December 20, 2023 The Hurricanes lost their second game at the Mistletoe Madness tournament in Chatsworth Tuesday night, falling to host North Murray 70-69. The Canes and Mountaineers swapped leads through most of the game but it was North Murray who pulled out the tight contest down the stretch. Beau Ellis scored 17 points to pace the Mountaineeers. Isaiah Morrison added 14. Nas Bennet led Cartersville with 19. Monte Tolbert and Cedric McClinic contributed 13 each for the Canes. North Murray improved to 11-1 with their victory. Cartersville (2-8) plays its third and final game of Mistletoe Madness in Chatsworth on Thursday at 6 p.m. against Gilmer.

December 16, 2023 Gracie Shipp made the game-tying and game-winning free throws Saturday to lift the Woodland Lady Cats to a hard-fought consolation game victory at the Rome Rotary Club Christmas Tournament played at Armuchee High School. Woodland led late in the fourth quarter before Armuchee scored seven straight points to take a 36-34 lead with only 39 seconds remaining. On the Lady Cats' next possession, Reagan Weightman — who led Woodland with 13 points — scored a tying bucket off an offensive rebound with less than 10 seconds. Woodland then fouled in the backcourt with only six seconds remaining. Armuchee made one of two free throws to take a 37-36 lead. Woodland pushed the ball up the floor quickly and Shipp — who finished with 11 points — was fouled with only four seconds remaining. Her two successful free throws lifted the Lady Cats to a one-point win that avenged an earlier 16-point loss to the Lady Indians this season. Megan Shultz also reached double-figure scoring for Woodland with 10 points. Aubrey McConkey led Armuchee (6-4) with 13 points, including seven in the fourth quarter. Josie Harris added six. Woodland (6-4) returns to action on January 6 at Bowdon. HEARD COUNTY 46, CASS GIRLS 42 In the Carrollton SMI Holiday Tournament finals Saturday night at Temple High School, the Lady Colonels led at the end of each of the first three quarters. However, Heard County rallied in the fourth quarter to overtake Cass for a 46-42 win. The Lady Braves outscored the Lady Colonels 16-6 in the final quarter. Jayden Boykin scored a game-high 25 points to lead Heard County (7-1). Tamira Feanny finished with nine points for Cass. Kiana McDaniel and Zion Hayes contributed eight points each. The Lady Colonels (6-2) will look to bounce back Tuesday night at Paulding County. CARTERSVILLE BOYS 80, NORTH PAULDING 48 D.J. Cain scored 18 points to lead four Hurricanes in double-digits as the Cartersville boys defeated North Paulding 80-48 at the Carrollton SMI Holiday Tournament. Cain was also named to the SMI All-Tournament team. Collin Genrich followed with 15 for the Canes. Nasir Bennett and Monte Tolbert added 13 apiece. Gavin Hawk led North Paulding with 13 points. Cartersville led 15-14 after one quarter and 33-27 at halftime before pulling away in the second half. The win was a second-straight for Cartersville who defeated Heard County on Friday night 72-70 for their initial win of the season. Next for the Canes (2-6) is the North Murray High School Mistletoe Madness Tournament next Tuesday through Thursday. Cartersville will face Northwest Whitfield, North Murray, and Gilmer. WOODLAND BOYS 76, PEPPERELL 41 The Wildcats won their consolation game Saturday at the Rome Rotary Club Christmas Tournament, defeating Pepperell by 35 points, 76-41. Zyon Heath scored 24 points for Woodland. Isaiah Livsey added 15. The loss drops the Dragons to 4-5 on the season. Woodland (5-6) plays at Northwest Whitfield on December 29 at 6 p.m.

