Purple Hurricanes’ pitcher Phillip Schiltz tossed seven shutout innings, Curt Bonner delivered the game-winning hit in the eighth inning, and Geoffrey Gore closed out the final inning on the mound as Cartersville defeated Daphne (Ala.) 1-0 Saturday to finish the 2022 Perfect Game High School Showdown in Hoover (Ala.) with a 3-1 record. The Canes' win was also a milestone for head coach Kyle Tucker. It marked his 100th victory as head coach. Schiltz allowed just two hits and three walks in his seven innings on the mound. He fanned eight. Gore issued a one out walk in the eighth before completing the save with a pop up and a groundout. Miles Owen was hit by a pitch to open the Canes’ eighth inning. Blake Sutton bunted to move Owen into scoring position. Following a groundout that moved the baserunner to third, Bonner delivered an RBI double for the game’s only run. It was also the only base hit of the game for Cartersville. Daphne finished 2-2 in the Showdown and exits with a 7-3 overall record for the season. Cartersville (6-2) hosts Ringgold Wednesday at 5:55 p.m. before traveling to Alexander Friday for a 5:55 p.m. first pitch.

Both teams enjoyed quality pitching performances Saturday but it was Armuchee who walked off with a 1-0 win over visiting Cass in the bottom of the eighth inning on a Chandler Desanto RBI single. The two teams battled scoreless through seven and one-half innings before the Indians plated the game-winning run. Armuchee pitcher Ethan Campbell (1 IP, 0R, 0H, 0BB, 2K) picked up the pitching win in relief of starter Jack Rogers (7 IP, 0R, 4H, 0BB, 7K). For Cass, starter Aidan Cottingim (4 IP, 0R, 1H, 3BB, 4K) and Hayden Cole (2.2 IP, 0R, 4H, 2BB, 2K) worked the game two outs deep into the seventh inning. Devan Hutchinson (1 IP, 1ER, 3H, 0BB) took the mound for the Colonels with the bases loaded in the seventh and took the game into extra innings by inducing a groundout. He was tagged with the loss, however, after yielding the eighth inning walk off. Luke Lively and Desanto had two hits each for Armuchee (5-5). Jesiel Moctezuma, Chase Botts, Bentley Markley (double), and Todd Gaddy had one hit each for the Colonels. Cass (1-8) has now lost four straight for the second time this season. The Colonels will play at Dalton Monday at 5:55 p.m. before hosting Adairsville Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and Sonoraville Friday at 5:30 p.m.

Adairsville completed a doubleheader sweep at home Saturday defeating the visiting Temple Tigers 10-9 and 11-9. Adairsville trailed 9-4 heading into the bottom of the seventh in the first game but rallied for six runs in their final at-bat for a walk-off victory. The host Tigers tied the game on a three-run double by Chris Roper and won it on an RBI single by Evan Sanders. Dawson Craig (1 IP, 2ER, 2H, 0BB, 1K) picked up the pitching win in relief of starter Sanders (5.1 IP, 5ER, 3H, 6BB, 5K) and Jack Nelson (0.2 IP, 2R, 1ER, 1H, 1BB). P.J. Weeks and Peyton Bowen had two hits and one RBI each. Roper also finished with two hits. Tyler Driggers hit a solo home run in the third inning. Dawson Craig and Jack Whitley both added base hits for Adairsville. Adairsville carried the momentum of Game 1 into the doubleheader’s second game. The host Tigers scored nine runs in the first two innings and led 10-2 heading to the top of the fifth. Temple rallied for nine runs of their own over the final three innings but Adairsville held on for an 11-9 win. Sanders hit a grand slam in the first inning to help Adairsville build a quick 5-0 lead. He finished Game 2 with five RBIs. Driggers hit home runs in the fourth and sixth innings and finshed with three RBIs. Bowen, Roper (RBI), Brendan Carroll (RBI), Braden Powell, and Landon O’Neal contributed one hit each for the locals. Whitley (5 IP, 6R, 5ER, 7H, 1BB, 4K) earned the Adairsville pitching win. Bowen (2 IP, 3R, 0ER, 1H, 0BB, 2K) closed out the final two innings on the mound. The two losses drop Temple to 5-5 on the season. Adairsville (4-4) is scheduled to host Haralson County Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., travel to Cass Thursday for a 5:30 p.m., and play at Coosa Friday at 4 p.m.

