February 24, 2026 Nakayla Evans takes a shot recently during the Region 7-AAAA tournament at Cartersville. PHOTO: Randy Parker, DTN The Lady Colonels had their 2025-26 season end on Tuesday night with a Class 4A first-round state playoff loss at Midtown High School in Atlanta, 56-29. The Lady Knights, a No. 2 seed out of Region 4-4A, improved to 19-10 on the season and advanced to play at North Oconee in the second round on Friday. North Oconee defeated Perry in the first round, 77-37. The Cass girls' season ends with a 12-14 record.

February 25, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Forsyth Central scored five runs in the top of the fourth and added four in the fifth en route to a 9-6 win at Cartersville on Tuesday. The Canes stayed close in the middle innings with five runs and matched the Bulldogs with eleven hits, but could not catch up. Nate Russell (3.1 IP, 5R, 2ER, 7H, 2BB, 7K) made the pitching start and took the loss. Defensive miscues by the Canes contributed to three unearned runs in the middle innings. Logan Buchanan (1.2 IP, 4R, 1ER, 3H, 1BB, 1K) relieved in the fourth. Wyatt Earwood (2 IP, 0R, 1H) worked two scoreless innings on the mound for the Hurricanes. Cooper Reynolds (two RBI) and David Vargas (triple) each had two hits for Cartersville. Nolan Elrod (two RBI), Brant Rutledge (double, RBI), J.B. Nichols, James Manring, Asa Mitcham, Tyler Hickman (double), and Cole Crawford each contributed one hit. Nathan Smith and Apollon Constatanides combined for five hits and two RBI at the top of the Bulldogs’ lineup. Forsyth Central (1-6) won for the first time this season. Cartersville (2-5) will look to snap a five-game skid on Saturday when the Canes play Hillgrove and Carrollton at Carrollton High School. The two-game set begins at 1 p.m.  Cartersville begins play in Region 7-AAAA next week in a three-game home-and-home series with Allatoona. SONORAVILLE 4, ADAIRSVILLE 3 The Tigers took advantage of three early walks to post a run in the top of the first inning on Tuesday, but fell behind 4-1 in the middle innings. Adairsville rallied for two runs in the top of the seventh, but left potential tying and go-ahead baserunners in scoring position in the final frame in a 4-3 loss at Sonoraville. The Phoenix outhit the Tigers seven to two. Kaiden Coker (3 IP, 2ER, 4H, 3BB, 2K) made the pitching start for Adairsville and was saddled with the loss. Tyler Parker (2 IP, 1ER, 3H, 0BB, 1K) and Westin Barfield (1 IP, 1R, 0ER, 0H, 2BB, 2K) pitched for the Tigers in relief. Brody Varner and Barfield (RBI) had the Tigers’ base hits. Harrison Cole drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. Sonoraville evened its season mark at 4-4. Adairsville (5-2) hosts the Phoenix on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and plays a doubleheader at Murray County on Saturday starting at 1 p.m. EAST PAULDING 6, CASS 5 The Colonels carried a 5-3 lead to the middle of the seventh inning on Tuesday, but the host East Paulding Raiders tied the game in the bottom of the inning and took advantage of two Colonels errors to walk off with a win in the eighth. Cass outhit the Raiders nine to seven in the contest that was error-plagued. The Colonels committed four errors, and East Paulding had six. Cass starter Dustin Wallin (6 IP, 3R, 2ER, 4H, 2BB, 6K) tossed six strong innings, but received no decision. Easton Lee (1 IP, 3R, 2ER, 3H) suffered the pitching loss in relief. Zach Stiles had three hits for the Colonels, including a triple and two RBI. DJ Vigil contributed a double and two RBI. Wallin, Lee, Maddox Koontz, Kasey Jacobs, and Cooper Rampley each added one hit. Landon Lamb was credited with one RBI. East Paulding improved to 2-7 on the season. Cass (2-5) looks to rebound on Wednesday at Pepperell in a 5:45 p.m. first pitch. The Colonels will visit Sonoraville on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and will start Region 7-AAAA action next week in a three-game home-and-home series with Dalton.