December 19, 2023 The Lady Colonels battled Paulding County into overtime Tuesday night before falling 54-49 in a non-region contest in Dallas. The Lady Patriots held narrow leads at the end of each of the first three quarters before Cass caught them to send the game into overtime tied 41-41. Paulding (6-6) outscored the Lady Colonels 13-8 in the overtime period. Three Lady Patriots scored in double figures led by Alexus Wilson’s 16. Hope Johnson finished with 13 points and GiGi Bandy scored 10. Kiana McDaniel led Cass with 14 points and added seven steals. Zion Hayes followed with 12 points and nine rebounds. Cadie Paez scored 11 points. Dariana Sosa finished with six. Tamira Feanny and KK Evans added four and two points, respectively. Cass (6-3) plays Thursday and Friday at Madison County High School in the Red Raider Classic. The Lady Colonels open against Winder-Barrow on Thursday at 3 p.m. PAULDING COUNTY 71, CASS BOYS 65 Jerron Wilson scored 18 of his game-high 22 points in the first half and Kavious Marshall added 12 points as Paulding County beat visiting Cass Tuesday night, 71-65. Jakai Baldwin and Jayden Foster led the Colonels with 21 and 19 points, respectively. The Patriots improved to 5-7 on the season. Cass (1-6) returns to action December 28-30 at the Christian Heritage Holiday Tournament in Dalton. NORTHWEST WHITFIELD 61, CARTERSVILLE BOYS 53 The Hurricanes dropped their opening game of the North Murray High School Mistletoe Madness Tuesday night to Northwest Whitfield, 61-53. Cartersville led 26-24 at halftime but were outscored 25-11 in the third quarter. Jackson Harris led the Bruins (7-2) with 12 points. Three Canes finished with 10 points each: Nas Bennett, Cedric McClinic, and D.J. Cain. Collin Genrich followed with nine. AJ Cowart scored five. Kaden Baldwin chipped in with four. Monte Tolbert made a fourth-quarter three-pointer and Reed Ezell added two. Cartersville (2-7) plays the host North Murray Mountaineers on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. and will play Gilmer on Thursday at 6 p.m.

December 19, 2023 The Lady Canes took an early lead Tuesday afternoon and were never threatened in a 64-27 win over Gainesville at the Carrollton High School Christmas Tournament. Cartersville led 13-6 after one quarter then Ansley Griffin and KK Arnold combined for 14 points in the second period as the Lady Canes surged to a 32-15 lead at halftime. Three players reached double-figure scoring for Cartersville including Griffin with 12 points, five assists, and three steals; Nayel Camper with 11 points, two rebounds, and two steals; and Arnold with 10 points, eight assists, and three steals. The loss drops the Lady Red Elephants to 1-5 on the season. The Lady Canes (4-6) return to action December 28-30 at the Adairsville High School Christmas Tournament. Cartersville opens the bracket against Armuchee at 10 a.m. on December 28.

December 18, 2023 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Former Cartersville High standout Shadre Hurst was selected Freshman All-American by the publication, The Athletic, this past week. The redshirt freshman, offensive guard for Tulane is preparing for the Military Bowl where the Green Wave will square off against Virginia Tech in Annapolis, Maryland on December 27. Other former Hurricanes — Devonte Ross (Troy), Jonah Gambill (Memphis), and Jonathan Cline (UCF) — are also getting ready with their bowl game practice sessions. Jarvis Hicks (North Carolina) of Woodland and Sacovie White (Georgia) of Cass are also participating in bowl practices with their respective teams. From that list, UCF squares off with Georgia Tech on Friday in the Tampa Gasparilla Bowl.  North Carolina plays West Virginia on Saturday in the Duke's Mayo Bowl in Charlotte. Troy will play Duke on Saturday in the Birmingham Bowl. Memphis faces Iowa State on December 29 in the Liberty Bowl and Georgia meets Florida State on December 30 in the Orange Bowl. In NFL news, former Cartersville High quarterback Trevor Lawrence sustained a concussion on a play in the fourth quarter during Sunday night’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens and has entered the league’s protocol for the injury. NFL TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL; 3rd-yr. pro; QB; Clemson; Cartersville HS) … Jacksonville coach Doug Pederson told The Athletic Sunday night that Lawrence, who was evaluated after the game, will enter concussion protocol following the Jaguars’ 23-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Pederson said he thought his 24-year-old quarterback sustained the concussion on a play in the fourth quarter. Lawrence, who has never missed a game due to injury, passed for 264 yards (25-for-43) and rushed for 41 yards on four attempts. His passing numbers included a 65-yard touchdown strike to Jamal Agnew in the third quarter. The toss was the longest of Lawrence’s NFL career. He did have two lost fumbles. On December 10, Lawrence played through a high-ankle sprain in a 31-27 loss at the Cleveland Browns. He was 28-for-50 passing for 257 yards and three touchdowns but did