Cartersville) 19-8, Jr. (For.) 120 1st Place - Lee Camp of Cass 2nd Place - Grant Adams of Cartersville 3rd Place - Dylan Couey of Woodland, Cartersville 4th Place - Jr. Deharo of Dalton 5th Place - Landon Bounds of Calhoun 1st Place Match Lee Camp (Cass) 32-3, Sr. over Grant Adams (Cartersville) 10-2, Jr. (Fall 3:08) 3rd Place Match Dylan Couey (Woodland, Cartersville) 23-13, Fr. over Jr. Deharo (Dalton) 14-9, Jr. (Fall 2:27) 5th Place Match Landon Bounds (Calhoun) 6-19, Fr. over () , . (Bye) 126 1st Place - Eaiden Neal of Cartersville 2nd Place - Luka Jensen of Cass 3rd Place - Nathen Hernandez of Dalton 4th Place - Adrian Zapata of Woodland, Cartersville 5th Place - Cole Irons of Hiram 6th Place - Kaden Banks of Calhoun 1st Place Match Eaiden Neal (Cartersville) 33-4, Sr. over Luka Jensen (Cass) 27-14, Fr. (TF-1.5 3:44 (19-2)) 3rd Place Match Nathen Hernandez (Dalton) 18-15, So. over Adrian Zapata (Woodland, Cartersville) 11-7, Fr. (Dec 14-12) 5th Place Match Cole Irons (Hiram) 20-22, So. over Kaden Banks (Calhoun) 18-22, Jr. (For.) 132 1st Place - Zaedin Ausmus of Dalton 2nd Place - Rowdy Duck of Cass 3rd Place - Nathan Cates of Woodland, Cartersville 4th Place - Wyatt Earwood of Cartersville 5th Place - Jory Wardlaw of Hiram 1st Place Match Zaedin Ausmus (Dalton) 37-5, Sr. over Rowdy Duck (Cass) 22-4, So. (Inj. 0:00) 3rd Place Match Nathan Cates (Woodland, Cartersville) 24-8, So. over Wyatt Earwood (Cartersville) 16-14, Fr. (Fall 2:04) 5th Place Match Jory Wardlaw (Hiram) 6-23, Fr. over () , . (Bye) 138 1st Place - Zachary Wallace of Woodland, Cartersville 2nd Place - Talan Nix of Cartersville 3rd Place - Ethan Harrington of Cass 4th Place - Christain DeDios of Dalton 5th Place - Zander Bone of Hiram 6th Place - Thaxton Hancock of Calhoun 1st Place Match Zachary Wallace (Woodland, Cartersville) 26-5, Jr. over Talan Nix (Cartersville) 23-2, Jr. (Dec 5-3) 3rd Place Match Ethan Harrington (Cass) 23-17, So. over Christain DeDios (Dalton) 26-12, Sr. (Dec 3-1) 5th Place Match Zander Bone (Hiram) 18-23, Jr. over Thaxton Hancock (Calhoun) 28-19, Jr. (Fall 1:19) 144 1st Place - Hayden Santora of Woodland, Cartersville 2nd Place - Alex Overby of Dalton 3rd Place - Jack Theus of Calhoun 4th Place - AJ Piatt of Cass 5th Place - John Hullander of Cartersville 6th Place - Anakin Munger of Hiram 1st Place Match Hayden Santora (Woodland, Cartersville) 10-2, Sr. over Alex Overby (Dalton) 37-8, Sr. (Dec 3-0) 3rd Place Match Jack Theus (Calhoun) 24-19, Fr. over AJ Piatt (Cass) 32-6, Jr. (Inj. 0:00) 5th Place Match John Hullander (Cartersville) 1-2, Jr. over Anakin Munger (Hiram) 6-18, So. (MD 15-2) 150 1st Place - Marty Gonzalez of Calhoun 2nd Place - Ezra Wingfield of Dalton 3rd Place - Grey Williams of Cartersville 4th Place - Richard Martin of Cass 5th Place - Me`Keil Wells of Hiram 6th Place - Elijah Mullinax of Woodland, Cartersville 1st Place Match Marty Gonzalez (Calhoun) 41-13, Sr. over Ezra Wingfield (Dalton) 24-10, Fr. (Fall 5:07) 3rd Place Match Grey Williams (Cartersville) 26-12, Jr. over Richard Martin (Cass) 10-21, Sr. (Inj. 0:00) 5th Place Match Me`Keil Wells (Hiram) 15-23, So. over Elijah Mullinax (Woodland, Cartersville) 1-3, Fr. (SV-1 7-5) 157 1st Place - Mason Tompkins of Cass 2nd Place - Randy Slinger of Dalton 3rd Place - Tyson Glass of Calhoun 4th Place - Marc Antoine of Hiram 5th Place - Rhet Tynes of Cartersville 6th Place - Christian Cothran of Woodland, Cartersville 1st Place Match Mason Tompkins (Cass) 27-4, So. over Randy Slinger (Dalton) 37-9, Sr. (MD 20-9) 3rd Place Match Tyson Glass (Calhoun) 35-9, Sr. over Marc Antoine (Hiram) 7-7, Jr. (Fall 4:56) 5th Place Match Rhet Tynes (Cartersville) 4-5, Fr. over Christian Cothran (Woodland, Cartersville) 28-9, Jr. (For.) 165 1st Place - Isaac Green of Calhoun 2nd Place - Heath Tatum of Woodland, Cartersville 3rd Place - Leon Roberson of Dalton 4th Place - Jake Bradford of Cass 5th Place - Peter Cepeda of Cartersville 6th Place - John Loudermilk of Hiram 1st Place Match Isaac Green (Calhoun) 53-2, Sr. over Heath Tatum (Woodland, Cartersville) 12-11, Sr. (Fall 3:05) 3rd Place Match Leon Roberson (Dalton) 19-14, Sr. over Jake Bradford (Cass) 5-10, Jr. (Fall 1:49) 5th Place Match Peter Cepeda (Cartersville) 13-20, So. over John Loudermilk (Hiram) 6-13, Fr. (Fall 0:42) 175 1st Place - Kirecg Roe of Cass 2nd Place - Rex Richardson of Calhoun 3rd Place - Bo Stout of Dalton 4th Place - Melvin Ramos of Woodland, Cartersville 5th Place - Jonathon Neal Radford of Cartersville 6th Place - Jalen Womack of Hiram 1st Place Match Kirecg Roe (Cass) 37-2, Jr. over Rex Richardson (Calhoun) 40-18, Jr. (TF-1.5 3:55 (15-0)) 3rd Place Match Bo Stout (Dalton) 21-11, Sr. over Melvin Ramos (Woodland, Cartersville) 14-16, Jr. (Fall 3:00) 5th Place Match Jonathon Neal Radford (Cartersville) 9-11, Jr. over Jalen Womack (Hiram) 12-22, Jr. (Fall 0:59) 190 1st Place - Owen Jones of Woodland, Cartersville 2nd Place - Erasmo Rabanales of Calhoun 3rd Place - Mason Steed of Dalton 4th Place - Tiger Pearson of Hiram 5th Place - Jeremiah McNally of Cartersville 1st Place Match Owen Jones (Woodland, Cartersville) 23-7, So. over Erasmo Rabanales (Calhoun) 18-15, So. (Fall 2:22) 3rd Place Match Mason Steed (Dalton) 2-1, . over Tiger Pearson (Hiram) 15-10, Sr. (Fall 3:45) 5th Place Match Jeremiah McNally (Cartersville) 0-2, Jr. over () , . (Bye) 215 1st Place - Styker Woods of Dalton 2nd Place - John Gill of Woodland, Cartersville 3rd Place - Dylan Maina of Hiram 4th Place - Chris Ellis of Calhoun 5th Place - Wyatt Harris of Cass 6th Place - Giancarlo Rivadeneyra of Cartersville 1st Place Match Styker Woods (Dalton) 43-3, Sr. over John Gill (Woodland, Cartersville) 24-6, Fr. (Fall 5:58) 3rd Place Match Dylan Maina (Hiram) 31-9, So. over Chris Ellis (Calhoun) 45-12, Sr. (Fall 1:58) 5th Place Match Wyatt Harris (Cass) 9-20, Sr. over Giancarlo Rivadeneyra (Cartersville) 11-15, So. (Dec 7-1) 285 1st Place - Kwadrus Wilson of Woodland, Cartersville 2nd Place - Riley Souther of Dalton 3rd Place - Delroy Hurst of Cartersville 4th Place - Bradley Gallup of Hiram 5th Place - John Abernathy of Cass 6th Place - Thomas Wells of Calhoun 1st Place Match Kwadrus Wilson (Woodland, Cartersville) 19-2, Sr. over Riley Souther (Dalton) 31-3, Sr. (Fall 1:55) 3rd Place Match Delroy Hurst (Cartersville) 17-9, Sr. over Bradley Gallup (Hiram) 28-12, So. (Fall 1:15) 5th Place Match John Abernathy (Cass) 4-18, So. over Thomas Wells (Calhoun) 11-9, Sr. (For.)

February 2, 2024 Bob Mackessy Cass Middle School will host the 2024 Bartow-Gordon Middle School Athletic Association basketball championship on Saturday (Feb. 3) with games beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday's schedule of championship games: (tournament seed and league record shown) 10 a.m. -- JV Girls -- (2) Rome (13-4) vs. (4) Dalton (13-5) 11:30 a.m. -- JV Boys -- (1) Cartersville (17-0) vs. (2) Rome (13-4) 1 p.m. -- Girls -- (1) Cartersville (15-0) vs. (3) Red Bud (12-4) 2:30 p.m. -- Boys -- (1) Calhoun (17-0) vs. (3) Cass (14-4) For complete season results and standings, visit the BGMSAA Winter Sports page on this site.