The Cartersville Hurricanes won their second straight game at the Perfect Game High School Showdown in Hoover, Alabama Friday afternoon routing Class 7A, 3rd-ranked Denmark High School of Alpharetta, 13-2. The Class 5A, 3rd-ranked Canes’ bats totaled 14 hits — all singles — in the victory and the offense scored one run or more in five offensive frames. Meanwhile, Cartersville pitcher Caden Carroll needed only 85 pitches to limit the Danes to two runs (one earned) on four hits and three walks. He struck out eight. Cartersville, now 2-1 in the PG Showdown, led 3-0 after two innings and 6-2 after five innings before scoring seven unanswered runs in the final two frames. Curt Bonner had three hits with one RBI. Caleb Daniel (3 RBIs), Hank Smith (3 RBIs), and Elliott Eastin (2 RBIs) finished with two hits each. Drew Rothschild (2 RBIs), Pearse Mullinax (RBI), Ryan Johnson, Jimbo Gaines, and Jake Brasfield contributed one hit each. The loss drops Denmark to 6-3 on the season. Cartersville (5-2) will play Daphne (Ala.) Saturday afternoon in a final consolation game at 1 p.m. at Mountain Brook High School. ROCKMART 6, WOODLAND 2 Rockmart took a 4-1 lead early Friday night and a pair of Yellow Jackets pitchers limited Woodland to just four hits in a 6-2 defeat of the visiting Wildcats. Jakiyon Porter had two hits for Woodland including a double. Mason Williams finished with one hit and one RBI. Julian Wright had the other Wildcats’ hit. Hunter Shirley (5 IP, 6R, 4ER, 7H, 3BB, 2K) was tagged with the pitching loss. Chase Carson (1 IP, 0R, 0H, 1BB, 1K) pitched in relief for the Wildcats. Rockmart improved to 3-4. Woodland (5-4) hosts Coahulla Creek Monday at 5:55 p.m. and will entertain North Cobb Tuesday — also in a 5:55 p.m. first pitch.

Cartersville split a pair of games Thursday evening against Alabama opponents at the Perfect Game High School Showdown in Hoover. Meanwhile, the Woodland Wildcats won a high-scoring shootout at Wheeler while Cass was shutout at Sonoraville. SPARKMAN (ALA) 8, CARTERSVILLE 1 The Sparkman Senators scored six times in the bottom of the third inning Thursday evening to break open a 1-1 game on their way to an 8-1 victory over Cartersville at the Perfect Game Showdown in Hoover. The Senators used four singles, a pair of walks, and an infield erorr to produce their big inning. Carter Wells (5.1 IP, 1ER, 2H, 4BB, 4K) picked up the pitching win for Sparkman. David Riggs (1.2 IP, 0R, 0H, 1BB, 1K) retired the final five outs. Wells (2 RBIs), Ryan Strachan (RBI), Tucker Burns, and Nick Causey had two hits each for the Senators (3-0). Harrison Childers had both Cartersville hits. Jake Brasfield drove in the Canes’ second inning run with a walk. Colt McKibben (3 IP, 7R, 6ER, 8H, 2BB, 2K) suffered the pitching loss. Phillip Schiltz (1 IP, 1R, 0ER, 2H, 2K), Collin Eaton (1 IP, 0R, 0H), and Cal Goss (1 IP, 0R, 0H, 2K) also pitched for the Canes. Sparkman defeated Cherokee County (Ala.) 5-2 earlier in the day, so the win over Cartersville clinched Pool C. CARTERSVILLE 8, CHEROKEE CO. (ALA) 1 In a matchup to decide second place in Pool C of the PG High School Showdown in Hoover, Canes’ pitcher Ryan Johnson took a no-hitter into the seventh inning before giving up a base hit and being lifted. He struck out ten in earning the win. Geoffrey Gore finished up the seventh inning on the mound giving up a double and an inherited run before striking out the side. Caleb Daniel gave the Canes a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth with a three-run, inside-the-park home run. (Editor's Note: The scoring was later changed to a triple with Daniel scoring on a throw, giving him two triples in the game.) He later tripled home a run in the sixth inning for a 4-0 lead before scoring on a Jacob Ray RBI single for a 5-0 lead. Curt Bonner followed with an RBI single putting the Canes up 6-0. Hank Smith forced in another run with a ground out and Cartersville took an 8-0 lead on an infield error by the Warriors. Cherokee County slipped to 3-6 on the season with their loss. Cartersville (4-2) plays Class 7A Denmark of Alpharetta Friday at 3:30 p.m. in a consolation game and will play another consolation opponent to be determined on Saturday to conclude the tournament. WOODLAND 19, WHEELER 14 If high scoring baseball interests you, then the battle of Wildcats Thursday night at Wheeler in Marietta had your attention. The two teams combined for 33 runs, 21 