throw three interceptions. Two of his scoring throws went to tight end Evan Engram with the other to Parker Washington. Jacksonville has now lost three straight and is tied with Indianapolis and Houston at 8-6 in the AFC South. The Jaguars play at Tampa Bay on Sunday. NBA G-LEAGUE ASHTON HAGANS — Rip City Remix (4th yr. pro; Cartersville native; Kentucky; Newton HS) … started each of the last four games for the Remix — a pair of home wins over the Stockton Kings on December 7 and 9 plus a pair of road losses in Las Vegas to the G-League Ignite last Tuesday and Thursday. Hagans averaged 15 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and two steals in the four games and added a pair of blocked shots. Rip City (7-7) is currently in fourth place in the G-League’s West Division and returns to action on December 28 at the Stockton Kings. NBL-CANADA A.J. MOSBY — Sudbury Five (6th yr. pro; Alcorn State; Cartersville HS) … opened training camp last week with Sudbury of The Super League of the National Basketball League of Canada. Mosby is one of four returning players on the Five’s 16-man roster. The team opens its 2024 season on Thursday, December 28 at the Sudbury Arena when they host the London Lightning. Standing at 6’3", the 27-year-old returns to the Five after an impressive 2022-23 season, where he averaged 20.2 points per game (PPG), 4.2 rebounds per game (RPG), and 4.2 assists per game (APG) across 36 games. His stellar performance earned him the 2023 NBLC Newcomer of the Year award and a spot on the NBLC All-League First Team. He expressed his enthusiasm for rejoining the Sudbury club, stating, "Sudbury! Super excited to be back. I want to thank Coach Stutz and the whole organization for allowing me to come back! I'm ready to give the best fans in the world a show." PGA CHAMPIONS TOUR JASON BOHN — PGA Tour Champions (Acworth resident; Cartersville Country Club member) … failed to finish in the Top 5 at the PGA Tour Champions Q-School Final Stage December 5-8 in Scottsdale, Arizona December 5-8. Bohn finished at even par for the 72-hole event and tied for 47th. The top five at the event earned full exemptions on the senior golf tour for the 2024 season. Bohn will now have limited access via sponsor’s exemptions. He finished 73rd in the Schwab Cup points in 2023 and earned $169,127. FOOTBALL SHADRE HURST — Tulane University (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … the national publication, The Athletic, recently named Hurst as a 2023 Freshman All-American. The Green Wave offensive lineman has played in all 13 games with nine starts at guard this season. He has helped pave the way for a Tulane offense that is averaging 26.8 points per game, 156.8 rushing yards, and 222.4 passing yards. Tulane has topped the 20-point barrier in 11 of 13 games and scored 37 points against South Alabama. The Green Wave (11-2) will face Virginia Tech (6-6) in the Military Bowl on December 27 in Annapolis, Maryland. WRESTLING ANGEL BANDA — Reinhardt University (Sr., Adairsville HS) … went 3-1 in the 125-pound weight class as the NAIA 7th-ranked Eagles finished 3-1 at the Lindsey Wilson College Duals December 10 in Columbia, Kentucky. Reinhardt beat Marion (47-3), 15th-ranked Lindsey Wilson (38-12), and Lourdes (25-20) with the only loss coming to 12th-ranked Indiana Tech (24-14). Banda’s only loss came to his Lindsey Wilson opponent. Last Wednesday in home duals against NCAA D-II UNC-Pembroke and Life University, Banda won both of his bouts as the Eagles beat UNC-Pembroke but lost to Life. At this past Saturday’s Rocky Top Duals in Gatlinburg, Banda went 1-2 in his bouts as the Eagles won two of five team matches. RU defeated Midway (38-12) and Rio Grande (35-22) but lost to Campbellsville (32-9), Cumberland-TN (28-14), and University of the Cumberlands (21-15), The Eagles continue their season on January 12 at the Virginia Duals. EASTON BISHOP — Reinhardt University (Jr., Woodland HS) … wrestling at both 125 and 133, he was 0-5 in the Eagles matches with Marion, Indiana Tech, Lindsey Wilson, UNC-Pembroke, and Life. The Eagles went 6-5 in dual matches between December 10 and 16. The Reinhardt schedule picks back up on January 12 at the Virginia Duals. COLTON BISHOP — Reinhardt University (Jr., Woodland HS) … wrestling in the 125- and 133-pound division, he had a win over his Midway opponent and a loss in his bout during the Lourdes match. The Eagles, who went 6-5 in duals December 10-16, return to the mats at the Virginia Duals on January 12. CALEB HENSON — Virginia Tech (So., Woodland HS) … ranked No. 2 nationally in the 149-pound weight class, Henson disposed of his opponent by tech fall Sunday as 10th-ranked Virginia Tech defeated visiting 16th-ranked Stanford, 29-7. On Tuesday, the Hokies head to the Campbell Duals in Buies Creek, North Carolina to face Purdue, Campbell, and North Dakota State. TYLER McKNIGHT — Davidson College (Fr., Cass HS) … won his 149-pound bout Sunday as the Wildcats defeated visiting Sacred Heart 39-12. McKnight also beat his Duke University opponent in a narrow 19-17 team loss at home to the Blue Devils on