Georgia Highlands baseball won both games of a doubleheader Friday against visiting Central Alabama CC. The Chargers won the first game 6-5 and took the second game 11-4. Oliver Wood picked up the pitching win in Game 1 by scattering three hits in five innings of work. He allowed just one earned run and struck out two. Hunter Ward (1 IP, 0R, 0H, 2K) and Skyler Thellman (1 IP, 3ER, 3H, 2B, 1K) worked the final two frames for the Chargers. Kyle Stephenson (2.1 IP, 1ER, 2H, 2K) collected the Game 2 pitching win in relief of starter Chandler Anderson (1.2 IP, 3ER, 5H, 2K). Andrew Arnold (3 IP, 0R, 2H, 2K) earned his first save of the season with a three-inning stint. Will Cawthon had four hits in the doubleheader with three RBIs. Luke Orfi (HR, two RBIs), Grayson Godbee (double, RBI), and Barrett Eldridge (double, HR, three RBIs) each had three hits on the day. Ali Banks (RBI) and Davis Newman (2 RBIs) were next with two hits. Ryan Martin had a three-run homer. Ryan Wideman contributed an RBI double while Gray Wilson and Clay Wiesen added one hit each. The Chargers (4-0) play another doubleheader on Saturday at 2 p.m. with Central Alabama.

Georgia Highlands softball lost 9-4 Friday in the first game of their series with Florence-Darlington Tech. The visiting Stingers posted four runs in the second and fourth innings to build an 8-2 lead and outhit the Chargers nine to seven. Natalie Spiva and Larissa Siders combined for five hits and three RBIs to lead the Florence-Darlington Tech offense. Hayden Joyner had three hits including a double and two RBIs for the Lady Chargers. Haylee Dishmon, Avery Fisher (triple), Ally Graden (double), and Raegan Ford added one hit each. Grace Kendrick (7 IP, 9R, 5ER, 11H, 2BB, 3K) suffered the pitching loss. Georgia Highlands (2-1) has a doubleheader on Saturday with the Stingers.

The Woodland High School tennis teams opened their 2024 season this past Thursday and split matches with South Paulding. The Wildcats won 3-2 with Peter Heins picking up a Line 1 singles win, Domenic Ciavarro won on Line 3 singles and the Line 1 doubles pair — Jack Gore and Kaiden Holbrook — also collected a victory. The Lady Cats fell by a 4-1 decision. The Woodland win was at Line 2 singles by Kathryn Kovacic, 3-6, 7-6, 10-5. Woodland returns to action on Tuesday at Rome High School.

February 3, 2024 A pair of local girls' high school wrestlers won GHSA Area 7 championships Friday in their respective weight classes. The Area 7 tournament was held in Dahlonega. Jaylee Long of Adairsville won the 100-pound class in Area 7 while Anetra Witherspoon of Cartersville won the 190-pound division. Results for the two locals: GHSA Girls Area 7 Results for Adairsville 100 pounds Jaylee Long (10-0) placed 1st and scored 22.0 team points. Quarterfinal - Jaylee Long (Adairsville) 10-0 won by fall over Mikayla Holloway (Fannin County HS) 8-13 (Fall 0:39) Semifinal - Jaylee Long (Adairsville) 10-0 won by decision over Jacqueline Lopez (Southeast Whitfield) 14-7 (Dec 10-4) 1st Place Match - Jaylee Long (Adairsville) 10-0 won by decision over Carleigh Rau (Pickens) 16-2 (Dec 2-1) GHSA Girls Area 7 Results for Cartersville 190-pounds Anetra Witherspoon (28-2) placed 1st and scored 28.0 team points. Champ. Round 1 - Anetra Witherspoon (Cartersville) 28-2 received a bye () (Bye) Quarterfinal - Anetra Witherspoon (Cartersville) 28-2 won by fall over Shannon Todd (Dawson County) 1-2 (Fall 0:17) Semifinal - Anetra Witherspoon (Cartersville) 28-2 won by fall over Maxine Sullens (Lumpkin Co.) 19-23 (Fall 1:16) 1st Place Match - Anetra Witherspoon (Cartersville) 28-2 won by fall over Terra Burse (Southeast Whitfield) 20-1 (Fall 1:18) Long and Witherspoon have advanced to the Girls State Sectional B to be held at Harris County High School on Friday, February 9.  The top six placers in each weight class will advance to the state finals in Macon on February 15-17.