walks, and 15 hits along with six lead changes before Woodland escaped with a 19-14 win. Mason Williams (2 IP, 0R, 0H, 2BB, 2K) worked the final two innings and picked up the pitching win for Woodland. Ayden Ray (3 IP, 5ER, 2H, 5BB, 6K) was the game’s starter. Tore Foss (1 IP, 2ER, 1H, 1BB, 1K), Nate Rosser (0.2 IP, 7ER, 4H, 3BB), and Zach Lambert (0.1 IP, 0R, 0H) also pitched. Jacob Gravett doubled with three RBIs for Woodland. Mason Williams also drove in three runs and had one hit. Foss hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning. Chase Carson double with one RBI. Julian Wright (RBI), Jackson Rutledge (RBI), and Conner Stermer (RBI) added one hit apiece. Ray contributed one RBI. The loss dropped Wheeler to 2-7-1 on the season Woodland (5-3) returns to action Monday at Sprayberry. SONORAVILLE 10, CASS 0 Sonoraville pitcher Zach Lyles tossed a five-inning, two-hit shutout blanking visiting Cass Thursday night, 10-0. Lyles struck out eleven. Lyles, Matthew Parrott, and Kannon England had two hits each for the Phoenix (4-2). Cole Gross and Easton Childs drove in two runs each. Jesiel Moctezuma and Todd Gaddy had the only Colonels’ base hits. Cayden Roberts (3 IP, 4R, 3ER, 6H, 1BB, 2K) was the losing pitcher for Cass. Chase Botts (0.2 IP, 6R, 4ER, 3H, 2BB), and Aidan Cottingim (0.1 IP, 0R, 0H, 1K) pitched in relief. Cass (1-7) plays at Armuchee Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

It was a busy period for 27 local college and pro athletes with several enjoying quality performances last week and through the early portion of this week. Former Cass Colonel Braxton Benham helped Berry College win a second straight SAA championship and advance to the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament this past week. The Vikings begin tournament play Friday in Atlanta. In track and field, former Woodland Wildcat Trevor Knowles took home the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s top field athlete honor at the conference championships. On the baseball diamond, Auburn pitcher and former Cartersville Hurricane Mason Barnett picked up a win and was solid in three appearances for the Tigers. L-R: Braxton Benham, Trevor Knowles, Mason Barnett PRO BASKETBALL ASHTON HAGANS — Raptors 905 (NBA G League Toronto affiliate; Cartersville native, Newton HS) … came off the bench to help Raptors 905 earn a road sweep of the Greensboro Swarm and a home win over College Park. He recorded 11 points, along with five rebounds, five assists and a steal, in a 100-98 victory Feb. 23. Raptors 905 landed a 130-115 win two days later, with Hagans posting five points, five assists, two steals and a block. The former Newton High and University of Kentucky star narrowly missed out on a double-double in a 128-104 triumph March 2 over College Park, finishing with eight points and 11 boards. In his 28 minutes, Hagans added five rebounds, three steals and a block against the Atlanta Hawks affiliate. COLLEGE BASKETBALL BRAXTON BENHAM — Berry College (Fr., Cass HS) …helped the Vikings to a second straight Southern Athletic Association tournament title. He posted 11 points in 10 minutes during the semifinals. Benham chipped in two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block during the 77-58 win Feb. 26 over Birmingham-Southern. Despite only scoring two points in the finals, Benham's 11-minute contribution made a difference in a 63-62 victory Feb. 27 over Oglethorpe. The former Cass star added two rebounds, an assist and a steal. No. 21 Berry will open the D-III national championship tournament with a neutral-site meeting against 15th-ranked Wasbash at 4:40 p.m. Friday at Emory University in Atlanta. JUSTICE HAYES — South Georgia Tech (So., Cass HS) … racked up 10 points, three rebounds and a steal in an 88-59 rout of Andrew College Feb. 23 at home. On Feb. 26, he posted two points in an 86-81 loss to East Georgia to end the regular season. In a Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association quarterfinal matchup, Hayes recorded three points, as the Jets advanced with an 89-76 win against Southern Crescent Tech March 1 at home. South Georgia Tech will host South Georgia in the semifinals at 6 p.m. Friday. DiANTHONY HEATHCOCK — Columbia International University (So, Woodland HS) … reached double-figures, including a pair of double-doubles, in each of the Rams' three Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament games. He totaled 41 points, 29 rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks, as No. 6 seed CIU defeated Johnson (Tennessee) and Reinhardt before falling to Montreat in the semifinals. The Rams will compete in the National Christian College Athletic Association South Region tournament this weekend, opening with a semifinal date at 5 p.m. Friday against host Paine College in Augusta. JORDAN THOMPSON — Motlow State CC (Fr., Woodland HS) … finished with nine points, to go with four assists, two rebounds and one steal, as Motlow State's season ended with a 59-57 loss to Dyersburg State Feb. 25 in the NJCAA Region VII tournament. NAKIYAH WASHINGTON — Piedmont College (Jr., Adairsville HS) … contributed seven points and six rebounds in a quarterfinal win against LaGrange in the USA South tournament Feb 22 at home. She had a similar line of seven points and five boards in a 62-53 loss to Southern Virginia Feb. 25 in the semifinals. GOLF BUCK BRUMLOW — University of Georgia (Fr., Cartersville HS) … posted a 1-under-par 215 to finish in a tie for 32nd overall, as Georgia placed sixth out of 15 teams at the Southern Highlands Collegiate in Las Vegas. The former state champion shot identical rounds of 1-under 71 on Feb. 27 and 28 before recording a 73 on March 1 to close out the event. TENNIS HOUSTON MEDLOCK — Piedmont College (Sr., Adairsville HS) … During a 5-0 spring break trip to Orlando, Florida, for the Lions, Medlock saw action in four matches. The former Tiger went 3-0 in singles play and 2-1 in doubles competition. Medlock picked up singles wins against Houghton (6-2, 6-2), Wartburg (6-2, 6-1) and Saint Mary's of Minnesota (6-4, 6-7, 10-8). Despite an 8-7 (7-5) loss to Wartburg, he landed doubles victories over Houghton (8-2) and Adrian (8-4). ASHLEY POPHAM — Mercer University (So., Cartersville HS) … In a 7-0 win over Eastern Michigan, Popham and Lekha Varudandi fell by a 6-1 final margin on Line 3 doubles. EMILY SURCEY — Arkansas State University (Fr., Cass HS) … finished 2-1 in singles action and doubles play over three matches last week. She helped tip the scales in a 4-3 win over Alcorn State. Despite falling 6-4 on Line 3 doubles, Surcey produced a 6-2, 1-6, 6-0 win on Line 3 singles. She dropped a 6-2, 6-4 singles decision but earned a 6-2 doubles victory in a 5-2 loss against Louisiana Tech. In a 5-0 victory over Grambling State, Surcey cruised to a 6-0 doubles victory and won both singles sets by 6-2 scores. BRYCE VAN ORDER — Piedmont College (So., Woodland HS) … wound up 3-1 in four total matches in Piedmont's impressive showing in Orlando. He bounced back from a 6-4, 4-6, 10-7 loss to Regis to earn wins over Adrian (6-3, 6-4) and Wartburg (6-2, 6-0). The southpaw landed an 8-4 victory against Saint Mary's in his lone doubles match of the trip. TRACK AND FIELD TREVOR KNOWLES — Albion College (Grad Student, Woodland HS) … became the first athlete to place inside the top three in each of the jumping events at the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association championships. He won the triple jump (13.76m), finished runner-up in the long jump (6.76m) and came in third in the high jump (1.89m). As a result, the former Wildcat took home the conference's top honor for a male field athlete from the event in Angola, Indiana. STEPHEN SMITH — Kennesaw State University (So., Cass HS) … cleared 4.72 meters to finish in a tie for fourth during the men's pole vault at the ASUN Indoor Championships. BASEBALL MASON BARNETT — Auburn University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … picked up his first win of the season Wednesday night with a five inning start. The Tigers routed UAB 16-1 with Barnett allowing just one earned run on two hits with no walks. The right-hander struck out eight. He made a relief appearance February 23 working a 1-2-3 sixth inning during a win over Troy and worked a scoreless seventh inning allowing a hit and a walk during a win over Yale last Saturday. Auburn (7-2) hosts Rhode Island in a four-game series Friday through Sunday. MICAH EARWOOD — Georgia State University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … allowed an earned run on a hit, a walk, and a hit batsman February 23 in a 6-4 loss at Kennesaw State. He also retired two outs — one with a strikeout — in a 13-4 loss at Florida last Saturday. Georgia State (4-5) hosts Villanova in a three-game series this weekend at the GSU Baseball