The Adairsville girls soccer team blanked visiting Central-Carroll Tuesday night in Tiger Valley, 2-0. Taylor Rhoades scored for Adairsville in the ninth minute from 15 yards out. Cat Wheeler added the Tigers second goal unassisted in the 66th minute when Adairsville was down a player. Lillie McBride had a strong game in midfield according to the Adairsville coaching staff. Sadye Johnson was also strong with good distribution of the ball up the field and Ellie McBride played well on the defensive end for the Lady Tigers. Annie McCormick earned the shutout in net. Adairsville (3-1) will host its first Region 6-AAA game Thursday against LaFayette.

As the 2020-21 basketball season moves closer to conference championship play many other collegiate sports are just beginning to hit full stride. Several non-DI football conferences and soccer programs are playing games in a delayed start to their seasons at the same time softball, baseball, tennis, and track and field are beginning 2021 campaigns. BASKETBALL Jacquez Fountain (Albany Tech, So., Cass HS) — Fountain scored 15 points and pulled down seven rebounds in an 75-73 overtime loss Saturday at Central Georgia Tech. Justice Hayes (South Georgia Tech, Fr., Cass HS) — Hayes buried a 3-pointer on his only shot attempt and secured a rebound in an 87-85 win Saturday at Georgia Highlands. T.J. Horton (Georgia Highlands CC, Fr., Cartersville HS) — In an 87-72 win Thursday at South Georgia Tech, Horton racked up 14 points (6-of-9 shooting), four rebounds and two steals. He added three points, four boards and two steals in a loss in Saturday’s rematch. DiAnthony Heathcock (Columbia International University, Fr., Woodland HS) — During an 83-74 win over Truett McConnell last Wednesday at home, Heathcock scored eight points on 4-of-5 shooting, with three rebounds and a block in 18 minutes. Jana Morning (Berry College, Sr., Cass) HS — Morning dished out 17 total assists during a two-game home set with Birmingham Southern Friday and Saturday in Rome. In an 87-63 win Friday, Morning contributed five points, five rebounds and nine assists. In an 87-70 defeat Saturday, she finished with six points, four rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Jaylon Pugh (Furman University, Jr., Cartersville HS) — In a pair of wins last week, Pugh saw 15 combined minutes but didn’t record any stats. Josie Summerville (North Park University, Jr., Adairsville HS) — Summerville compiled 12 points and 19 rebounds across a trio fo wins last week. She posted two points and six rebounds in a 58-47 win Tuesday at Elmhurst; contributed five points and eight rebounds in a 66-52 victory Thursday at Augustana (Illinois); and chipped in five points and five rebounds in an 82-55 triumph against Augustana Saturday at home. Alexis Ware (Piedmont College, So., Cass HS) — Ware started both games of a home-and-home series with Agnes Scott, helping Piedmont to a pair of resounding wins — 87-22 Friday at home and 84-33 Saturday in Decatur. She recorded 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block in Friday’s victory. The next day, she posted eight points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Nakiyah Washington (Piedmont College, So., Adairsville HS) — Coming off being named the conference’s player of the week, Washington went 9 for 15 from the field en route to 23 points in an 85-60 victory last Tuesday at Brevard. The former Adairsville star added nine rebounds, five steals, four assists and a block. FOOTBALL Hunter Hardin (Point University, Sr., Woodland HS) — Point’s starting left guard helped his team compile 378 total offensive yards in a 21-15 loss Saturday to Faulkner (Alabama). Sean Holton (Davidson College, Sr., Cartersville HS) — In the Wildcats’ season opener, Holton recorded one solo tackle, as Davidson fell to Elon by a 26-23 final score Saturday on the road. Matthew Surrett (Olivet Nazarene, Fr., Cartersville HS) — Surrett helped pave the way for a robust 519 yards of offense (313 passing, 206 rushing) in a 44-20 victory over Indiana Wesleyan Saturday at home. Jake Walker (Furman Univeristy, Sr., Darlington HS / Cartersville resident) — Walker saw action but didn’t record any stats in Furman’s 35-7 rout of Western Carolina Saturday at home. SOFTBALL COLBI BALLARD — Shorter University (So., Cartersville HS)… made a start Sunday in right field and was 0-for-2. Her batting average dropped to .375 in three starts this season. The Hawks (2-5, 0-3) have a home doubleheader Wednesday with Young Harris College and travel to Columbus State Saturday for another Peach Belt Conference doubleheader. PRESLY EDWARDS — Wesleyan College (So., Cartersville HS)… popped out to third base in her first plate appearance of the year last Tuesday. The game was a 6-0 loss to Mercer University. The Wolves finished the week 1-4 following a doubleheader split with Gordon State Sunday. Wesleyan (1-5) plays at Berry College Tuesday, hosts Middle Georgia State and Bluefield College Tuesday and Thursday, and travels to Fort Valley State Sunday. BRIANNA HILL — Covenant College (Fr., Woodland HS)… made four plate appearances across three games at a Berry College doubleheader and at home against Centre College, but is still