February 3, 2024 Friday night’s local high school basketball action saw the Cartersville girls and boys sweep Woodland, the Dalton girls and boys won at Cass, and Adairsville split home games with Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe. The Excel Christian Academy teams fell at Unity Christian School on Thursday night. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 68, WOODLAND 18 The Lady Canes celebrated their 2023-24 senior players on Friday night at the Storm Center and defeated the visiting Lady Cats, 68-18. Taff Bradley finished with 15 points, four rebounds, and a pair of steals. Ansley Griffin scored 13 points and added three steals. JaBryanna Henderson contributed 10 points, two assists, and a pair of steals. KK Arnold added nine points, five assists, and two steals. Woodland (7-13, 0-8) plays at region-leading Dalton on Tuesday and hosts Cass on Friday. Cartersville (13-10, 6-2) visits Calhoun on Tuesday and Hiram on Friday to conclude the regular season. DALTON 59, CASS GIRLS 54 The Dalton girls maintained their grip on first place in Region 7-5A Friday night with a 59-54 win at Cass. The Lady Colonels and Lady Catamounts were knotted at 16 through the first eight minutes but Dalton pushed ahead 38-27 by halftime. The Cass girls battled back to within five points (44-39) by the end of the third quarter, but Dalton held on down the stretch for a five-point win. Grace Ridley led Dalton (15-8, 7-1) with 18 points. Jolie Wingfield followed with 11 and BB Bates added nine points for the Lady Catamounts. Zion Hayes led the Lady Colonels in the scoring column with 17 points. She added six rebounds. Nevaeh Woods scored 11 points. Kiana McDaniel finished with 10 points and five steals. Cass (14-9, 3-5) plays at Hiram on Tuesday and finishes the regular season at Woodland on Friday. LFO 69, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 60 The visiting Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe girls took over sole possession of first place in Region 6-AAA Friday night with a 69-60 win at Adairsville. The LFO win, combined with a Coahulla Creek loss to Ridgeland on Friday night gives the Lady Warriors a one-game lead in the region standings with just two games remaining in the regular season. LFO improved to 13-6 on the season and 11-1 in region play. The Adairsville girls (15-9, 9-4) are now locked into third place and will wrap up their regular season slate at Bremen on Tuesday. UNITY CHRISTIAN 59, EXCEL CHRISTIAN GIRLS 21 The Unity Christian School girls completed a 6-0 region schedule this past Thursday night with a 59-21 home win over Excel Christian. Excel (4-10, 2-5) finished third in GAPPS Region 1-IA and will play Oakwood Christian on Thursday in their opening region tournament game. Praise Academy in Powder Springs will host the tournament on Thursday and Friday. CARTERSVILLE BOYS 68, WOODLAND 52 The Purple Hurricanes took a 23-15 lead by the end of the first quarter Friday night at the Storm Center and never trailed in a 68-52 win over visiting Woodland. Cartersville led 37-26 at the intermission and extended the lead to 49-35 by the end of the third period. The Canes outscored the Wildcats 27-3 from behind the arc. Monte Tolbert made five three-pointers in the first quarter and Nas Bennett knocked down four shots from behind the arc. Bennett finished with 17 points for the Hurricanes. Tolbert followed with 16 and DJ Cain contributed 13 points for Cartersville. Three Wildcats scored in double-figures led by Zyon Heath with 18 points. Brelace Williams scored 14, and Jayden Metcalf finished with 12 for Woodland. Cartersville (10-12, 6-2) holds second place in the Region 7-5A standings with two games remaining. The Canes play at Calhoun on Tuesday and at Hiram on Friday. Woodland (7-15, 1-7) visits Dalton on Tuesday and hosts Cass on Friday. ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 65, LFO 56 The Adairsville Tigers rallied in the second half Friday night for a come-from-behind Region 6-AAA win over visiting Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, 65-56. The Warriors led 13-10 after one quarter and 29-27 at halftime before Adairsville charged back in the second half. The Tigers outscored LFO 21-16 in the third quarter to grab a 48-45 advantage and held off the Warriors down the stretch for an eventual nine-point victory. Tayshaun Jackson poured in 28 points to pace Adairsville. Zachary Postell followed with 17 points and Xavious Nalls added seven for the Tigers. Darian Keefe scored 13 points for Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe. Champ Bowman and AJ Hendrix added 10 apiece for the Warriors (7-13, 6-6). Adairsville (15-9, 11-2) completes the regular season on Tuesday at Bremen where the Tigers will seek their tenth straight win heading into the Region 6-AAA tournament the following week. DALTON 57, CASS BOYS 36 The Dalton boys took an early lead and added on in the second half Friday night to win at Cass, 57-36. The Catamounts led at each quarter stop:  17-10 after one quarter, 33-21 at halftime, and 48-29 by the end of the third quarter. CJ Weaver led Dalton with 12 points. Eli Burt followed with 11 for the Catamounts (11-12, 5-3). Jayden Foster led Cass with eight points. Cass (6-13, 2-6) finishes the regular season on the road with games at region-leading Hiram on Tuesday and at local rival Woodland on Friday. UNITY CHRISTIAN 66, EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 60 In a battle for the top seed from sub-division A of Region 1-IA on Thursday night in Rome, Unity Christian outlasted the Excel Eagles in the final period for a 66-60 win. Excel led 21-13 after one quarter but Unity battled back to knot the score at 30-all by halftime. The host Lions then grabbed a 48-47 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. Jay Davis led Unity (13-10, 6-0) with 22 points. The Eagles had three players in double-figure scoring led by Carter May’s 18. Carlos Cartagena scored 14 points and Kamarion Profit added 11 for ECA. Excel (7-17, 4-2) will open the GAPPS Region 1-IA tournament on Tuesday against either Praise Academy or Oakwood Christian.