December 8. Davidson will return to action on January 1-2 at the Chattanooga Southern Scuffle. JORDAN MITCHELL — Life University (Sr., Cass HS) … went 3-0 in his 141-pound bouts against opponents from Reinhardt and UNC-Pembroke last Wednesday at home. He added a Saturday home win over his Montreat opponent. NAIA 2nd-ranked Life went 7-0 for the week also defeating Lindsey Wilson, University of the Cumberlands, Cumberlands University, and Campbellsville University. Next on the schedule for Life is the NWCA National Duals at Northern Iowa on January 5-6. JAXON SMITH — University of Maryland (So., Woodland HS) … won his 197-pound bout by tech fall as 22nd-ranked Maryland won at Morgan State in Baltimore on December 10. Smith is ranked No. 5 in the country in his weight class. The Terps return to action on January 5 at the Franklin & Marshall Lehman Open. JABRIL WILLIAMS — Midway University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … went 2-1 in the 165-pound weight class in three home bouts on December 9 as the Eagles went 3-0. Williams won his bouts against Kentucky Wesleyan and Thomas More University but lost to his Brewton-Parker College opponent. This past Saturday at the Smoky Mountain Duals in Gatlinburg, Williams went 1-2 in his three bouts as his team beat Bluefield University but lost to Reinhardt and St. Thomas (Florida). Midway also split duals with Siena Heights and Montreat at the event. The Eagles return to action on January 11 at Cumberland University (Tennessee). BASKETBALL ZAYLAN CHANEY — Tallahassee CC (So., Cartersville resident, Legacy Academy) … in starts December 8-12, Chaney averaged 14 points and nine rebounds as the Eagles beat Copiah-Lincoln CC and Central Georgia Tech but lost to Eastern Florida State. In the Central Georgia Tech game he had a double-double with 14 points and 17 boards. Tallahassee also had a home win over Andrew College and a loss to Florida Southwestern State this past weekend but Chaney did not see action. The Eagles (11-4) host Albany Tech CC on Tuesday night. CLAIRE DAVIS — Palm Beach Atlantic University (So., Cass HS) … had five rebounds with two points, two blocks, and one assist on December 9 in a 75-62 loss at Nova Southeastern. She followed with nine points, five boards, one block, and one steal in an 84-37 home win last Tuesday over Mount Olive. The Sailfish (4-5, 0-3 Sunshine State Conference) will face Bowie State and Shaw University on Monday and Tuesday in Boca Raton at the Fighting Knight Christmas Classic. JA’KA’YAH DRAUGHN — Chattanooga State CC (Fr., Cartersville HS) … totaled four points, four rebounds, two steals, and one assist in a pair of Tigers’ wins at Covenant College JV and Meridian CC on December 8 and 13. CSCC (10-0) also had a 64-54 win over Gadsden State CC this past Saturday. The Tigers visit Dyersburg State CC on Wednesday, December 20. JUSTICE HAYES — Point University (Jr., Cass HS) … scored nine points with two rebounds and two assists Saturday in a 91-69 loss at Thomas University (Georgia). The Skyhawks (5-7, 0-5 Appalachian Athletic Conference) return to action on Saturday, December 30 at home against Truett-McConnell University. DiANTHONY HEATHCOCK — Columbia International University (Sr., Woodland HS) … finished with a double-double including 13 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocked shots in a 98-83 win at Milligan (Tennessee) on December 6. He then scored 10 points with nine boards, three steals, and two assists in a 72-67 loss at Union College (Kentucky) on December 9. Last Tuesday, Heathcock scored 15 points with eight rebounds and one assist in an 86-72 home win over Tennessee Wesleyan. The Rams (9-5, 8-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference) will be back in action January 2 at Truett McConnell University. HALEY JOHNSON — Central Georgia Tech CC (So., Cass HS) … started both games and scored eight points with three rebounds, three assists, and one steal in a 70-66 home exhibition loss to Fort Valley State University on December 9. Johnson then scored seven points with three boards, one assist, and one steal last Thursday in a 70-57 loss to Spartanburg Methodist. CGTCC (2-8) begins conference play on Wednesday, January 3 at Albany Tech CC. KEARA McDANIEL — Toccoa Falls College (So., Cass HS) … contributed two rebounds and one assist in a 77-76 win at Carolina University on December 7. The Screamin’ Eagles (9-2) are off until a January 11 date at Warren Wilson (Kentucky). T.J. PRINTUP — Tusculum University (R-Fr., Adairsville HS) … came off the bench and totaled five points and two rebounds on December 9 and last Wednesday in an 82-77 loss at Coker College and an 83-73 home loss to Carson-Newman University. The Pioneers also dropped a 79-60 decision this past Saturday at Newberry University. Tusculum (3-6, 1-3 South Atlantic Conference) plays at UNC Pembroke on Saturday, December 30. LONDAISHA SMITH — Salem University (Jr., Cass HS) … contributed one assist in a 77-58 home loss this past Saturday to Cedarville. Salem (3-9) is off until January 10 when the Tigers host the University of Charleston (WV).