February 24, 2026 By Scott Barkley / CanesAthletic.com Reese Gibson defends against Pace's Lawson Monroe on Tuesday, Feb. 24 in the first round of Cartersville's 60-55 win. Photo by Scott Barkley Barely ten seconds into the final quarter Tuesday night, things were not looking good for Cartersville to advance in the girls basketball 4A state playoffs.  A Pace Academy three-pointer had just extended the Knights’ advantage to 11. The Lady Canes had seemingly spent the majority of the game scrapping to keep the deficit single digits, though they were briefly ahead after halftime. Many a defensive stand, breakaway opportunity, and close shot at the goal hadn’t gone their way.  Then, Reese Gibson hit a three. Blakely Morris followed with her own. KK Arnold added another.  Zoe McCurry’s shot from beyond the arc capped a two-minute, 12-0 bombing that put the Lady Canes up, 46-45 with 5:42 to play. It would be one of several key moments in their 60-55 win to open the state tournament.  Cartersville (22-5) moves on to play at Warner Robins (23-3) on Friday. Pace ends its season at 13-11. “This kind of win shows our resiliency,” said head coach Alvah Beasley. “It also reveals that when you play tougher competition early in the season, it helps you build that mentality for moments like this. We’ve played in big games throughout the year, and it helps a lot.” Pace pulled back in front with some free throws after McCurry’s 3-pointer. But on Cartersville’s next possession, Morris was there after Arnold’s miss for the basket and foul. She sank the free throw for a 49-47 lead.  The Knights tied the game again. But two Trin Montgomery baskets gave the Lady Canes a two-possession advantage. The first came off a drive from the top of the key into the lane, the second off an assist from McCurry for a 53-49 lead with 2:35 left. Pace answered with a basket, but Morris responded with a jumper from near the free throw line to restore the four-point lead. Then, after the Knights hit a free throw but missed the second, McCurry brought the ball up the floor, spotted an opening to the left of her defender near the top of the key, and drove the lane for a layup that pushed the Lady Canes’ lead to 57-52. Another Pace basket made it a three-point game and set up a key sequence in the Lady Canes' victory.  With 48 seconds remaining, Arnold missed a three-point attempt and, as Pace players waited for the ball to continue out of bounds, McCurry zipped in and threw it off a Knight to retain possession. Then, just as the Lady Canes were going to be called for a time clock violation, a Pace foul put McCurry at the line.  The sophomore stepped forward and hit the second of two free throws for a 58-54 lead with 27.9 seconds showing on the clock. But even more importantly, it cost Pace two possessions. “That was huge,” said Beasley. “The chemistry on this team is good, and we’re not out of any games. Earlier this year, we were down by about 25 to Collins Hill in the third quarter and cut that to four a couple of times. So, we’re never out.” Arnold, who took a hard shot to the noggin by the ball on the sequence that ended with Morris’ 3-pointer and was still on the Storm Center floor as the shot fell, led her team with 16 points.  “It’s all about the fight and heart we have,” said Arnold on her team’s comeback. “No matter who we play, we can make a run and stay in the game. I feel like we did a good job demonstrating that tonight.” Pace came out and controlled things early, building a 2-8 lead. Montgomery got the Canes back in it after hitting two free throws and two baskets, the second a length-of-the-floor drive ending with a reverse lay-up.  Gibson’s three-pointer was the only Cartersville score in the final three minutes of the period, though, as Pace took an 11-20 lead.  Montgomery’s 14 points to follow Arnold puts her at 17 per outing in her last six contests. McCurry added 12, while Gibson had 10, and Morris finished with eight. Pace’s Lawson Monroe led her team with 25 points.  The Knights led by as many as 12 in the second period, but another Gibson basket and Arnold’s corner three in the final seconds pulled the Lady Canes to within 24-28 at the half.  A bank shot by Arnold to open the third quarter and a three-pointer by McCurry gave the Lady Canes their first lead at 29-28. Pace regained the lead briefly before another McCurry trey, this one from the corner in front of her team’s bench.  Pace would end the period with a 12-2 run, though, taking a 34-42 lead into the final quarter.