January 31, 2024 The Georgia Highlands College softball Chargers opened their 2024 campaign on Wednesday with a pair of wins over Calhoun CC at their new athletic complex on the Cartersville campus. The Chargers won the opening game 8-0 in six innings and held on to edge the Warhawks in the second game, 11-10. Grace Kendrick picked up the pitching win in Game 1. She scattered four hits and struck out four without allowing a run. Jaycie Hand and Hayden Joyner (3Ks) worked one inning each in the circle. Hayden Joyner had two hits including a double and two RBIs. Ally Graden also had two hits. Raegan Ford (double, two RBIs), Avery Fisher (double, RBI), and Kendrick added one hit each. Haylee Dishmon and Cayden Warren contributed one RBI each. In the Game 2 victory, Kendrick (1.1 IP, 0R, 0H, 1BB, 3K) retired the final four outs to collect the pitching win. Hand (2 IP, 6ER, 7H, 1K) and Joyner (3.2 IP, 4ER, 6H, 1BB) also worked in the circle for the Chargers. Dishmon paced the GHC offense with three hits including a triple. Aliza Martinez (double, RBI) and Cailey Barnett (two RBIs) followed with two hits each. Warren (two RBIs), Fisher (double, RBI), Graden (double, three RBIs), Ford (RBI), and Joyner had one hit apiece. Hand contributed one RBI with a sac fly. GHC (2-0) will host Florence-Darlington Tech CC in a single game on Friday at 2 p.m. and a doubleheader on Saturday starting at noon.

January 31, 2024 The Georgia Highlands College Chargers started their 2024 season Wednesday at their new athletic complex in Cartersville with a pair of solid wins over Bryan College. The Chargers won the opening game of Wednesday’s doubleheader 19-3 and blanked the visiting Lions in the second game, 9-0. In Game 1 Bryan College scored twice in the top of the first inning on a two-run home run to grab an early lead but it was short-lived. The Chargers put together five hits with five walks and a pair of hit batsmen in the bottom of the frame to take a 9-2 lead. The hosts were never really threatened from there in a five-inning win. Declan Dun (4 IP, 7H, 3ER, 1BB, 5K) collected the Chargers’ pitching win. Kyle Stephenson (1 IP, 0R, 1H, 2K) closed out the final inning on the mound. Luke Orfi (RBI), Ryan Wideman (two RBIs), and Gray Wilson (two RBIs) had two hits each for Georgia Highlands. Ryan Martin (double, two RBIs), Will Cawthon (sac fly, two RBIs), Ali Banks (two RBIs), Barrett Eldridge, and Clay Wiesen (two RBIs) added one hit each. In Game 2, six GHC pitchers combined to shutout the Lions. Andrew Arnold (2 IP, 1H, 3K) was credited with the pitching win. Brodie Chestnutt (3Ks), Hunter Ward (1K), Logan Spivey (1BB, 2K), Barrett Eldridge (1H, 1BB, 3K), and Jake Willis pitched one inning each for the Chargers. Davis Newman led the Georgia Highlands offense with three hits and two RBIs. Luke Orfi (solo HR), Grayson Godbee (RBI), and Ryan Martin (two RBIs) had two hits each. Barrett Eldridge, Ali Banks, and Will Cawthon added one hit apiece. The Chargers (2-0) have a four game home series this Friday and Saturday with Central Alabama CC. Friday’s games begin at 1 p.m. Saturday’s games start at 2 p.m.

All local high school basketball teams were in action Tuesday night with mixed results. The Cass girls and boys swept visiting Calhoun in Region 7-5A games. The Adairsville teams earned valuable Region 6-AAA road wins at LaFayette. The Cartersville teams lost home contests with Dalton. The Woodland girls lost to Hiram and The Excel Christian Academy teams split their two home games. CASS GIRLS 52, CALHOUN 42 The Lady Colonels pulled out a tough contest with visiting Calhoun Tuesday night, 52-42. Cass led narrowly through the first three quarters: 15-13 after one quarter, 22-20 at halftime, and 40-36 through three quarters before fending off the Lady Jackets in the final period for a 10-point win. Kiana McDaniel led the Lady Colonels in scoring with 19 points. She added seven steals and four assists. Zion Hayes finished with a double-double that included 13 points and 15 rebounds. Dariana Sosa scored six points. Cadie Paez chipped in with five points. Tamira Feanny had seven steals to go with her five points and four rebounds. KK Evans added seven rebounds and one point. Sa’Niah Dorsey led Calhoun (14-8, 5-2) with 17 points. Cass (14-8, 3-4) entertains region-leading Dalton on Friday. ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 44, LAFAYETTE 41 The Lady Tigers earned a tough road victory Tuesday night at LaFayette, 44-41. Adairsville led 20-12 after one quarter and 24-22 at the intermission but LaFayette grabbed a 34-28 lead heading into the fourth quarter.  