Complex. JAKE GOOCH — Central Alabama CC (So., Cartersville HS) … went 1-for-10 with four walks and one run scored in a doubleheader last Saturday at Bishop State and a home doubleheader Tuesday against Lurleen B. Wallace CC. The Trojans went 3-1 in those games and are now 7-8 this season. CACC has a doubleheader at Lurleen B. Wallace Friday and hosts Coastal Alabama-Brewton Monday. BLAINE INGRAM — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … made a start at first base last Saturday going 0-for-3 with a walk in an Eagles’ 6-2 loss at Point University. Reinhardt went 1-3 over the weekend and last week with a loss to Talladega College February 22 at LakePoint and dropped two of three at Point last weekend. RU (8-9, 1-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts Columbia International University in a three-game series Friday and Saturday. KENNY JINKS — Shorter University (So., Woodland HS) … the southpaw made his second appearance of the season last Saturday at West Florida in a 13-4 loss to the Argonauts. Jinks pitched the sixth inning in relief allowing three unearned runs on a hit and four walks. The Hawks (10-6, 4-2 Gulf South Conference) host West Alabama in a three-game conference series Friday and Saturday. BRYCEN JONES — University of West Georgia (Jr., Cartersville HS) … the right-hand pitcher made a five-out appearance Tuesday in the seventh and eighth innings as the Wolves came from behind to defeat Georgia Southwestern 8-7. Jones allowed one earned run on two hits, a walk, and one hit batsman. He also recorded one strikeout. West Georgia (9-6, 2-4 Gulf South Conference) travels to Jackson, Tennessee for a three-game conference series at Union University Saturday and Sunday. MASON McBEE — Coastal Alabama-Bay Minette (Fr., Cartersville HS) … made a pair of pitching appearances totaling three innings in a loss at Mississippi Gulf Coast February 23 and at home against Northwest Florida State this past Tuesday. McBee was tagged with the loss at MSGC although he did not allow an earned run. He did yield three hits and four unearned runs while fanning two. In Tuesday’s home win over Northwest Florida State he worked a scoreless second inning with one strikeout. The Sun Chiefs (6-6-1) have a four-game series at Wallace State-Hanceville this Friday and Saturday. GARRETT MISHOE — University of West Georgia (So., Adairsville HS) … made a pair of pitching appearances totaling two-thirds of an inning in games at Augusta University February 23 and at Georgia Southwestern Tuesday. He allowed six earned runs on two hits, two hit batsmen, and three walks. The Wolves were able to win both games 12-9 and 8-7. West Georgia (9-6, 2-4) plays at Union University in a three-game conference series this weekend. TREY SCOTT — Cleveland State CC (Fr., Cass HS) … gave up a pair of earned runs on a pair of walks Tuesday in a third inning appearance at Maryville College (Tennessee). The right-hander was lifted after retiring one out. Cleveland State went on to win the matchup 17-7 in five innings. The Cougars (11-4) plays a three-game conference series Friday and Saturday at Dyersburg State CC. STEVEN SPELL — Young Harris College (Jr., Cass HS) … started three games at third base as the Mountain Lions won twice at West Alabama last weekend and defeated Alabama-Huntsville at home Tuesday. Spell was 4-for-12 at the plate with a double, a walk, a hit by pitch, five runs scored, and three RBIs. Young Harris (10-5) opens Peach Belt Conference play Saturday and Sunday in a three-game series at Georgia College. PRESTON WELCHEL — Coastal Alabama - Bay Minette (So., Cartersville HS) … in the Sun Chiefs most recent five games, Welchel went 3-for-15 with a home run, a double, three walks, and four RBIs. Coastal went 2-3 in those games. Now 6-6-1 on the season, CABM is scheduled for four games Friday and Saturday at Wallace State-Hanceville CC. DAVIS WILLIAMS — Birmingham-Southern College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … earned a three-inning save last Sunday closing out the seventh through ninth innings during a Panthers’ 6-2 win over Adrian College (Michigan). Birmingham-Southern also had wins over Wisconsin-Oshkosh and North Park University (Illinois) during the BSC Spring Classic. The Panthers (7-2) host University of the South Saturday and Sunday in a three-game series. JORDAN WILKIE — Augusta University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … went 