looking for her first collegiate hit. The Lady Scots (2-8) host Brenau in a doubleheader Thursday and Johnson University Saturday in a double dip. BASEBALL MASON BARNETT — Auburn University (So., Cartersville HS)… made his first collegiate weekend start Sunday and earned a 2-1 win by scattering three hits across four innings. On the mound against visiting Presbyterian College, he walked two, hit one batter, and fanned four without allowing a run. Auburn (3-0) will host games with Alabama A&M Tuesday and Wednesday before traveling to Round Rock, Texas for Round Rock Classic games against Oklahoma Friday, Baylor Saturday, and Texas A&M Sunday. BAILEY CAMPBELL — Young Harris College (Jr., Cass HS)… the starting designated hitter for the Mountain Lions went 4-for-10 in the three-game series as YHC took two of three from Georgia Southwestern. Campbell was also hit by a pitch twice and scored a run in the series. Young Harris (2-1, 2-1) plays host to Tusculum College Tuesday afternoon and plays a three-game Peach Belt Conference series with visiting Francis Marion University Friday and Saturday. JAKE GOOCH — Central Alabama CC (So., Cartersville HS)… had seven hits in five games this past week going 7-for-15 with a double, a walk, and five RBIs. He also scored four times as the Trojans won four games. CACC (8-4) swept a four-game series with Wallace State-Selma over the weekend but lost last Wednesday at Chatthoochee Valley. This week the Trojans have home-and-home doubleheaders Friday and Saturday with Gordon State. LANE GRIFFITH — University of West Georgia (Sr., Adairsville HS)… was the starting backstop in two of three games over the weekend at home against 23rd-ranked University of Alabama-Huntsville. Griffith was 1-for-3 with a second inning RBI double in Saturday’s 5-2 win. He also finished 2-for-4 with a walk and one RBI in Sunday’s 20-16 loss to the Chargers. The Wolves (4-5, 4-5) travel to Delta State for a three-game, Gulf South Conference series Saturday and Sunday. HUNTER HICE — Georgia College (R-So., Adairsville HS)… smacked a third inning, three-run home run in his first start with the 8th-ranked Bobcats Sunday. Hice also saw action in a pinch hitting role in Saturday’s win at Claflin University. Georgia College (3-0) hosts a three-game Peach Belt Conference series Friday and Saturday with University of North Georgia. BRYCEN JONES — Central Alabama CC (Fr., Cartersville HS)… pitched the fourth inning and faced four batters without allowing a hit, walk, or run in last Wednesday’s 5-2 loss at Chattahoochee Valley CC. The Trojans (8-4) play a home-and-home doubleheader series with Gordon State Friday and Saturday. LOGAN NELSON — Truett McConnell University (Fr., Cass HS)… in games last week against Columbia International, Georgia Gwinnett, and Lourdes University (OH), Nelson was 1-for-7 with a walk and a sacrifice. The Bears (7-4) host Montreat College (NC) Tuesday afternoon and will entertain Milligan University Friday and Saturday in a three-game Appalachian Athletic Conference series. PRESTON WELCHEL — Coastal Alabama-Bay Minette CC (Fr., Cartersville HS)… saw action last Wednesday and Friday in the Sun Chiefs’ home losses to John A. Logan CC and Wallace State CC. Welchel was 1-for-4 at the plate in the two games with three walks and one RBI. Coastal (4-9) is in the midst of a seven game losing streak but will look to rebound in a home doubleheader with Gulf Coast State Tuesday. The Sun Chiefs also have games Friday and Saturday against Shelton State at Niceville, Florida, at Northwest Florida State, vs. Calhoun CC in Pensacola, Florida, and at Pensacola State CC. SOCCER Courtney Rhea (Berry College, Jr., Cartersville) — Rhea played the final 1 minute, 45 seconds of Berry’s season-opening 3-0 win against Piedmont Sunday away from home. Russell Shealy (Syracuse University, R-So., Cartersville native) — Syracuse’s starting goalkeeper made three saves and played all 110 minutes of a 1-1 draw with Albany Friday on the road. TENNIS Houston Medlock (Piedmont College, Jr., Adairsville HS) — Piedmont lost matches by identical 7-2 scores Saturday and Sunday at Birmingham Southern. Medlock’s two days were also similar. He and his Line 2 doubles partner fell 8-3 both times, while Medlock also came up short on Line 1 singles Saturday (6-1, 6-3) and Sunday (6-1, 6-4). Ashley Popham (Mercer University, Fr., Cartersville HS) — Without dropping a single game, Popham secured victories on Line 6 singles and Line 3 doubles in a 7-0 win over Georgia College Saturday at home. The next day, Mercer defeated Troy 5-2. Popham and her doubles partner Lauren Rich fell 6-1, while Popham, by herself, dropped a 6-3, 6-0 decision in singles play. Bryce VanOrder (Piedmont College, Fr., Woodland HS) — In singles action, VanOrder dropped his Line 2 matches Saturday (6-4, 6-2) and Sunday (6-3, 6-0) at Birmingham Southern. TRACK AND FIELD Parker Breedlove (Reinhardt University, So., Cartersville HS) — Breedlove placed sixth in the 5000-meter run (16:16.95) and 11th in the 3000-meter run (9:14.35) during the Appalachian Athletic Conference Indoor Championships last week in Louisville, Kentucky. -- Nicholas Sullivan, The Daily Tribune News, contributed to this report.

