Pepperell scored a pair of runs in the top of the seventh Wednesday night to break a 5-5 tie at Woodland as the Dragons escaped with a 7-5 non-region win. Pepperell led 3-0 early but the Wildcats scored three runs in the bottom of the third and added one more in the fourth to take a 4-3 lead. The Dragons went back on top 5-4 in the fifth but Woodland tied the game with a single run in the bottom of the sixth. Ryan Ely (6 IP, 5R, 2ER, 6H, 3BB, 2K) started on the mound and picked up the pitching win for Pepperell (4-4). Woodland utilized a quartet of hurlers. Coby Barrett entered in the fifth inning and was tagged with the pitching loss. Rowan Billings started on the bump for the Wildcats. Ayden Ray (2.1 IP, 2R, 1ER, 0H, 6BB, 5K) and Hunter Shirley (0.1 IP, 0R, 0H) also pitched. Billings finished with two hits and one RBI for Woodland. Chase Carson also had two hits. Connor Stermer doubled with one RBI. Ray added a hit with two RBIs. Woodland (4-3) heads to Canton Saturday for games against Forsyth Central at 2 p.m. and Cherokee at 5 p.m. PAULDING COUNTY 6, CASS 3 With three runs in the bottom of the first and three more in the bottom of the fifth, the Paulding County Patriots held off visiting Cass Wednesday night, 6-3. The Colonels led 2-0 in the top of the first but did not score again until the sixth when they posted a single run. Alex Benitez (5 IP, 3R, 1ER, 4BB, 7K) earned the pitching win for Paulding County. Riley Jeffries (1 IP, 0R, 0H, 1BB, 1K) and Tucker White (1 IP, 0R, 0H, 1BB, 1K) worked a scoreless inning each for the Patriots. James Jones had two hits for Paulding (3-6). Cass starting pitcher Carson Hill (4.1 IP, 6R, 3R, 7H, 2BB, 5K) took the pitching loss. Devan Hutchinson (1.2 IP, 0R, 0H, 0BB, 2K) retired the final five outs on the mound for the Colonels. Connor Jenkins had two hits for Cass including one double. Cayden Roberts and Hill added one hit apiece. Cass (3-3) has a rematch with Paulding County Friday at Lakepoint at 5:55 p.m.

Local girls and boys high school soccer teams picked up two wins, two draws, and suffered four losses on the pitch Tuesday night. The Adairsville and Cartersville boys teams earned wins. The Woodland boys and Cartersville girls both played their opponents to draws while the other four local teams in action fell on Tuesday evening. ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 4, PICKENS 0 Arthur Lefler scored two goals and Blade Benefield and JJ Grimaldo added one goal each as the Tigers earned a 4-0 non-region win at Pickens (0-4) Tuesday. Keeper Jaydon Hovarth was credited with playing his best game of the season while keeping a clean sheet. He was credited with multiple saves in key situations. Adairsville (4-5) travels to Temple Friday for a 5 p.m. kickoff. CARTERSVILLE BOYS 4, SONORAVILLE 1 The Purple Hurricanes, now 3-2-2 on the season, led 1-0 at the half and scored three more times in the final 40 minutes for a 4-1 non-region victory at Sonoraville. Cartersville scored three times in the final 15 minutes of play to clinch their win. Marvel Velasquez scored in the 24th minute with a penalty kick from just beyond the left side of the box. The kick curved over the Phoenix goalkeeper. Sonoraville tied the score midway through the second half but Cartersville took the lead for good just a few minutes later. Velasquez struck again with a left-footed kick into the upper right corner for a 2-1 advantage. Hector Galaviz redirected a corner kick for the Canes' next goal and Melvin Velasquez finished off the scoring with less than three minutes remaining. His right-footed kick found the lower left corner of the net. The Canes host Woodland to begin Region 7-5A play Friday night at 7:30 p.m. WOODLAND BOYS 1, HERITAGE-CATOOSA 1 (draw) The Woodland Wildcats earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw Tuesday night at Heritage-Catoosa (4-1-3) in Ringgold. Woodland (3-1-1) plays its first region match Friday night at Cartersville at 7:30 p.m. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 0, SONORAVILLE 0 (draw) The Lady Canes and Lady Phoenix played to a scoreless draw Tuesday night in Gordon County. Sonoraville is now 2-3-1 on the season. Cartersville (2-4-1) hosts Woodland Friday at 5:30 p.m. as both teams open Region 7-5A action. SOUTH PAULDING 3, CASS BOYS 2 The Colonels led 1-0 ten minutes into the match Tuesday night at South Paulding on a Jordan Solis goal from Christian Villela. The Spartans tied the score in the 20th minute on a corner kick set play. Cass regained the lead on a goal by Mason Madrid five minutes later. Camden Hillhouse assisted giving the Colonels a 2-1 lead at halftime. South Paulding scored the equalizer making the score 2-2 in the 55th minute on a 35-yard volley and scored the game-winning goal off a 45-yard free kick in the 77th minute. The Spartans improved to 3-3-1 with their home win. Cass (4-5) begins Region 7-5A play Friday at Dalton in a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. PICKENS 1, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 0 The Lady Tigers controlled the action for much of the evening, but an early goal by the Lady Dragons held up as Pickens blanked Adairsville 1-0. Pickens improved to 1-2-1 on the season with their non-region home win. Adairsville (6-3) visits Temple Friday. SOUTH PAULDING 5, CASS GIRLS 0 The Cass girls soccer team was shutout Tuesday night at South Paulding 5-0 in non-region action. The Lady Spartans led 1-0 at the intermission but powered home four more goals in the second half to improve to 3-3-1 on the season. Cass (2-7) travels to Dalton Friday for their Region 7-5A opener at 5:30 p.m. HERITAGE-CATOOSA 10, WOODLAND GIRLS 0 The Heritage-Catoosa Lady Generals stayed unbeaten on the season Tuesday night with a 10-0 home win over the Lady Cats of Woodland. Heritage-Catoosa (6-0-2) led 8-0 in the first half and kept the Woodland girls off the scoreboard. Woodland (1-4-1) makes the short trip to Cartersville Friday to begin Region 7-5A play. The game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

The Cass girls and boys track and field teams finished second Tuesday at Calhoun High School in a five-way meet. The Heritage-Catoosa girls won with 100 points. The Lady Colonels scored 73 points followed by Southeast Whitfield (70) and Calhoun (70) in a tie for third with Coosa (33) fifth. Calhoun won the boys’ meet with 123 points. Cass scored 95. Heritage-Catoosa (88.5) was third followed by Southeast Whitfield (64) and Coosa (11.5). Event wins by Cass competitors: Girls 100M Dash — Kaitlyn Godwin (12.30) Girls 400M Dash — Kaitlyn Godwin (1:06.01) Girls 100M Hurdles — Nakayla KK Evans (18.27) Boys 200M Dash — Colin Holt (23.30) Boys 1600M Run — Critton Gearhart (4:57.39) Girls 4x100M Relay — Markayla Sanford, Nyliah Woods, Kiana McDaniel, Kaitlyn Godwin (51.18) Boys 4x200M Relay — Colin Holt, Braylon Hill, Jordan Powell, JaShaun Brown Whatley (1:36.08) Boys 4x400M Relay — Adam Pierce, Andrew Rampey, Jordan Russell, Critton Gearhart (3:49.08) Boys 4x800M Relay — Adam Pierce, Andrew Rampey, Critton Gearhart, Jason Wright (8:56.00) The next meet for Cass is the Southeast Invitational Saturday in Dalton.

Cass baseball exploded for eleven runs in the top of the sixth inning Tuesday night to win at Wheeler in Cobb County, 12-2. The Colonels trailed 2-1 through the fifth inning but took advantage of eight walks, three hit batsmen, a single, and a double in the sixth inning to post the double-digit frame. Three Cass pitchers combined to limit the Wildcats to two earned runs on four hits and six walks. Hunter Lovett (3 IP, 1ER, 1H, 4BB, 3K) made the start. Wesley Collins (1 IP, 0R, 1H, 2BB) wrapped up the fourth inning and Trenton Payne (2 IP, 1ER, 2H, 0BB, 1K) picked up the pitching victory by closing out the final two innings. JaHyren Kilbert had two hits for Wheeler (1-7). Jesiel Moctezuma had a three-hit game for Cass and drove in one run. Connor Jenkins doubled and finished with four RBIs. Lovett added a hit and two RBIs. Cass (3-2) visits Paulding County Wednesday at 5:55 p.m. and will host the Patriots Friday in a 5:55 p.m. first pitch. ADAIRSVILLE 4, ALEXANDER 2 The Adairsville Tigers posted a pair of runs in the top of the sixth inning Tuesday night in Douglasville to break a 2-2 tie and defeat the Alexander Cougars, 4-2. Alexander led 1-0 after one inning before the Tigers scored single runs in the second and third innings to take a 2-1 lead. The Cougars knotted the score with a run in the bottom of the fourth. Jack Whitley (4 IP, 0R, 1H, 1BB, 4K) picked up the pitching win for the Tigers in relief of starter Grayson Belcher (3 IP, 2R, 1ER, 5H, 4BB, 4K). Seven different Tigers had one hit each. Jack Nelson (RBI) and Whitley had doubles. Jarrett Scott (RBI), Chris Roper, Evan Sanders, Tyler Driggers, and Landon O’Neal added one hit apiece. The loss drops the Cougars to 5-4 on the season. Adairsville (5-1) is scheduled for a home-and-home series with White County Thursday at home and Saturday in Cleveland.