December 18, 2023 The Woodland wrestling team won the 43-team Gorilla Warfare X at Berkmar High School in Lilburn last Friday and Saturday. The Wildcats finished with 196 points followed by Mt. Pisgah Christian (185), Union County (169), Lambert (136.5), and Tift County (112) to round out the top five. Individual results for Woodland: 113: Aiden Buchanan - 6th place (2-3) 120: Dylan Couey - 3rd place (7-1) 126: Adrian Zapata - 6th place (4-3) 132: Nathan Cates - 2nd place (4-1) 138: Briggs Taff (3-2) 144: Zachary Wallace - 2nd place (4-1) 157: Christian Cothran - 3rd place (6-2) 165: Heath Tatum - 6th place (2-3) 175: Melvin Ramos (3-2) 190: Owen Jones (3-2) 215: John Gill - 3rd place (4-1) 285: Kwadrus Wilson - 2nd place (4-1) Next for Woodland is the Guerilla Duals at Cass on December 30.

Monday, December 18 The Cartersville Lady Canes lost their first game at the Carrollton Christmas Tournament Monday night to Jackson-Atlanta, 80-46. Jackson-Atlanta, ranked No. 1 in Class 5A, raced to a 22-9 first-quarter lead and never trailed. Taliah Cornish led the Jaguars (7-0) with 20 points. Ansley Griffin led Cartersville with 22 points and KK Arnold added 10. Cartersville (3-6) plays Gainesville on Tuesday afternoon at Carrollton in a 1 p.m. tip.

December 4, 2023 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com A pair of former Woodland High wrestlers earned runner-up finishes this past weekend at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Collegiate Invitational. The tournament annually showcases some of the best wrestlers and programs in the nation. Caleb Henson and Jaxon Smith both reached the finals in their respective weight classes. In other news Monday night, former Cartersville High quarterback Trevor Lawrence had to leave the Jaguars' game with the Cincinnati Bengals due to injury. NFL TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL; 3rd-yr. pro; QB; Clemson; Cartersville HS) … left Monday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals with 5:25 remaining in the fourth quarter with an apparent lower leg injury. The quarterback’s right leg was bent awkwardly on a third down play. It appeared his left tackle, Walker Little, stepped on Lawrence’s left ankle. After trying to get back to his feet, a visibly upset Lawrence went back down. He slammed his helmet to the turf immediately and was helped off the field by trainers and into the Jacksonville locker room. The Jaguars were driving and were just outside the red zone when the injury occurred. After he left the game, Jacksonville missed a 48-yard field goal attempt in a 28-28 game. C.J. Beathard took over at quarterback for the Jags on their next possession. Before the incident, Lawrence was 22-for-29 passing for 258 yards and two touchdowns. He also had five rushing attempts for eight yards and one touchdown. The game went to overtime with the Bengals winning 34-31. Jacksonville (8-4) plays at the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon. NBA G-LEAGUE ASHTON HAGANS — Rip City Remix (4th yr. pro; Cartersville native; Kentucky; Newton HS) … started both games and totaled 22 points, nine assists, five rebounds, three steals, and one blocked shot as the Remix split games last Friday and Saturday at the Santa Cruz Warriors. Rip City (5-5) has games on Thursday and Saturday at home in Portland with the Stockton Kings. FOOTBALL SHADRE HURST — Tulane University (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … a starter on the Green Wave’s offensive line that helped produce 238 total yards and outgained the Mustangs but lost 26-14 at home in the American Athletic Conference Championship Game. Tulane (11-2) will play Virginia Tech on Wednesday, Dec. 27 in the Military Bowl in Annapolis, Maryland. SAM PHILLIPS — UT-Chattanooga (R-So., Cartersville HS) … had two receptions for 13 yards this past Saturday but the Mocs were eliminated by Furman 26-7 in the second round of the FCS playoffs. Phillips started every game this season for UTC and finished the season with 60 catches for 624 yards and four touchdowns. He also had a pair of punt returns for 38 yards. The Mocs finished the year with an 8-5 mark. DEVONTE ROSS — Troy University (So., Cartersville HS) … had two catches for 12 yards