Georgia Highlands swept a doubleheader with the Point University JV Monday at LakePoint in Emerson. The Chargers won 11-1 and 11-0 with both games shortened to five innings. In the doubleheader, Georgia Highlands out hit the visiting Skyhawks 20 to 6. Ben Olson led the Chargers’ offense with four hits, including a pair of doubles and five RBIs in the two games. Connor Todaro had three hits including a triple, a double, and one RBI. Joe Sutton (3 RBIs), David Smith (4 RBIs), Trace Twardoski (RBI), Palmer Sapp (3 RBIs), and Brandon Prince (2 RBIs) contributed a pair of hits apiece. Connor Perry (4 IP, 1ER, 4H, 2BB, 7K) earned the opening game win. Dawson Hammonds (0R, 0H, 1BB, 1K) worked an inning of relief. Ryan Getz (2 IP, 0R, 2H, 1K), Nic Castonguay (1 IP, 3K), Cason Rich (1 IP, 1BB), and Steven Thompson (1 IP, 1K) combined to shutout Point JV in the second game. Georgia Highlands (13-1) has a three-game series Thursday and Friday with Wallace State-Dothan at LakePoint. The two teams will play a doubleheader Thursday starting at 3 p.m. and a single game Friday at 1 p.m.

The Georgia Highlands College softball team dropped all three games of a series at Louisburg College (NC) over the weekend and split a doubleheader at Southern Union CC Wednesday in a 1-4 week. Louisburg College defeated the Chargers 5-2 Saturday and swept a Sunday doubleheader 2-1 and 5-3. Georgia Highlands won 12-9 in the opener Wednesday at Southern Union, but dropped the nightcap, 12-4, in eight innings. In the lone win of the week, pitcher Madalyn Morton earned a win in the circle by going 7 and 1/3 innings. Morton allowed two earned runs on five hits and three walks. She struck out eight. Taryn Hitchcock and Izzy Marcotte both had a pair of hits and homered in the win. Madison Bennett, Kyndal Brown (2 RBIs), Lacey Rutledge, Haley Cronic (2 RBIs), and Allison Daffron had two hits each. Rutledge had two hits and hit a two-run homer in Wednesday’s loss. Natalia Herrera and Marcotte each had a hit and an RBI. In the three-game series at Louisburg, Herrera paced the Chargers’ offense with four hits including a home run and two RBIs. Cronic had three hits. Marcotte totaled a pair of hits including a home run and three RBIs. Daffron also had two hits in the series. Next for GHC (5-8) is a three game set in Columbus, GA on Saturday, March 6. The Chargers will face College of Central Florida, Wabash Valley College, and Gulf Coast State.