This week's Athletes Beyond Bartow update includes the return of MLB Spring Training for former Cartersville High catcher Anthony Seigler. The switch-hitting, former first-round draft pick is an invited non-roster player at the Yankees' camp and has already made a pair of starts. In the renewed XFL, Adairsville's Vic Beasley continues to contribute as a veteran presence with the Vegas Vipers. On the hardwoods, former Lady Tigers standout Nakiyah Washington wrapped up her senior season at Piedmont University as the program's all-time leading scorer. This week's report includes updates on 40 local athletes contributing across the country. XFL VIC BEASLEY - Vegas Vipers (9th-yr. pro; XFL; Clemson; Adairsville HS) … had three tackles and recovered a fumble Saturday in the Vipers’ 18-6 home loss to the DC Defenders. Vegas (0-2) hosts the Seattle Sea Dragons this Saturday night. MLB ANTHONY SEIGLER — New York Yankees (6th-yr. pro; Cartersville HS) … the switch-hitting catcher who finished last season playing for the Yankees’ High Class A Hudson Valley Renegades, is a non-roster invitee at New York’s MLB Spring Training camp in Tampa. Seigler started two of the Yankees’ first three spring training games. Wearing No. 80, he was 0-for-1 with a walk Saturday during a 7-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies and was 0-for-2 Sunday in a 9-5 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. New York (2-1) plays every day this week with games against the Rays twice, the Tigers twice, the Nationals, the Pirates, and the Braves. PRO BASKETBALL ASHTON HAGANS — Greensboro Swarm (NBA G-League; 3rd-year pro; Cartersville native; Kentucky; Newton HS) … in three home games this past week the Swarm lost Wednesday to the Cleveland Charge and Friday to the Maine Celtics. Saturday, Greensboro topped Maine 122-110. Hagans totaled just four points for the week with 14 assists, 13 rebounds, five steals, and a pair of blocked shots. This week the Swarm (8-13) plays at the College Park Skyhawks in Atlanta Thursday morning and Saturday night. A.J. MOSBY — Sudbury Five (6th year pro; NBL-Canada; Alcorn State; Cartersville HS) … in home wins last Monday and Saturday over the KW Titans, Mosby averaged 26.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 rebounds, and added one steal. Sudbury (10-3) is currently second in the NBLC standings, one game behind the London Lightning. The Five host the division leaders Thursday night before visiting L’Academie D’Alma Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. TRACK & FIELD STEPHEN SMITH — Kennesaw State University (Jr., Cass HS) … the Owls’ pole vaulter placed fifth at the Atlantic Sun Conference Indoor Championship Meet and was one of three KSU competitors in the top five. The even was won by teammate Simon Seid with a vault of 16’-09.50”. Smith cleared 15’-01.75”. The Kennesaw State men finished second in the championship meet behind Liberty University. The NCAA Indoor Championship is March 10-11 in Albuquerque, New Mexico and the Owls begin their outdoor season March 24 at the NC State-hosted Raleigh Relays. GOLF BUCK BRUMLOW — University of Georgia (So., Cartersville HS) … after two rounds of the Southern Highlands Collegiate in Las Vegas, Brumlow is tied for 38th place following rounds of 72-74 on the 7,510-yard, par-72 Southern Highlands Club. The Georgia team was 14th of 15 teams with one round remaining on Tuesday. The Bulldogs are 9-over-par with North Carolina leading at 20-under-par. Texas (14-under) and Pepperdine (11-under) are just behind the Tar Heels. BLANE DAVIS — Georgia College (So., Cartersville HS) … carded rounds of 84-79-79 — 242 and tied for 94th as the Bobcats finished 16th of 18 teams last week at the Saint Leo Invitational at Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club in Dade City, Florida. The tournament was won by Lee University finishing four shots clear of Nova Southeastern. Next for Georgia College is the Bearcat Classic hosted by Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina. CHANC WILLIS — Reinhardt University (Jr., Cartersville HS) …finished with rounds of 75-78-66 and tied for eighth overall as the Eagles placed fifth of eight schools February 20-21 at the Kinderlou Forest Spring Invitational hosted by Dalton State. The tournament was conducted at the 7,039-yard Kinderlou Forest Golf Club in Valdosta. Host Dalton State won the event by ten shots over Coastal Georgia. Reinhardt returns to action March 6-7 in the Point Invitational at Newnan Country Club. BASKETBALL BRAXTON BENHAM — Berry College (So., Cass HS) … scored six points and had three steals, three assists, three rebounds, and two blocks as the Vikings defeated Birmingham-Southern College 78-63 in the Southern Athletic Association tournament semifinals Saturday. Braxton followed with 12 points, seven assists, three steals, two rebounds, and one blocked shot in Berry’s conference title game 86-82 loss to Sewanee-University of the South. Benham appeared in 23 of the Vikings’ 28 games this season and made 18 starts. He averaged 11.3 points and 3.9 rebounds while leading the team in assists (79) and steals (50). CLAIRE DAVIS — Palm Beach Atlantic University (Fr., Cass HS) … Saturday at Rollins College, Davis grabbed six rebounds, scored three points, and had one blocked shot in a 76-68 loss. PBAU (10-16, 6-14) did not qualify for the Sunshine State Conference championship tournament finishing ninth in the 11-team league. Davis played in 23 games this season for the Sailfish averaging