this past Saturday as the host Trojans beat Appalachian State 49-23 to win the Sun Belt Conference Championship Game. Troy (11-2) will play Duke in the Birmingham Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 23. WRESTLING CALEB HENSON — Virginia Tech (So., Woodland HS) … went 4-1 and finished runner-up in the 149-pound weight class at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. Henson had wins over opponents from Ohio University, South Dakota State, Cal Poly, and Arizona State before a loss to Nebraska’s Ridge Lovett by a 4-3 score in the finals. Up next for Virginia Tech is a home dual with Stanford on Sunday, December 17. BRYCE KRESHO — Franklin & Marshall College (So., Cass HS) … the Diplomats went 3-1 Sunday with wins over VMI, Presbyterian, and Bloomsburg. Their only loss was to Michigan State in the five-team duals. Kresho, wrestling at 141-pounds, won his bout during a 34-9 victory over Presbyterian. Franklin & Marshall returns to the mats on December 22 at the Sheridan Invitational in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. TYLER McKNIGHT — Davidson College (Fr., Cass HS) … in a pair of team losses for the Wildcats, McKnight won both of his bouts in the 149-pound weight class. He defeated his opponents from George Mason and American University. Davidson hosts Duke on Friday night. JAXON SMITH — University of Maryland (So., Woodland HS) … took home second place in the illustrious Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, widely regarded as the most competitive regular season tournament. Smith started Day Two in the semifinals where he put on an impressive showing in knocking off top-seeded and third-ranked Tanner Sloan of South Dakota State. Smith got the match's scoring started with a super duck takedown. In the second period, he converted an impressive feet-to-back mat return that resulted in four near-fall points and gave him a commanding 7-1 lead that he never surrendered, taking the match by way of an 8-2 decision. Sloan is a four-time NCAA qualifier and was the 2022-23 NCAA runner-up at 197 pounds. That propelled him into the championship match where he faced NC State's second-seeded and fifth-ranked Trent Hidlay. Smith battled hard, but a Hidlay takedown was the difference, as Smith fell 5-2. Maryland returns to action on Sunday at Morgan State. JABRIL WILLIAMS — Midway University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … competing at 165 pounds, Williams went 4-1 in his bouts and the Eagles went 3-2 as a team Saturday at the Blithe Memorial Duals in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Midway lost to Wisconsin-Eau Claire and St. Ambrose University before defeating Siena Heights University, Wheaton College, and Muskegon CC. Williams' only loss was to his Wisconsin-Eau Claire opponent. The Eagles host Brewton-Parker College, Kentucky Wesleyan, and Thomas More University on Saturday. BASKETBALL BRAXTON BENHAM — Berry College (Jr., Cass HS) … scored 17 points and had six steals, five rebounds, and three assists this past Saturday in a 79-74 loss at Oglethorpe University. He also scored eight points with eight assists, six rebounds, three steals, and one blocked shot last Wednesday in an 85-83 home loss to Maryville College (Tennessee). The Vikings (2-5, 0-1 Southern Athletic Association play at Mary Hardin-Baylor in Texas on Tuesday, December 19. ZAYLAN CHANEY — Tallahassee CC (So., Cartersville resident; Legacy Academy) … scored 14 points and grabbed four rebounds with one assist last Tuesday in a 100-75 win at Gordon State College. He then scored 26 points with two rebounds and one steal Sunday in a 90-78 home loss to Daytona State CC. The Eagles (8-2) play Eastern Florida State and Copiah-Lincoln CC on Friday and Saturday in the Northwest Florida Classic in Niceville, Florida. CLAIRE DAVIS — Palm Beach Atlantic University (So., Cass HS) … scored 14 points at Barry University last Wednesday and scored six Saturday at home against Rollins College — both losses for the Sailfish. Davis also totaled four rebounds and one assist in the two games. PBAU (3-4, 0-2 Sunshine State Conference) entertains the University of Mount Olive on Saturday. JUSTICE HAYES — Point University (Jr., Cass HS) … in two home starts