1-for-8 with one RBI in two recent starts as the Jaguars lost at home to West Georgia and won at Coker University. Augusta (6-7) opens Peach Belt Conference play Friday and Saturday with a three-game series at Flagler College in St. Augustine. ZACH WILSON — Penn State Greater Allegheny (So., Woodland HS) … was entered in the fourth inning as a pinch hitter and played first base during a 20-4 home loss last Saturday to D’Youville College (New York). Penn State Greater Allegheny hosts CC of Allegheny County Saturday. SOFTBALL COLBI BALLARD — Shorter University (So., Cartersville HS) … went 4-for-8 in a pair of doubleheaders February 22 and 26 against Union University (Tennessee) and at West Florida. She drove in three runs in a win over Union with a triple and also had a double and two walks in the four games. Ballard added an at-bat as a pinch hitter this past Tuesday as a pinch hitter in a 5-3 Hawks’ loss at Georgia College. Shorter (4-14, 1-5 Gulf South Conference) hosts West Alabama in a three-game series Saturday and Sunday. BELLA CARNES — Georgia College (So., Woodland HS) … saw action February 23 in both games of a doubleheader at South Carolina-Beaufort and in one game last Friday at 19th-ranked Anderson. She was 3-for-10 at the plate in those games. The Bobcats (8-10) begin Peach Belt Conference play with a three-game series at Lander University Friday and Saturday. MORGAN COOPER — Columbus State University (Fr., Woodland HS) … made pinch-hit appearances last Friday and Saturday in home games against West Alabama. She drew a walk in Friday’s 12-8 win over the Tigers as the Cougars won two of three in the series. CSU (7-8) hosts a three-game series Saturday and Sunday against 9th-ranked University of North Georgia. PRESLEY EDWARDS — Wesleyan College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … went 2-for-6 with one RBI as a starter in two games at catcher and with a pinch hitter appearance at the Grand Slam Triangle Classic in Raleigh, North Carolina last weekend. The Wolves lost to Meredith College (North Carolina) and Susquehanna University (Pennsylvania) before defeating McDaniel College (Maryland). Wesleyan (7-2) is off until Wednesday, March 16 for a doubleheader at LaGrange College. ANSLEY EVANS — Reinhardt University (Fr., Woodland HS) … went 2-for-13 with two walks, a run scored, and one RBI on a sacrifice fly during a five-game tournament in Columbus, Georgia. The Eagles went 2-3 in the event and are now 8-7 this season. RU hosts Talladega College for a doubleheader Saturday. SADYE JOHNSON — University of North Georgia (Fr., Adairsville HS) … went 3-for-8 in three starts recently for the 9th-ranked Nighthawks. The plate appearances included a walk with two runs scored. UNG lost twice at Eckerd College (Florida) February 23, split two games at 13th-ranked University of Tampa Feburary 24, and swept a home doubleheader last Sunday with Bluefield State (West Virginia). North Georgia (14-6) begins Peach Belt Conference play Saturday and Sunday in a three-game series at Columbus State. HOPE SHORT — Shorter University (So., Cartersville HS) … made a pinch-hitting appearance and saw action defensively at second base last Saturday in a 10-0 loss at West Florida. The Hawks (4-14) host West Alabama Saturday and Sunday in a three-game Gulf South Conference series. HANNAH TODD — University of Houston (Grad Student, Cartersville HS) … appeared in the circle in five games for the Cougars during the University of Houston Tournament last weekend. Todd picked up a pitching win with three innings of middle inning relief work Sunday as the Cougars defeated Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. She allowed a pair of unearned runs and gave up just two hits and a walk while fanning two. Her other four appearances totaled 4.2 innings yielding five runs (four earned) on eight hits and two walks while striking out three. Those appearances came in a win over Northern Colorado and losses to Lamar, Texas A&M-CC, and Houston Baptist. The Cougars (6-9) will play 7th-ranked Washington, New Mexico State, and host UNLV this weekend at the Boyd Gaming Classic. ALEXA VARNER — Shorter University (So., Adairsville HS) … had one pinch-hitting appearance at West Florida and saw action as a pinch-runner at Georgia College in games last Saturday and this past Tuesday. -- Nicholas Sullivan of The Daily Tribune News contributed to this report.