eight points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one blocked shot per game. JUSTICE HAYES — Point University (So., Cass HS) … scored two points and had a pair of rebounds in the Skyhawks’ 69-57 loss last Thursday to Montreat College in the quarterfinals of the Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament in Kingsport, Tennessee. Hayes finished the year averaging five points, two rebounds, and one assist per game in 24 starts and 29 appearances. DiANTHONY HEATHCOCK — Columbia International University (Jr., Woodland HS) … the Rams won four straight games last Wednesday through Saturday to win the program’s first-ever Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament championship and its first berth in the NAIA National Tournament. CIU had tournament wins over Bluefield University, Reinhardt University, Montreat College, and Bryan College to capture the conference title in Kingsport, Tennessee. Heathcock averaged 16 points, eight rebounds, one steal, and one block in the Rams’ tournament run. Columbia International will learn about its National Tournament first-round site and opponent in the NAIA’s Selection Show Thursday night. T.J. HORTON — Georgia Highlands CC (So., Cartersville HS) … scored five points with two rebounds, one assist, and one steal last Thursday in a 69-65 home win over South Georgia State CC. Saturday, the Chargers won at South Georgia Tech but boxscore stats were not available at the time of this release. Georgia Highlands (19-9) completes regular season play this week at Gordon State Wednesday and at home Saturday against Albany Tech. HALEY JOHNSON — Central Georgia Tech CC (Fr., Cass HS) … had four rebounds last Wednesday in a 70-41 home win over Andrew College. Johnson then scored one point with two assists and one steal in a 63-55 loss at Georgia Highlands CC on Saturday. CGTCC (9-20, 3-12) plays in the GCAA Tournament quarterfinals Tuesday night at Albany Tech. JAYLON PUGH — Lander University (Grad student, Cartersville HS) … scored seven points with two assists, two steals, and one rebound in a Senior Night start at home last Wednesday as the Bearcats beat Young Harris College 83-53. Pugh followed that with nine points, four rebounds, and one assist in a 73-70 loss at Flagler College. Lander (20-8, 12-6), the No. 4-seed, opens the Peach Belt Conference Championship Tournament Thursday in Augusta against 5th-seeded Young Harris. LONDAISHA SMITH — Alderson Broaddus University (So., Cass HS) … although Smith had a double-double last Wednesday, the Lady Battlers dropped a 98-74 decision at home to Wheeling University. Smith scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the loss. She also had two assists and one blocked shot in the loss. Saturday, ABU fell at home to Notre Dame College 74-66. She scored 16 points with four boards, two steals, and an assist. The Battlers (5-22) are the 9-seed in the Mountain East Conference tournament and will play 8-seeded Concord University Wednesday night in the first round. NAKIYAH WASHINGTON — Piedmont University (Sr., Adairsville HS) … helped the Lady Lions to the finals of the Collegiate Conference of the South title game by reaching double-figure scoring in all three games. Washington had 13 points, six rebounds, and three assists in a 97-71 win over Huntingdon College; 11 points, nine rebounds, one block, and one steal in a 75-73 win over LaGrange College; and scored 10 points with eight rebounds in a 71-63 loss to top-seed and host Berea College. Washington averaged 14 points and 7.5 rebounds for the Lions in 24 games this season. She completed her career with 1,256 points and the all-time scoring record for the Lions. SOFTBALL LAINEY BAKER — Samford University (Fr., Woodland HS) … made three pitching appearances last week including a complete game start and a 7-2 home win over IUPUI last Friday. It was Baker’s first collegiate win. In that victory, she allowed just one earned run on eight hits and one walk while fanning nine. Last Wednesday, she made a sixth-inning scoreless appearance at 7th-ranked Alabama yielding two hits. On Sunday, Baker collected her second pitching win in a four-inning start against Southern Indiana. She allowed no earned runs on three hits and three walks with a pair of strikeouts. Samford (5-9) plays at Kennesaw State Tuesday and will play five games Friday through Sunday at the University of Georgia Invitational. Samford will have a single game against Ball State before playing Stetson and the host Bulldogs twice each. COLBI BALLARD — Shorter University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … in starts in the outfield last week at home against Auburn Montgomery and at Mississippi College, Ballard was 0-for-4 at the plate in the two losses. Shorter dropped two games at AUM and three at Mississippi College. The Lady Hawks (4-13, 1-5 Gulf South Conference) visit the 3rd-ranked University of North Georgia for a doubleheader Wednesday and host a three-game set with 8th-ranked Valdosta State Saturday and Sunday. PRESLEY EDWARDS — Wesleyan College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … in four home losses last Friday and Saturday to Columbia College and Converse College, the Wolves’ catcher was 3-for-11 at the plate with one RBI. Wesleyan (1-9) hosts Agnes Scott College Tuesday, visits LaGrange College Thursday, and travels to Belhaven University (Mississippi) on Saturday. SADYE JOHNSON — University of North Georgia (So., Adairsville HS) … was inserted as a pinch runner and remained in