Georgia Highlands wrapped up a four-win week Sunday with a doubleheader sweep of BCA Post Grad. The Chargers won 12-6 and 4-1 Sunday at LakePoint. Those wins, along with Wednesday’s doubleheader sweep of Calhoun Community College improved GHC to 11-1 on the season. Georgia Highlands has a doubleheader Monday at LakePoint against Point University starting at 1 p.m. The Chargers are also scheduled for a three game series with Wallace State-Dothan Thursday and Friday. GEORGIA HIGHLANDS 4, BCA POST GRAD 1 Georgia Highlands pitchers Jacob Ryan and Garrett Sagro combined on a three-hitter as the Chargers built their current winning streak to four games. Ryan struck out ten over six innings. Sagro struck out two of the three batters he faced in the seventh. Mickey Maguire and Ben Olson homered for the Chargers. Connor Todaro had three hits including a triple. GEORGIA HIGHLANDS 12, BCA POST GRAD 6 David Smith hit two home runs including a grand slam and added a double in a huge productive day for the Chargers. He also walked, scored three times, and drove in six runs in Sunday’s opener. Brandon Prince, Trace Twardoski, and Joe Sutton had two hits each. Johnny Dow (4 IP, 1R, 0ER, 2H, 6K) was the starting and winning pitcher for GHC. Nick Wilson (2.1 IP, 2H, 2BB, 1K) closed out the final seven outs for the Chargers. GEORGIA HIGHLANDS 5, CALHOUN CC 4 (11 innings) Despite being out hit twelve to seven Wednesday, Georgia Highlands outlasted Calhoun Community College 5-4 in eleven innings. Trenton Parker, who was hit by a pitch to start the bottom of the eleventh, moved around to third on two more walks and scored the game-winning run on a wild pitch. Zack Valentine (5.1 IP, 0R, 3H, 5K) picked up the pitching win for the Chargers by working the final 5 and 1/3 innings without allowing a run. Brandon Prince and Trace Twardoski had two hits each. Prince drove in two runs. Twardoski added one RBI. GEORGIA HIGHLANDS 2, CALHOUN CC 1 In Wednesday’s first game, Chase Townsend (5 IP, 1ER, 2H, 1BB, 8K), Chandler Wood (1 IP, 0R, 0H, 1BB), and Garrett Sagro (1 IP, 0R, 0H, 1BB, 3K) combined to limit the War Hawks to a single run. Brandon Prince had two hits and drove in one run. Gavin Harmon had the only other GHC base hit. Ben Olson drove in a run for the Chargers.

The Excel Christian Academy boys basketball team had a pair of representatives on the 2020-21 Region 7-A Private All-Region Team Rashard Doyal and Elijah Payne were named Second Team All Region and Kalil Holley was Honorable Mention. Doyal, a senior, scored 12.4 points per game with just over four rebounds and two steals per game. Payne, a freshman, led the Eagles in scoring with 14.1 points per game. He also grabbed 9.1 rebounds per game and had just over two blocked shots per game. Holley, a senior, scored 11.3 points per game and averaged just over five rebounds per game.