last week on Thursday and Saturday against Loyola (Louisiana) and the University of Mobile, Hayes did not score but totaled five rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Point (5-5, 0-4 Appalachian Athletic Conference) play at LaGrange College on Wednesday and visit Clark Atlanta on Saturday. DiANTHONY HEATHCOCK — Columbia International University (Sr., Woodland HS) … posted a double-double Saturday in an 80-76 win at Kentucky Christian. The starting 6-7 forward had 13 points, 13 rebounds, and blocked one shot in the win. He also scored 15 points with seven rebounds, and one assist last Wednesday in an 85-84 loss at Johnson University (Tenn.). The Rams (7-4, 6-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visit Milligan University on Wednesday night and 12th-ranked Union College (Ky.) on Saturday. HALEY JOHNSON — Central Georgia Tech CC (So., Cass HS) … scored 14 points, collected eight rebounds, and had four steals, three assists, and one blocked shot in a 61-34 home win last Wednesday over Southern Union State CC. The Titans (2-7) play a home exhibition on Saturday afternoon against Fort Valley State University. KEARA McDANIEL — Toccoa Falls College (So., Cass HS) … scored seven points with two rebounds and three assists Saturday as the Screamin’ Eagles won 86-51 at Wesleyan College. She also scored one point last Wednesday in a 69-60 home loss to Carolina University. Toccoa Falls (8-2) plays at Carolina University Thursday night. T.J. PRINTUP — Tusculum University (R-Fr., Adairsville HS) … scored nine points and had seven rebounds, two steals, and one blocked shot Saturday in an 80-75 home win over Anderson University. Last Monday, Printup scored 11 points and added seven rebounds, four steals, and one blocked shot in an 82-77 loss at Lees-McRae College. The Pioneers (3-3, 1-0 South Atlantic Conference) visit Coker College on Saturday. LONDAISHA SMITH — Salem University (Jr., Cass HS) … saw action but did not record a stat line in a 94-88 loss Saturday at Glenville State. The Lady Tigers (1-7) travel to West Virginia Wesleyan on Wednesday and host Davis & Elkins College on Saturday.

The Cartersville wrestling team finished with a 5-3 record Friday and Saturday at the Clash at the Creek Duals hosted by Coahulla Creek High School in Whitfield County. The Canes had wins over Murray County (49-27), Fannin County (60-24), Pike County (42-38), Calhoun (37-34), and North Murray (48-26) during the tournament. The Cartersville losses were to eventual champions -- Nolensville-TN, Southeast Whitfield, and Northwest Whitfield. Individual results during the tournament for Cartersville wrestlers: 106: Jair Flores 4-3 120: Will Benson 6-1 126/132: Eaiden Neal 7-0 126/132: Wyatt Earwood 4-3 132/138: Rhys Neal 3-1 138: Dixon Lidnsey 4-1 144: Grey Williams 6-2 150:John Hullander 157: Tyler Phillips 165: Ryfe Hullander 2-4 175: Peter Cepeda 3-4 190: Jonathan Radford 4-4 215: Gian Carlo 4-4 285: Delroy Hurst 5-1 The next event for Cartersville is the Guerrilla Warfare Duals at Cass on Saturday, December 30.

The Cass wrestling team competed at the Smoky Mountain Duals in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Friday and Saturday and won four of five matches. The Colonels defeated Seymour-TN (54-18), Franklin-TN (66-12), Cabell Midland-WV (42-36), and Gibbs-TN (56-18). The Cass loss was to Johnson Central-KY (43-33). Individual results: 113 - Angel Castenado,4-1 120 - Lee Camp, 4-0 126 / 132 - Luka Jensen, 4-1 138 - Ethan Harrington, 3-1 138 - Karter Berdnik, 1-0 144 / 150 - AJ Piatt, 5-0 144 - Austin McArthur, 1-0 150 / 157 - David Jewell, 6-0 157 - Richard Martin, 2-3 165 - Mason Tompkins, 4-0 175 - Jayce Bradford, 0-1 175 / 190 - Kirecg Roe, 5-0 215 - Wyatt Harris, 3-2 Cass will send split squads to the KO Christmas Classic in Kissimmee, Florida, and the Armuchee Garvin Edwards Hall of Fame Invitational on Thursday and Friday, December 21-22. Adairsville wrestling team collects Senior Night wins The Adairsville High wrestling team honored its senior team members and went 3-0 last Tuesday night with home victories over Armuchee, Rome, and Cedartown. Next on the Tigers' schedule is the Garvin Edwards Hall of Fame Classic on December 21-22 at Armuchee High School.