the game at catcher last Saturday in an 8-0 home win over the University of South Carolina-Beaufort. Johnson drew a walk in her only plate appearance. The Nighthawks went 5-0 last week topping the University of West Georgia twice and sweeping a three-game home series with the USCB Sand Sharks. UNG (15-1, 3-0 Peach Belt Conference), ranked No. 3 nationally, hosts a doubleheader with Shorter Wednesday and a three-game conference series with USC-Aiken Friday and Saturday. RACHAEL LEE — Gulf Coast State CC (Fr., Cass HS) … was 2-for-2 with a double, a walk, and two runs scored on February 20 during an 8-0 home win over Motlow State. The Commodores swept a doubleheader with Motlow and then went 1-3 in four road games last Friday and Saturday against ABAC, Wallace State, Georgia Military, and Gordon State. Stats for those games were not available at the time of this publication. GCSCC (12-6) heads to Columbus, Georgia Friday and Saturday for the NFCA Leadoff Classic where they will face Rock Valley (Illinois), Parkland CC (Illinois), North Dakota State College of Science, and Wallace State-Hanceville. LAUREN McELHANEY — University of West Georgia (Jr., Cartersville HS) … made a start last Wednesday and was 0-for-2 at the plate in an 8-3 loss at 3rd-ranked North Georgia. UWG was 0-5 for the week dropping two games at North Georgia and three conference games at Lee University. The Wolves (2-13, 1-5) host a three-game Gulf South Conference series with Union University (Tenn.) Saturday and Sunday. HOPE SHORT — Shorter University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … was entered as a pinch runner and later had a base hit in her only plate appearance in an 8-0 home loss last Tuesday to Auburn-Montgomery. The Hawks were 0-5 for the week dropping a doubleheader with AUM and were swept in a three-game series at Mississippi College. Shorter (4-13, 1-5 Gulf South Conference) travels to the University of North Georgia Wednesday and entertains Valdosta State University for a conference series Saturday and Sunday. ALEXA VARNER — Shorter University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … made three starts in the outfield and saw some time at shortstop during a home loss to Auburn Montgomery and two losses at Mississippi College last week. Varner was 0-for-5 at the plate with one walk. Shorter (4-13, 1-5 Gulf South Conference) makes the journey to the University of North Georgia Wednesday for two games and hosts Valdosta State University for a three-game conference series Saturday and Sunday. BASEBALL CURT BONNER — LaGrange College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … came off the bench in three games last week to catch for the NCAA D-III, 3rd-ranked Panthers. Bonner was 2-for-2 in his plate appearances with an RBI double and a three-run home run. He also scored twice. LaGrange was 3-1 in home games for the week with a win over Emory University and two wins in a three-game set with Rose Hulman Tech (Illinois). The Panthers (5-2) host Adrian College (Michigan) Tuesday night and host a three-game series with North Carolina Wesleyan Saturday and Sunday. BLAINE INGRAM — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … worked three innings of relief Sunday in a 16-5 home loss to Point University. The right-hand pitcher did not allow a run on two hits with no walks and two strikeouts facing 11 batters. The Eagles finished the week 3-2 beating William Carey (Mississippi) and Brewton-Parker College. They also won one of three at home with Point. Reinhardt (8-7, 1-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts Columbia International University Friday and Saturday in a three-game series. KENNY JINKS — Wheeling University (WV) (Sr., Woodland HS) … a transfer portal pick-up from Shorter, Jinks has made a pair of appearances for his new team tossing three innings on February 19 at California University (Pennsylvania) and 2-⅔ innings at Bluefield State (West Virginia) last Friday. He allowed eight earned runs on eight hits in a 15-5 loss at California and yielded five earned runs on five hits at Bluefield during a 17-12 team win. He has eight strikeouts in the two appearances and was charged with a pitching loss in his first outing. Wheeling (3-3) travels to Carolina University (NC) Friday and Saturday for a three-game series. BRYCEN JONES — University of West Georgia (Sr., Cartersville HS) … came out of the Wolves’ bullpen in the fifth inning last Wednesday at Tuskegee University during a 16-3 win and worked an inning and two-thirds. He allowed one earned run on three hits. He fanned two of the seven batters he faced. West Georgia (9-3, 4-2 Gulf South Conference) visits Georgia College Wednesday and will entertain a three-game conference series Friday and Saturday against Union University (Tenn.). LOGAN MARTIN — University of Kentucky (Sr., Cartersville HS) … made his second start for the Wildcats last Friday night earning his first D-I pitching win since transferring from Sewanee. Martin went six innings allowing four hits and two walks that resulted in three earned runs as Kentucky beat Wright State 8-3. The right-hand pitcher struck out eight in the win facing 23 batters. The Wildcats won two of three in the weekend series. Kentucky (5-2) hosts Morehead State Tuesday and a three-game series against Indiana State Friday through Sunday. COLT McKIBBEN — Lee University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … In a pitching start last Tuesday, the Flames’ southpaw gave up a pair of earned runs on four hits