Central-Carroll pounded out 15 hits including seven doubles Wednesday night to defeat the Cass Colonels, 7-4, at the Cass Athletic Complex. The Colonels scored four times in the bottom of the third inning to grab a 4-2 lead at the time, but the visiting Lions still had plenty of offense to come. Caleb Griffis, Gage Gray, Dillon Smith and Blake Ivy combined for ten of the Lions’ hits and six RBIs. Griffis also picked up the pitching win, working into the fifth inning. Carson Hill (4 IP, 6ER, 11H, 1BB, 2K) suffered the pitching loss for Cass. Devan Hutchinson (2 IP, 1ER, 4H, 2BB, 2K) and Cayden Roberts (1 IP, 0R, 0H, 1BB) pitched in relief for the Colonels. Jesiel Moctezuma, Todd Gaddy, Roberts (2 RBIs), and Hill had one hit each for Cass. Aidan Larkin drove in a run. Central-Carroll improved to 6-2 on the season and completed a two-game sweep of the Colonels. Cass (1-6) will travel to Sonoraville Thursday for a 5:55 p.m. first pitch before traveling to Armuchee for a 1:30 p.m. start Saturday.

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. Woodland High School’s Elite Athlete of the Month for February is Chase Carson. A junior on the Wildcats’ football and baseball teams, Carson is a defensive back and quarterback on the football team and plays outfield on the baseball squad. Through his first six games this season, Carson has a .455 batting average and is slugging .727 with a home run, three doubles, five RBIs and seven stolen bases. “His time in the weight room and competing on the football field has paid off for his fast start this season,” said Woodland baseball coach Matt Montgomery. “He has been the spark at the top of our lineup and has often jump-started our offense.” The son of Jessica and Brian Carver, Carson would like to continue his education and play college baseball or football. Claire Davis has been selected as the Elite Athlete of the Month for February representing Cass High School. A 6-1 senior on the Lady Colonels’ basketball team, she helped lead her team to a region runner-up finish and a final season record of 23-6. Davis led the team in scoring, rebounds, and blocked shots. “Claire has a deep passion and love for the game, her teammates, and her team,” noted Cass head coach Burt Jackson. “She has unlimited potential and continues to work at becoming the best player she can be. She has numerous D1 and D2 offers and will make a final decision on where she wants to continue her education and play basketball in April.” The daughter of Rachel Davis and sister of Reed and Andi Davis, Claire has a 3.75 GPA enrolled in Honors classes. Victoria Loudon is the February 2022 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Adairsville High School. The daughter of Karen and Josh Loudon, Victoria is a freshman on the Lady Tigers soccer team playing midfield and on the Adairsville defense. “Victoria is a model young athlete,” said Lady Tigers head coach David Sexauer. “She represents her high school with pride on and off the field. She is focused and determined on the field and gets the most out of her abilities by staying in great shape. She often has success late in games when other athletes are tiring. Victoria is a great teammate off the field too. She remains positive and supportive and has her teammates’ respect.” “Victoria is always looking to improve,” added assistant coach Amanda Jones. “No matter her position on the field, she wants to be the best she can be. She continues to impress each practice and game.” Cartersville High School’s February Elite Athlete of the Month is Elora Waterman. A senior wrestler, Waterman placed fourth this season at the GHSA State Championships in the 102-pound division. “Elora has been a great asset to our team,” said Cartersville girls coach Mark Mathison. “Her leadership and drive to compete is second to none. I probably learned more from her this year than she did from me. It was a great pleasure to serve as her coach.” Waterman has been a multinational All-American wrestler the last two years. In her fifth year as a wrestler, she held a 12-6 record this season against boys competing in the 106-pound division. The daughter of Tiffany and Jeremy Waterman, Elora will be an honor graduate and will continue her education at Brewton Parker College where she will receive a wrestling scholarship. 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