The Lady Tigers won the final period 16-7 to escape with a three-point win. Alissa Winters and Darby Adams paced Adairsville with 12 points each. NaXyria Roberts followed with eight and Samantha Gough added five points for the Tigers. Tamara Yaney led LaFayette (9-10, 4-7) with 12 points. The Adairsville girls (15-8, 9-3) host region co-leader Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe on Friday. HIRAM 50, WOODLAND GIRLS 33 Hadiya Kennerly poured in 29 points and Taylor Crawford added 17 for Hiram Tuesday night as the Lady Hornets won 50-33 at Woodland. Hiram led 15-3 after one quarter; 27-17 at halftime; and 37-25 after three periods en route to a 17-point Region 7-5A victory. Megan Schultz led the Woodland scoring column with 15 points. Libby Morgan followed with six and Morgan Echols added five for the Lady Cats. Hiram improved to 9-12 on the season and 2-5 in region play. Woodland (7-12, 0-7) visits Cartersville on Friday. DALTON 65, CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 52 The Dalton girls took over the lead in the Region 7-5A standings Tuesday night with a 65-52 win at the Cartersville Storm Center. The Lady Cats improved to 14-8 on the season and 6-1 in region play. KK Arnold led Cartersville with 18 points. Taff Bradley followed with eight points and five rebounds. Zoie Shiflett chipped in six points with five rebounds. Lakiaya Banks also scored six for the Lady Canes. CASS BOYS 60, CALHOUN 57 The Colonels won a back-and-forth tussle with visiting Calhoun Tuesday night, 60-57. The Yellow Jackets held a 19-17 lead after one period and were ahead 27-26 at the intermission before Cass battled back into the lead.  Cass outscored Calhoun 15-10 in the third quarter to grab a 41-37 advantage and then held on down the stretch for a three-point Region 7-5A victory. Landon Chattam and Emaree Watson were the leading scorers for Calhoun (8-12, 3-4) with 17 and 14 points, respectively. Parnel Gamble and Jakai Baldwin shared scoring honors for Cass with 15 points each. Dylan Miller finished with 10 and Kevin Henderson added nine points for the Colonels. Cass (6-12, 2-5) hosts Dalton on Friday. DALTON 66, CARTERSVILLE BOYS 51 Drew Snyder scored 21 points and CJ Weaver added 19 as visiting Dalton won 66-51 Tuesday night at the Cartersville Storm Center. The Catamounts led at each quarter stop.  Dalton was up 15-14 at the end of the first quarter; 24-21 at halftime; and 49-35 at the end of the third quarter en route to their 15-point win. Reed Ezell and Nas Bennett led Cartersville with 11 points each. Kaden Baldwin finished with 10 points. DJ Cain added eight for the Hurricanes. Dalton improved to 10-12 on the season and 4-3 in region play. Cartersville (9-12, 5-2) hosts Woodland on Friday. ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 56, LAFAYETTE 33 The Adairsville boys made their claim on first place in Region 6-AAA Tuesday night with a dominant win at LaFayette, 56-33. The Tigers led 19-10 after the opening eight minutes and held a 29-14 advantage at halftime. The Ramblers narrowed the margin slightly to 37-29 by the end of the third quarter but the Tigers ran away in the fourth quarter by outscoring LaFayette 19-4. Tayshaun Jackson paced the Tigers with 17 points. Zachary Postell finished with 11 and Xavious Nalls scored nine points in the win. Dawson Pendergrass led the Ramblers (15-4, 8-3) with 12 points. Adairsville (14-9, 10-2) has a ½-game lead on Coahulla Creek heading into Friday night’s home game with Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe. HIRAM 81, WOODLAND BOYS 63 The Hiram boys improved to 13-8 on the season and 6-1 in Region 7-5A with an 81-63 win Tuesday night at Woodland. The loss leaves the Wildcats 7-14 for the season and 1-6 in the region. Woodland plays at Cartersville on Friday night. EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 75, LYNDON ACADEMY 16 The Eagles improved to 7-16 on the season and 4-1 in GAPPS Region 1-IA. Excel plays at Unity Christian on Thursday night. VALOR CHRISTIAN 83, EXCEL CHRISTIAN GIRLS 25 The ECA girls fell to 4-9 on the season and 2-4 in GAPPS Region 1-IA. The Lady Eagles play at Unity Christian on Thursday night.

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. Cass High School has chosen to honor its 2024 Wrestling team as the Elite Athlete(s) of the Month following the Colonels Class AAAAA State Duals Championship. The Cass team qualified for the state tournament as the Region 7-5A runner-up and was unseeded in the 16-team tournament. The Colonels had victories over Harris County and Coffee in the first two rounds to set up a semifinal match with top-seeded Jefferson. In a rematch of the 2023 state finals, Cass defeated tournament host Jefferson 36-33 to reach the 2024 state championship match. In the finals, the Colonels defeated third-seed Ola 34-28. The biggest factor in the Cass title run was the ability to earn bonus points in each round. Colonel wrestlers earned bonus points in 26 of their 46 contested bouts during the tournament. The state championship is the fifth overall for the Colonels’ wrestling program and the program's third state duals title. NaXyria Roberts is the January 2024 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Adairsville High School. The daughter of Raylee Roberts, Jr. and Nameschicka Richards, she is a junior on the Lady Tigers basketball team. Roberts was also a member of Adairsville’s softball team. “NaXyria is a leader on the court,” said Adairsville girls basketball coach Melissa Winters. “She has been exceptionally effective on the offensive and defensive ends of the court. She works hard in the classroom and on the court. She is determined to be better each day. NaXyria is coachable and helps others exemplifying what it means to be a Lady Tiger.” Roberts maintains a 3.8 GPA in Honors and Advanced Placement courses. Her future plans include nursing school. Woodland High School’s Elite Athlete of the Month for January 2024 is Megan Schultz. A senior guard on the Lady Cats basketball