in 2-⅔ innings. He left with his team up 4-2 in an eventual 6-4 home win over Carson-Newman University. McKibbon has a 2.61 ERA in his first five appearances this season. Lee (7-8, 3-3 Gulf South Conference) hosts Lane College Wednesday and a three-game GSC series with Auburn-Montgomery Friday and Saturday. SAM MELTON — Rockingham CC (Fr., Cartersville HS) … made a start Sunday at third base going 0-for-1 at the plate with two walks in a 7-0 loss at USC-Lancaster CC. The Eagles (2-11) visit Barton College JV for a doubleheader Wednesday and play three games at Virginia Peninsula CC Saturday and Sunday to start NJCAA Region 10 conference play. GUNNER MILLSAP — Southern Illinois-Edwardsville (Fr., Cartersville HS) … struck out both batters he faced in the eighth inning Saturday in a 7-1 loss at Louisiana-Monroe. It was the Cougars' only loss of the week as they beat Illinois State and won two of three at ULM. SIU-E (5-2) entertains Western Illinois in a three-game series Friday and Saturday. DREW ROTHSCHILD — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … started at third base in three of the Stallions' four games last week and was 3-for-10 at the plate with two walks, one run scored, and one RBI. ABAC lost twice in a home-and-home with the College of Central Florida and lost twice at Tallahassee CC. The Stallions (5-13) host Santa Fe CC (Fla.) Wednesday and a doubleheader with Tallahassee CC Saturday. STEVEN SPELL — Young Harris College (Sr., Cass HS) … in four starts at third base last week — one at Tusculum and three at North Georgia — Spell was 1-for-10 with a walk, one hit by pitch, one sacrifice fly, and one RBI. The Mountain Lions were 1-3 for the week with the win coming last Friday at UNG. Young Harris (10-5, 4-2 Peach Belt Conference) travels to Carson-Newman Tuesday and hosts Georgia College in a three-game conference series Friday and Saturday. DEVIN WARNER — Georgia Gwinnett College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … in three starts at third base last weekend and three wins over visiting Indiana South Bend Warner was 2-for-10 including a walk, a double, and two RBIs. The 7th-ranked Grizzlies (12-2) play at No. 3 Tennessee Wesleyan Tuesday and will host two games this weekend against Clarke University (Iowa) and three against Lourdes University (Ohio). PRESTON WELCHEL — Tennessee Wesleyan University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … in four home wins last week — one over Cumberland University (Tenn.) and three over Columbia International University, Welchel was 4-for-14 in the leadoff spot as the designated hitter. He had a walk, three RBIs, and scored five times in the four-game stretch. Third-ranked TWU (13-0, 6-0 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts 7th-ranked Georgia Gwinett Tuesday and visits Milligan University Friday and Saturday for a three-game AAC series. COHEN WILBANKS — Georgia Gwinnett College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … the Grizzlies’ catcher made a pair of starts over the weekend against Indiana South Bend going 3-for-8 at the plate. GGC (12-2) won all four games in that series. The Grizzlies travel to third-ranked Tennessee Wesleyan Tuesday and host five games — two against Clarke University (Iowa) and three against Lourdes University (Ohio) — this weekend in Lawrenceville. JORDAN WILKIE — Augusta University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … as the Jaguars won two of three games last weekend at home against Georgia Southwestern State, Wilkie was 4-for-11 with a walk, four runs scored, and one RBI. Augusta (3-8, 2-4 Peach Belt Conference) entertains the University of North Georgia Friday through Sunday in a three-game PBC series. ZACH WILSON — Penn State Greater Allegheny (So., Adairsville HS) … had a pinch-hit RBI single and scored a run Sunday in a 13-4 home win over West Virginia Wesleyan. He also made a defensive appearance Saturday in a 9-2 loss to the Bobcats. PSGA (4-2) plays Lycoming College Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The Westminster girls and the Cedartown boys won the 2023 Purple Hurricane Invitational Saturday at Cartersville High School. In the girls' competition, Cass placed sixth of 12 teams. The Lady Canes were seventh and the Woodland girls were eighth. In the boys' competition, Woodland was fifth with Cartersville sixth and Cass ninth. Top Three Placers for Cartersville, Cass, and Woodland: 1st — Boys Pole Vault — Noah Baer, Woodland — 14-4 1st — Boys 300M Hurdles — Zachary Wiggins, Woodland — 41.17 2nd — Boys Discus Throw — Devan Curtis, Cass —126-0 2nd — Boys Triple Jump — Jamarion Walker, Woodland — 40-10 2nd — Boys High Jump — Christiaan Vera, Woodland — 5-10 2nd — Boys 100M Dash — Kendrick Price, Cartersville — 11.20 2nd — Boys 1600M Run — Malachi Vosburgh, Cartersville — 4:32.94 2nd — Boys 400M Dash — Noah Baer, Woodland — 51.83 2nd — Boys 4x100M Relay — Cartersville — 43.88 2nd — Boys 4x800M Relay — Woodland — 8:34.14 2nd — Boys 4x400M Relay — Cartersville — 3:35.60 3rd — Boys 4x200M Relay — Woodland — 1:33.47 3rd — Boys Triple Jump — Colin Holt, Cass — 40-8.5 3rd — Boys 800M Run — Drew Thayer, Woodland — 2:02.75 1st — Girls 100M Dash — Kaitlyn Godwin — 12.71 1st — Girls 400M Dash — Kaitlyn Godwin — 1:00.69 2nd — Girls 200M Dash — Kaitlyn Godwin — 26.27 2nd — Girls High Jump — KK Evans, Cass — 4-8 2nd — Girls 4x800M Relay — Cartersville — 10:39.29 2nd — Girls 300M Hurdles — Leyla Booth, Cartersville — 51.48 3rd — Girls 300M Hurdles — Kiconco Bassler, Woodland — 53.19 3rd — Girls 4x800M Relay — Woodland — 11:09.37