The Adairsville Tigers split a doubleheader Saturday at Darlington with an 8-7 win and a 10-1 loss. Darlington led 4-0 in the opening game with a pair of runs in both the second and third innings. The Adairsville offense then erupted with an 8-run fourth inning for an 8-4 lead. The big blow in the frame was a grand slam home run by Tyler Driggers. Darlington added two runs in the bottom of the fourth to narrow the margin to 8-6. That score would standing until the hosts added a single run in the bottom of the seventh. Elijah Padgett (3.2 IP, 1R, 0ER, 2H, 5BB, 6K) picked up the pitching win in relief of Adairsville starter Jack Whitley (3.1 IP, 6R, 5ER, 7H, 1BB). Driggers finished with two hits including his grand slam. Braden Powell, Wade Dooley, and Evan Sanders (3 RBIs) all doubled. Logan Hunt, Padgett, and Chris Roper added one hit apiece. The second game was tied 1-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning when Darlington scored nine times to end the game in five innings. The top three in the Darlington order, Aiden Cloud, Thomas Bethal, and Jackson Norris combined for seven hits, a walk, and five RBIs. Logan Floyd allowed only two hits and a walk while fanning five to earn the pitching win for Darlington. Adairsville utilized five pitchers with Braden Powell suffering the loss in relief. Wade Dooley, Brenden Carroll, Hunter Blackmon, and Dawson Craig each had mound time in the loss. Padgett and Sanders had the only Adairsville base hits. With the doubleheader split, Darlington is now 1-1-1. Adairsville (1-2) plays at Coosa Thursday and hosts a doubleheader with Chattooga Saturday. WOODLAND 1, MODEL 0 (8 innings) Four Woodland pitchers limited Model to only two hits Saturday in a 1-0 Wildcats’ win. Nate Rosser (0.2 IP, 0R, 1K) picked up the pitching win for Woodland by closing out the top of the eighth inning. Scotty Smith (2 IP, 0R, 1H, 6BB, 1K) started for the Wildcats. Drew Billings (2 IP, 3K) and Ayden Ray (3.1 IP, 0R, 1H, 5BB, 5K). Trevor Montgomery finished with two hits for Woodland including a double and a game-winning hit in the bottom of the eighth to drive in the game’s only run. Jacob Gravett (double), Jakiyon Porter, Jackson Rutledge, Austin Sanders, Ray, and Smith added one hit each for the Wildcats. WHEELER 8, WOODLAND 4 In Woodland’s second game Saturday, Wheeler scored five runs in the third and three more in sixth inning on their way to an 8-4 win. Trevor Montgomery had three hits for Woodland. Scotty Smith and Peyton Posey contributed two hits each. Jacob Gravett and Carter Heath had one hit and one RBI apiece. Drew Billings and Jakiyon Poreter added one hit each. The Wildcats (1-2) play at North Cobb Thursday and will host Paulding County and Sonoraville Saturday.

The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes scored five times Saturday in the bottom of the fifth to take a 6-2 lead and held on the defeat visiting Forsyth Central, 6-3. Phillip Schiltz (3 IP, 1ER, 1H, 1BB, 4K) earned the pitching win for Cartersville in relief of start Mason McBee (3 IP, 2R, 0ER, 1H, 3BB, 6K). Davis Williams closed out the seventh inning on the mound by striking out the side. Jake Brasfield led the Cartersville offense with two hits that included a double and three RBIs. Parker McPherson had a triple and three RBIs. Hank Smith (double), Curt Bonner, Blake Sutton, and Williams had the other Hurricanes’ base hits. The loss dropped Forsyth Central to 1-1 on the season. Cartersville (1-1) plays at Etowah Tuesday and will host Fellowship Christian Saturday.

The Woodland girls soccer team lost a home game with Kennesaw Mountain Friday night, 10-0, but coach Nicole Heiser found some positives from her Lady Cats' performance. "The girls worked hard and kept the game scoreless for the first 15 minutes," said Heiser. "I'm proud of them for not giving up when they easily could have. Kennesaw Mountain has a very strong team. The results may not show it, but the girls were persistent and determined throughout the game." The loss evened the Woodland girls record to 2-2-1 for the season. The Lady Cats play at Northwest Whitfield on Tuesday.