team, she is the daughter of Karen and Garth Schultz. Schultz is a two-year captain and currently leads the team in scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals per game. “Megan has invested a ton in basketball over the years and has improved greatly. She works hard in practice and is a positive role model for the younger kids in the program. I am very fortunate to have coached her over the last four years,” stated Woodland coach Kyle Morgan. Schultz, who maintains a 3.9 GPA, desires to play basketball in college. Michael Wells is the Elite Athlete of the Month for January 2024 for Cartersville High School. The son of Mireille and Richard Wells, Michael is a Purple Hurricanes swimming team senior. “Michael has shown great talent and ability even though he is a first-year swimmer,” noted Cartersville swim coach Kimberly Rentz. “His strong work ethic and drive are apparent at every practice and meet. He always gives 200 percent in every race. Not only is he a strong swimmer, but he is also the biggest supporter of his teammates. When a select group of swimmers went to the Northwest Georgia Championship meet in Calhoun, he got up at 6 a.m. to drive there and support his team. His positive and hard-working attitude has been a great asset to our team,” Rentz continued. “Michael is a brilliant student and has been accepted into Georgia Tech where he plans to study nuclear engineering,” added Rentz. 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

This week’s Athletes Beyond Bartow edition includes updates on 20 athletes with local community connections. NBA G LEAGUE ASHTON HAGANS — Rip City Remix (4th yr. pro; Cartersville native; Kentucky; Newton HS) … the Remix went 3-1 last week by sweeping home games with the G League Ignite and splitting road games at the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Hagans averaged a double-double with 14 points, 10 assists, five rebounds, two steals, and one blocked shot per game. Rip City (8-4) is currently in fifth place in the G League Western Conference. The Remix plays at the Salt Lake City Stars on Tuesday and hosts the South Bay Lakers on Friday. BASKETBALL SUPER LEAGUE A.J. MOSBY, JR. — Sudbury Five (6th-year pro; Alcorn State; Cartersville HS) … scored 38 points with eight rebounds, seven assists, and one blocked shot this past Sunday in a 99-92 home loss to the Windsor Express. Mosby also finished with 19 points, eight assists, and five boards in a 113-106 loss at Windsor this past Friday. The Five (5-4) host the Newfoundland Rogues on Friday night. UNITED FOOTBALL LEAGUE VIC BEASLEY — Arlington Renegades (9th yr. pro; Clemson; Adairsville HS) … was drafted by Arlington on January 5 during the 2024 UFL dispersal draft. With the merger of five XFL teams and three teams of the USFL, a dispersal draft was held to land non-rostered players. Beasley played last year for the Vegas Vipers. Beasley recorded 15 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries in nine games with the Vipers. The linebacker has also played professionally for the Atlanta Falcons, Tennessee Titans, and Las Vegas Raiders. The 2024 10-game UFL regular season begins March 30 followed by two weeks of playoffs. COLLEGE BASKETBALL BRAXTON BENHAM — Berry College (Jr., Cass HS) … scored 21 points with four rebounds and three steals last Friday in a 75-55 win at Birmingham-Southern College. On Sunday in an 81-47 win at Millsaps College, Benahm finished with 14 points, four rebounds, four steals, and three assists. The Vikings (11-9, 8-1 Southern Athletic Association) visit Rhodes College in Memphis on Friday and play at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas on Sunday. ZAYLAN CHANEY — Tallahassee CC (So., Cartersville resident, Legacy Academy) … scored 10 points and had two steals with one. rebound last Wednesday in an 88-86 home loss to Gulf Coast State CC. Last Saturday, he scored three points with three boards, one assist, and one blocked shot in an 83-72 loss at Chipola CC. The Eagles (15-7, 1-3 FCSAA) play at Northwest Florida State CC on Saturday. CLAIRE DAVIS — Palm Beach Atlantic University (So., Cass HS) … scored seven points with three steals, two assists, and one rebound in a 77-73 loss last Wednesday at the University of Tampa. She scored nine points with two rebounds and a pair of blocked shots in a 61-56 home win this past Saturday over Florida Southern College. PBAU (10-9, 4-7 Sunshine State Conference) hosts Barry University on Wednesday and visits Rollins College on Saturday. JA’KA’YAH DRAUGHN — Chattanooga State CC (Fr., Cartersville HS) … scored six points with five rebounds, four assists, and one blocked shot this past Saturday in a 93-49 win at Volunteer State CC. Draughn also scored two points with three boards and two assists last Thursday in a 69-36 home victory over Snead State CC. Chatt State (16-1, 7-1 TCCAA) hosts the Milligan University JV on Monday, plays at Cleveland State on Wednesday, and entertains Jackson State CC on Saturday. JUSTICE HAYES — Point University (Jr., Cass HS) … scored 19 points with four rebounds and one assist last Wednesday and scored 11 points with nine rebounds, four assists, and one block this past Saturday in losses to Life University and Dalton State. The Skyhawks (6-15, 0-13 Southern States Athletic Conference) have now dropped 