In their first season after leaving the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) for the Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools (GAPPS), the Excel Christian Academy boys' basketball team made it all the way to the AA championship game before falling to Trinity Prep of Loganville in overtime Saturday afternoon, 89-83. The GAPPS title game was played at Ace Academy in Macon. Tied at 74-all at the end of regulation, Trinity Prep scored the first seven points of overtime to take an 81-74 lead. Excel bounced back, however, and narrowed the deficit to 81-79. Trinity responded with back-to-back buckets in the lane and the Eagles were not able to recover from there. The game featured a contrast of styles. Trinity repeatedly dumped the ball inside to Preston Tuggle and Christian Calhoun while Excel looked to attack the basket off dribble drives. In the end, Trinity’s length inside made the difference. The Eagles started slowly trailing 7-0 in the early minutes and 19-7 before cutting the Lions’ lead to 23-19 by the end of the first quarter. The game see-sawed throughout the second quarter with both teams holding leads. Trinity held a 37-36 advantage at the intermission. Excel regained the lead in the third quarter and carried a 59-56 advantage to the final eight minutes of regulation. The Eagles continued to lead through much of the fourth quarter but their shooting went dry in the latter minutes giving Trinity an opportunity to capitalize. “We had a stretch where we were settling for long threes,” said ECA head coach David Archer, Jr. following the game. “Trinity took advantage in that stretch and appeared to have the spread needed to close it out, but I was proud of our defensive effort to battle back.” After falling behind 72-66 with just under a minute remaining, Excel forced three consecutive turnovers and a pair of layups. A miss by Trinity set up a drive through the lane by Jacob Taylor who was fouled with four seconds remaining, Taylor converted both free throws to knot the score at 72-all but Trinity would have one more chance in the waning seconds. Calhoun was fouled on the ensuing inbound pass and went to the charity stripe with a chance to win the game in regulation. He missed the front end of a one-and-one, however, and Jakaden Barkley rebounded. Barkley’s desperation heave from just inside mid-court missed sending the game to an extra four-minute period. Excel was solid from the free throw line. The Eagles made 19 of 25 attempts. Trinity was 9 for 13. Tuggle scored a game-high 31 points to lead the Lions. Beau Blocker followed with 23 points. Calhoun totaled 14 and Shane Harvey added 13 points for Trinity Prep. Jakaden Barkley paced the Eagles with 29 points. Jacob Taylor finished with 28. Kyron McClendon scored 21. Comari Nettles and David Jinks added three and two points, respectively. Trinity Prep completed a 23-6 season while winning the state championship. Excel Christian Academy (20-9) settles for a state runner-up finish in their initial year in the GAPPS organization.

The Cass Colonels fell behind early and never recovered Saturday night at 4th-ranked Chapel Hill dropping an 85-52 decision in the Sweet Sixteen round of the Class 5A State Tournament in Douglasville. The host Panthers led 19-6 after one quarter and 39-13 at halftime en route to an eventual 33-point win. Kelvin Hunter led Chapel Hill with 19 points. Ramon Soyoye scored 11 and Jasiah Devone added 10 points for the Panthers. “We knew we would have to hit shots to beat them,” said Cass coach Kevin Cunningham following the game. “We started fine and had a 4-0 lead but we went on the miss our next fourteen shots. I’m proud of what we accomplished this season but no one in this program is satisfied. We’ll get ready for the summer and do our best to make a deeper run in the playoffs next year.” KJ Rogers scored 21 points as the Colonels’ top scorer. Devin Henderson finished with nine. Jayden Foster scored eight. Sacovie White tossed in five. Jakai Baldwin had four points. Tyrek Hames and Jelani Hames added three and two points, respectively. Chapel Hill (22-8) advances to host Union Grove next Wednesday in the Class 5A quarterfinals. The Colonels’ season ends with a 15-14 mark.

The Adairsville Tigers had their 2022-23 basketball season end Saturday night with a Class AAA Sweet Sixteen home loss to Hart County, 68-60. Hart County (17-12) built a huge first half lead and held off the Tigers in the second half to advance to the state quarterfinals next Wednesday at Cross Creek The visiting Bulldogs led 22-6 at the end of the first quarter and were ahead 40-17 at halftime. Adairsville got back into the game in the third quarter narrowing their deficit to nine points (52-43) by the end of the period and cut the Bulldogs' lead to six at one point in the fourth quarter but could get no closer. Hart County held on in the final eight minutes for an eight-point win. Terrance Mitchell scored 24 points and collected 13 rebounds for Hart. Keelan Stowers added 16 points and Tahj Johnson grabbed 13 rebounds for the Bulldogs. Tay Jackson was the leading scorer for the Tigers with 34 points including 30 in the second half. Zach Postell finished with seven. Tre Winters scored six. Jamarian Pullam and Xavious Nalls chipped in four points each. Ben Abernathy contributed three points and Zach Weaver added two in the loss. Adairsville’s season comes to an end with a Region 6-AAA championship and a 20-9 record.