The Cass Lady Colonels' lost for the first time this season Friday night in the Region 7-AAAAA championship game, but will still host an opening round state tournament game next week. The Cass boys finished third in the region tournament by defeating Hiram for a fourth time this season and the Cartersville girls will enter the state playoffs as a 4-seed following a consolation game loss to Calhoun. CASS BOYS 65, HIRAM 62 Braxton Benham scored 20 points Friday night and Zaylan Chaney scored nine of his 13 points in the fourth quarter as the Cass boys defeated Hiram 65-62 to earn the Region 7-AAAAA No. 3-seed in next week’s state tournament. Jackson Hale, who scored six points on a pair of three-pointers, knocked down a go-ahead trey with only 16 seconds remaining to lift the Colonels to a one point lead late. Hiram had a shot at the end but the Hornets missed and Benham sealed the win with a rebound and a pair of free throws after being fouled with less than one second remaining. In a back-and-forth battle, the Hornets led 19-15 after the opening eight minutes. Cass held a 29-28 edge at halftime, but Hiram came back to lead 46-44 at the end of the third quarter. The Hornets led by as many as six in the final period before the Colonels rallied for the victory. The win for Cass was the team’s fourth over Hiram this season. Cass also defeated Hiram in the Campbell Holiday Tournament and twice during the region regular season. In addition to the scoring by Benham, Chaney, and Hale, C.J. Pipkin scored 12 points for the Colonels. Andrew Glaze and Ethan McIntyre finished with five points each. Zay Jackson added four points for Cass. Hiram (12-11) was led by Jayden Clark’s 21 points. Keyon Boyd posted 11 and Jackson Prince added 10 points. Cass (19-7) will open the Class 5A State Tournament Wednesday at Region 6-AAAAA’s No. 2-seed Villa Rica (13-10) at 6 p.m. HIRAM 55, CASS GIRLS 50 The third time was the charm for the 8th-ranked Hiram Lady Hornets as they defeated previously unbeaten Cass for the Region 7-AAAAA championship, 55-50. Hiram (17-4), who will host Lithia Springs next week in the first round of the state playoffs, had previously lost twice to the Lady Colonels in the regular season. Cass won 55-48 on January 15 and 50-46 on February 2, but Friday night belonged to the Lady Hornets. Claire Davis scored 19 points and Londaisha Smith added 18 in the Lady Colonels' loss. Cass (24-1) will host Region 6-AAAAA’s No. 3-seed Grady (9-10) in the opening round of the state tournament either Tuesday or Wednesday. CALHOUN 57, CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 44 The Cartersville girls fell to Calhoun Friday afternoon 57-44 and open next week’s Class 5A State Tournament as a No. 4-seed. Calhoun will be the region’s No. 3-seed. The Lady Jackets built a 14-8 lead in the first quarter and led 32-16 by halftime. Calhoun continued to lead 40-29 after three quarters. Britiya Curtis led Calhoun with 27 points. Lyndi Rae Davis scored 14 of her 16 points in the first half. Lehla Thomas led Cartersville with 16 points. Jamiya Moore and Kiera Milline added eight points each for the Lady Canes. Cartersville will play at New Manchester Tuesday night at 6 p.m. in the first round of the state tournament.

The Cartersville girls and boys soccer teams both defeated visiting Dawson County Friday night at Weinman Stadiium. The Lady Canes won 3-1 and the Hurricanes blanked the Tigers, 8-0. Hattie Williams had the Lady Canes’ first goal and assisted on another as the Cartersville girls improved to 3-1-1. Ava Flemons scored off the Williams assist to make the score 2-0. Ansley Holton added the third Cartersville goal off an assist from Jocelen Fernandez. The Lady Canes travel to Bremen Tuesday. The Cartersville boys cruised to an 8-0 win later in the evening. The Canes (4-1) scored four goals in the opening 20 minutes to take control of the game early. Giovanni Jacobo scored three goals for Cartersville in the win. Keeper Leo Betancourt earned the shutout in goal.

Woodland scored twice in the top of the seventh Wednesday evening at Carrollton, but it wasn’t enough to overcome an early 3-0 deficit as the Wildcats lost their season opener, 3-2. The Trojans scored a single run in the first inning and two more in the second before Woodland pitching blanked Carrollton over the final four innings. Peyton Posey (3 IP, 3ER, 4H, 1BB, 1K) started on the mound for the Wildcats and was tagged with the loss. Drew Billings (2 IP, 0R, 2H, 3K) and Scotty Smith (1 IP, 0R, 0H, 1K) split the final three innings. Carrollton (1-0) utilized six pitchers with starter Connor Herriott picking up the win. Ace Williamson drove in two runs for the Trojans with a double. Carrollton totaled six hits. Jacob Gravett had a pair of doubles for Woodland and drove in a run. Posey and Smith had one hit each for the Wildcats. Ayden Ray drove in one run with a sacrifice fly. The Wildcats (0-1) will host Model Saturday at 11 a.m. and Wheeler Saturday evening starting at 5 p.m.