The Cartersville boys tennis team defeated Darlington Wednesday at Dellinger Park 3-2, but the Lady Canes dropped a 4-1 decision to the Lady Tigers. CARTERSVILLE BOYS 3, DARLINGTON 2 Singles: Line 1 — Luke Gambill lost 6-7 (3-6), 3-6 Line 2 — John Paul lost 1-6, 2-6 Line 3 — Walker Cooney won 7-5, 6-2 Doubles: Line 1 — Banks Wilson / Brock Wilson won 6-2, 6-2 Line 2 — Julian Cline / Chandler Mathison won 6-0, 6-0 DARLINGTON 4, CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 1 Singles: Line 1 — Emily Bush won 6-3, 6-0 Line 2 — Madison Ferndon lost 0-6, 0-6 Line 3 — Sophia Motuba lost 0-6, 3-6 Doubles: Line 1 — Mason Cline / Mia Shaw lost 1-6, 2-6 Line 2 — Anna Ramey / Katherine Bowen lost 2-6, 0-6 The Cartersville boys (3-2) and Cartersville girls (3-2) host Model next Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

The Woodland tennis teams both fell in matches at Model Wednesday afternoon. The Lady Cats lost 5-0 with the Wildcat boys losing 4-1. MODEL 5, WOODLAND GIRLS 0 Singles: Line 1 — Abby Cates lost 0-6, 1-6 Line 2 — Kathryn Kovacic lost 1-6, 0-6 Line 3 — Jalyn Womack lost 4-6, 4-6 Doubles: Line 1 — Jolie Fannin / Ally Schmanski lost 0-6, 0-6 Line 2 — Jaylee Kilgo / Klaudya Hernandez lost 2-6, 0-6 MODEL 4, WOODLAND BOYS 1 Singles: Line 1 — Mason Tucker won via Model retirement Line 2 — Domenic Ciavarro lost 0-6, 0-6 Line 3 — Cameron Henson lost 0-6, 0-6 Doubles: Line 1 — Jack Gore / Cadyn Wade lost 1-6, 1-6 Line 2 — Javen Bowens / Jathan Camp lost 1-6, 0-6 The Woodland teams head to Valdosta this weekend for the Valdosta High School Wildcat Invitational.

The Cartersville riflery team lost a very close match with LaFayette Tuesday, falling by just eight points — 1082-1074. The Canes led through the first two series, outshooting the Ramblers by 14 points in the prone position. LaFayette narrowed the Cartersville lead to eight points during the standing position and then pulled away with a 16 point advantage in kneeling. Cartersville was led by Caleb Adams with 275 points. Angelina Christ was second for the Canes with a 273. Katerina Conley and Luis Rangel fired scores of 264 and 262, respectively. Cartersville, currently in fifth place in Area 10, will host third-place Dalton next Tuesday at the American Legion Post 92 in Cartersville.

Georgia Highlands softball lost both games of a doubleheader with Chattanooga State Tuesday at Star’s Field in Cassville, falling 12-3 and 13-5 to the Tigers. Chattanooga State took control of Game 1 with an eight-run third inning and built a 7-1 lead through just two innings in Game 2 before scoring six more times in the fourth inning. Hailey Cronic had four hits including a home run for the Chargers in the doubleheader. Haley Robinson finished with two hits including a home run and three RBIs. Allison Deweese also had a two hit day with one RBI. Maggie Schandera (3 IP, 10R, 7ER, 9H, 2BB, 1K) and Robinson (1 IP, 6R, 4ER, 7H, 1BB) suffered the pitching losses in the circle. Gracee Ellis (2.2 IP, 7R, 6ER, 6H) and Katie Traynor (3.1 IP, 2ER, 6H, 2BB, 2K) both pitched in relief with Traynor appearing in both games. Chattanooga State improved to 14-2 on the season with the doubleheader sweep. Georgia Highlands (6-14) will play at Chattanooga State next Tuesday in a 2 p.m. doubleheader.