Visiting Sonoraville raced out to an 8-0 lead at Adairsville Saturday afternoon and that was plenty of run support for pitchers A.J. Hensley and Eli Ballew as the Phoenix handed the Tigers their first loss of the season, 10-3. Hensley (3.1 IP, 2ER, 3H, 5BB, 7K) was the starting pitcher for Sonoraville and worked into the fourth inning. Ballew (3.2 IP, 1R, 0ER, 2H, 2BB, 2K) entered in the fourth and closed out the contest. Zach Lyles, who also tripled and walked twice, hit a second-inning grand slam home run for Sonoraville to launch their offense. Five other Phoenix hitters added two more hits each as Sonoraville pounded out 14 total hits. Jack Nelson (3.2 IP, 8R, 4ER, 10H, 1BB, 4K) started on the mound for Adairsville and suffered the pitching loss. Kaiden Coker (0.1 IP, 0R, 1H, 1K) retired the final out in the fourth inning and Peyton Bowen (3 IP, 2ER, 3H, 2BB, 2K) tossed the final three frames for the Tigers. Chris Roper (RBI) had two hits for Adairsville. Jarrett Scott, Dawson Craig, and Nelson added one hit apiece. Sonoraville improved to 4-0. Adairsville (4-1) travels to Alexander for a 5:30 p.m. start on Tuesday in Douglasville.

Elite Stone Supply, in conjunction with WBHF and Bartow Sports Zone, presents the ELITE ATHLETES OF THE MONTH. Each month, local high schools are provided the opportunity to name an Elite Athlete of the Month from their varsity programs and present the information on their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3FM and AM1450, WBHF in Cartersville. The February 2023 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Cass High School is Zach McKnight. A four-time state placer for the Colonels’ wrestling team, McKnight captured the Class 5A 165-pound weight class this season to cap his career. He was a state runner-up in 2022 and 2021. His freshman season in 2020, he placed sixth. McKnight was 36-2 this season and did not lose to anyone in Georgia. His losses were to competitors from Kentucky and Florida. He completed his high school career with a 134-25 record. Also a member of the varsity track and field team, McKnight is involved in multiple clubs and organizations at Cass High School. Academically, he is ranked 18th in his graduating class with a 4.0 GPA. “Zach is a hard worker, self-motivated, and a very respectful young man,” said Colonels wrestling coach D.L. Koontz., “There is no doubt he will be successful in everything he does. It has been an honor to coach him throughout his career. He will be truly missed but his example will continue to shine in our program for years to come.” NaXyria Roberts is the February 2023 Elite Athlete of the Month for Adairsville High School. A sophomore member of the Lady Tigers’ softball and basketball teams, Roberts has been an integral part of the basketball team’s banner season. A point guard and contributing defender and scorer, Roberts helped lead the Lady Tigers to the Class AAA State Playoffs and the Adairsville girls’ first state tournament win in 66 years, winning at Sandy Creek in the first round. “NaXyria is a selfless team player who makes everyone around her better on and off the court,” stated Adairsville basketball coach Melissa Winters. “She works hard and is continually working to improve her skills and basketball IQ.” The daughter of Raylee Roberts and Nameschicka Richards, she carries a 3.8 GPA taking Honors and Advanced Placement courses. Roberts plans to pursue a career in the medical field. Woodland High School’s February 2022 Elite Athlete of the Month is Connor Stermer. A junior shortstop and pitcher for the Wildcats’ baseball team, Stermer is the son of Danielle Stermer. “Conner is a natural leader,” said Woodland baseball coach Todd Eubanks. “He comes to the field ready to work and leads his teammates by example. He seems to always have a smile and enjoys playing the game the right way.” Stermer has been a team leader and was selected preseason All Region 7-5A by Georgia Dugout Club. He has a 3.8 GPA. Annaston Wilson represents Cartersville High School as the Elite Athlete of the Month for February 2023. A senior, Wilson is a member of the Hurricanes’ competition cheerleading team, football sideline cheerleading squad, Game Day competition team, and varsity gymnastics team. She is a base and a tumbler with the cheer squads that were competition region champions all four of her seasons and state runner-up in 2022. Individually, she was selected All-Region in 2022. “Annaston is a coach’s dream,” declared Cartersville football cheer, competition cheer, and Game Day competition coach Cissi Adams. “She is dedicated and disciplined. She leads by example and motivates those around her to be and do their best. Annaston never made excuses, she makes adjustments. Her leadership will be greatly missed.” The daughter of Haley and Andrew Wilson, Annaston is a Beta Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and is a Tri-Athlete. She plans to attend Jacksonville State University. Editors Note: Photos and bios are supplied to Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF by the respective schools and their 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

Playing against the host team at the Mountain Classic in Jasper, the Cass baseball team grabbed an early lead Saturday morning but Pickens answered with single runs in the bottom of the first, third, and fifth innings to defeat the Colonels, 3-1. Dragons’ starting pitcher AJ Rice (5 IP, 1ER, 2H, 4BB, 9K) struck out nine over the first five innings to keep the Cass offense handcuffed. Tee Knight (1 IP, 0R, 1H) and JP Nunn (1 IP, 0R, 0H, 2K) each worked a scoreless frame. Carson Hill (4 IP, 2ER, 4H, 1BB, 5K) started on the mound and was tagged with the pitching loss for the Colonels. Cayden Roberts (2 IP, 1ER, 3H, 1BB) retired the final six outs on the mound. Connor Shouse had two hits including a triple and one RBI to lead the Dragons' offense. Chase Tatum tripled for the Cass offense. Hunter Lovett and Connor Jenkins had the only other Cass base hits. Pickens improved to 5-2 on the season. Cass (2-2) returns to action Monday at 5:30 p.m. at Southeast Whitfield.