December 15, 2023 The Cass Lady Colonels defeated host Temple 60-38 Friday night in the semifinals of the SMI Carrollton Christmas Tournament. The win puts Cass (6-1) in the tournament finals on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. against Heard County (5-1). Cadie Paez led the Lady Colonels in the scoring column with 17 points. Kiana McDaniel, who added seven assists and four rebounds, followed with 13 points. Tamira Feanny led Cass on the boards with 13 rebounds. ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 35, SONORAVILLE 32 The Lady Tigers went scoreless in the first quarter Friday night at Sonoraville but rallied from a 10-0 deficit for a come-from-behind 35-32 win that snapped a two-game skid. Adairsville narrowed the early deficit to 15-12 by halftime and trailed 26-24 heading into the final eight minutes. Erin Garland led the Lady Phoenix (0-10) with 14 points. Aliya McBryde paced Adairsville with 14 points. NaXyria Roberts and Alissa Winters added six points apiece for the Lady Tigers. Adairsville (6-4) returns to action after Christmas and will play Chattooga on December 28 in the first round of the Tigers’ Holiday Tournament. ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 63, SONORAVILLE 58 The Tigers and Phoenix traded the lead several times Friday night before Adairsville pulled out a 63-58 win in Gordon County. Sonoraville led 13-9 after one quarter. Adairsville took a 30-28 lead to halftime and the Phoenix led 42-37 after three quarters before the Tigers rallied for a five-point win. Adairsville outscored Sonoraville 26-16 in the final period. Sonoraville (6-4) had four players score double figures led by Elijah Woods with 13. Donovan McDaniel and Jordyn Story finished with 11 points while Bryson Shellnutt totaled 10. Tay Jackson scored 19 points to lead Adairsville. Ben Abernathy followed with 14. Gabe Gomez contributed 11 points and Xavious Nalls added nine. Adairsville (4-5) plays Pickens on Friday, December 22 at Fannin County High School. COOSA 52, WOODLAND GIRLS 45 The Lady Cats lost their opening game at the Rome Rotary Club Holiday Tournament at Armuchee High School, falling to Coosa 52-45. Brooke McClellan scored 22 points and Makenna Manley had 21 to lead the Eagles (4-5). Megan Schultz led Woodland with 13 points. Gracie Shipp scored 12 and Reagan Weightman added 10 for the Lady Cats. Ella Shipp and Libby Morgan chipped in with five points and four points, respectively. Woodland (5-4) plays Armuchee in a consolation game at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Armuchee. The Lady Indians lost their first-round game Friday to Model, 58-25. MODEL 72, WOODLAND BOYS 43 Woodland (4-6) lost to Model in the Wildcats’ opening game of the Rome Rotary Club Christmas Tournament being hosted at Armuchee High School. The Wildcats play a consolation game Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Armuchee against Pepperell. The Dragons were a 93-38 loser to Rome on Friday. CASS BOYS 49, KENNESAW MOUNTAIN 45 The Colonels won a defensive, non-region battle at Kennesaw Mountain Friday night 49-45. Cass led 22-18 at the intermission and held a 38-37 lead heading into the final quarter. Kevin Henderson scored 14 points to lead Cass. Jayden Foster contributed 11 for the Colonels. Gabriel Mason scored 16 to lead the Mustangs (3-6). Cass (2-5) plays at Paulding County on Tuesday.

The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes are fourth and the Cass Colonels tied for eighth in the final Georgia High School Football Daily cumulative rankings. The two local schools were two of five teams from Region 7-5A to be ranked in the top 12 of the 5A classification. Coffee (15-0), who eliminated Cass and Cartersville (13-1), won the state championship over Creekside (13-2). The Trojans and Seminoles took the top two spots. Jefferson (13-1), a loser to Creekside in the semifinals, was ranked third. Ware County (8-4) and Warner Robins (9-3) tied for fifth. Hiram (9-3), a member of Region 7-5A was ranked seventh. Region foes Cass (7-6) and Dalton (8-4) tied for eighth followed by Harris County (11-2), Calhoun (8-4), and Kell (9-2). The six polls in the cumulative rankings are The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Georgia Public Broadcasting, Score Atlanta, 680 The Fan, Maxwell Ratings, and MaxPreps.