15 of their last 16 games. Point hosts Middle Georgia State on Saturday afternoon. DiANTHONY HEATHCOCK — Columbia International University (Sr., Woodland HS) … scored 13 points this past Saturday with 14 rebounds, two assists, and a pair of blocked shots in the Rams’ 97-74 home win over Kentucky Christian University. He did not participate in the Rams’ 94-93 loss last Wednesday at Bluefield University (Virginia). Columbia International (13-8, 12-5 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts Montreat College (North Carolina) on Wednesday night and 12th-ranked Union College (Kentucky) on Saturday afternoon. HALEY JOHNSON — Central Georgia Tech CC (So., Cass HS) … finished with two points, three steals, one assist, and one rebound this past Saturday in a 63-55 loss at South Georgia Tech CC. The Titans (8-10, 5-2 GCAA) play at East Georgia State on Monday, at Georgia Highlands on Wednesday, and entertain Albany Tech on Saturday. KEARA McDANIEL — Toccoa Falls College (So., Cass HS) … did not score but had one rebound this past Wednesday in a 58-47 home loss to Truett-McConell University. The Screamin’ Eagles (14-3, 4-0 NCCCA D-II South) hosts Johnson University (Tennessee) on Thursday and Trinity Baptist College (Florida) on Saturday. T.J. PRINTUP, JR. — Tusculum University (R-Fr., Adairsville HS) … scored two points with three rebounds, two blocks, and two steals last Wednesday in a 72-59 home loss to Lincoln Memorial University. He also saw action this past Saturday but had no stat line in a 72-65 loss at Lenoir-Rhyne. The Pioneers (7-10, 5-6 South Atlantic Conference) visit Mars Hill University on Wednesday and host Newberry College on Saturday. LONDAISHA SMITH — Salem University (Jr., Cass HS) … scored five points with four rebounds and one steal this past Saturday in a 65-58 home loss to Notre Dame College (Ohio). She also had one rebound last Wednesday in a 97-73 loss at West Liberty University (West Virginia). Salem (3-15) will try to snap a seven-game skid Wednesday at Davis & Elkins College. The Tigers then host West Virginia Wesleyan College on Saturday. WRESTLING CALEB HENSON — Virginia Tech (So., Woodland HS) … earned a 19-3 tech fall victory in 5:24 this past Friday over his UNC opponent as the Hokies beat the Tar Heels, 33-3. He racked up five takedowns and three near-falls for his eighth tech fall of the season. Henson, the NCAA No. 2-ranked 149-pounder, improved to 21-1 on the season. Virginia Tech wrestles at Virginia on Friday in the annual Commonwealth Clash. TYLER McKNIGHT — Davidson College (Fr., Cass HS) … placed third and was 4-1 in the 149-pound weight division this past weekend at the Appalachian Open in Boone, North Carolina. His only loss came in the championship bracket quarterfinals after receiving a first-round bye and a win by fall in the second round. The pin was the first of his collegiate career. In the consolation bracket, McKnight won three straight including an overtime win over the same opponent who defeated him in the quarterfinals. McKnight is now 18-10 on the season. The Wildcats host Bellarmine University on Friday night. JAXON SMITH — University of Maryland (R-So., Woodland HS) … lost a 13-4 major decision in his 197-pound bout Sunday against Penn State’s Aaron Brooks who is ranked No. 1 in the nation in the weight class. The top-ranked Nittany Lions also won the team match, 42-6. Maryland travels to 9th-ranked Minnesota for a match on Friday night. ELORA WATERMAN — Brewton Parker College (So., Cartersville HS) … was 0-2 in her bouts but picked up three forfeits on the day in the 101-pound weight class as BPC finished 3-2 at the Warrior Duals last Friday in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Barons had wins over Rochester University, St. Andrews University, and Lourdes University. Waterman also competed in the Warrior Open this past Saturday but earned no points. Next for BPC is a tri-match at Life University that will include Indiana Tech on February 10. TENNIS EMILY SURCEY — Samford University (Jr., Cass HS) … won her Line 2 singles match 6-2, 7-6 but lost 6-5 with doubles partner Ally Haduk in a 5-2 team win this past Saturday over Alabama State. On Sunday in a 5-2 team win over North Alabama, Surcey won her Line 2 singles match 6-2, 6-2. Her Line 1 doubles match with partner Hayduk was unfinished with the Bulldogs’ duo up 5-2 when the match was halted. Samford (2-1) will return to action on February 10 in a home match with Belmont University. TRACK AND FIELD STEPHEN SMITH — Kennesaw State University (Sr., Cass HS) … finished third in the pole vault at the Clemson Invitational this past weekend by clearing 15 feet, five inches. The Owls will send split squads next Friday and Saturday to the Virginia Tech Elite Meet in Blacksburg, Virginia, and the South Carolina Invitational in Columbia, South Carolina. SWIMMING HARPER POWELL — Florida Tech (Jr., Adairsville HS) … was a member of the 200-yard freestyle relay team that placed third in 1:41.48. She was also on the fifth-place 200-yard medley relay team that placed fifth (1:54.93). Powell added a seventh-place finish (26.19) in the 50-yard freestyle as the Panthers dropped a 131-130 decision at home to 5th-ranked Lynn University. Florida Tech competes in the Sunshine State Conference Championships in Ocala on February 14-18.