February 24, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Georgia Highlands College softball split a home doubleheader on Tuesday with the Chattanooga State CC Tigers. The Chargers won the first game 4-3, but dropped Game 2, 5-4. In the opening game, Emily Ferro (Villa Rica) tossed a complete game, Gracie Azpeitia (Chamblee)  homered, and the Chargers scored single runs in the second through the fifth innings on Tuesday for a 4-3 win over visiting Chattanooga State CC. Ferro allowed just two earned runs on seven hits and three walks. She struck out six. Azpeitia (solo home run, double) and Anslee Logan (double) each had two hits for the Chargers. Emma Darrow, Alivia Fannin, Athens Hudson, and Hailey Love (double) each contributed one hit. In Game 2, Chattanooga State led 4-0 in the middle of the fourth, but the Chargers rallied to tie with two runs in the fourth and single runs in the fifth and sixth.  The game extended into an eighth inning, but it was the Tigers who pulled out the win by pushing across a run in the tie-breaker with a sacrifice bunt and an RBI single. Athens Hudson (5 IP, 1R, 0ER, 3H, 4K) was saddled with the pitching loss for GHC in relief of starter Haley Curtis (3 IP, 4ER, 5H, 2BB, 2K). Despite the loss, Georgia Highlands outhit Chatt State thirteen to eight.  CeCe Williams (Covington) led the Chargers with three hits, including two doubles and one RBI. Linley Hayes, Ahmani Green (double), Emily Ferro (RBI), and Emma Darrow (RBI) each contributed two hits. Gracie Azpeitia (RBI) and Mary Catherine Kimball added one hit. The two-game split left Chattanooga State with a 13-5 record. Georgia Highlands (7-7) hosts a doubleheader with Georgia Military College, and will entertain Northeast Alabama CC next Wednesday.

February 23, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Woodland Wildcats scored seven runs in the top of the first inning on Monday afternoon at Darlington, but couldn’t make it stand up in an 8-7 loss to the Tigers. A lack of production over the next six innings and some costly defensive miscues proved the difference in the non-region contest. Two singles, two walks, and a two-run double sparked the Wildcats’ opening frame, but they did not score again. Darlington ultimately outhit Woodland six to four, and the Wildcats added to their own damage with five errors. Jacob Taylor (0.1 IP, 1R, 0ER, 0H, 1BB) was the pitcher of record and tabbed with the Woodland loss after closing out the fifth inning. Tucker James (1.1 IP, 4R, 2ER, 2H, 3BB, 2K) made the pitching start. Cameron O’Shields (3.1 IP, 3R, 0ER, 3H, 3BB, 6K) and Zaylen Cochran (0.1 IP, 0R, 1H) also pitched for the Wildcats. Grant Tidwell had two of Woodland’s four hits and one RBI. Preston Sorrells (double, two RBI) and Steven Tumlin (two RBI) had the other hits for the Wildcats. Braxton Stegall had three hits, including a pair of doubles, for the Tigers. Henry Ledbetter hit a solo home run for Darlington (3-3) in the second inning. Woodland (5-2) begins play in Region 7-AAAA next week with a three-game series against Cedartown. The Bulldogs will host a single game on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., and the Wildcats will entertain a doubleheader on Friday starting at 5 p.m.

February 23, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com With winter collegiate sports approaching postseason play and spring sports hitting full stride, this week’s update includes contributions from 57 local collegiate athletes across the country in nine sports. BASKETBALL TAFF BRADLEY — Huntingdon College (So., Cartersville HS) … made brief road appearances on February 17 and this past Friday. She totaled three points, one rebound, and one steal as the Hawks lost at Belhaven University (MS) and won at Agnes Scott College. Huntingdon College (12-13) will play a quarterfinal game in the Collegiate Conference of the South tournament on Tuesday against the conference’s No. 3 seed (to be determined). NA’YEL CAMPER — Reinhardt University (So., Cartersville HS) … saw action in the Eagles’ win this past Saturday at Bluefield State University (WV). Camper scored two points, grabbed four rebounds, and added one assist. Reinhardt (21-6, 18-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference) heads to the AAC Championship Tournament in Kingsport, Tennessee on Wednesday through Saturday. SE’NAI CAMPER — Montreat College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … scored 14 points with two steals, two rebounds, and one assist as the Cavaliers won at the University of Pikeville (KY) this past Saturday. She also grabbed three rebounds on February 18 in a loss at Bryan College (TN). Montreat (10-16, 8-12 Appalachian Athletic Conference) plays next at the AAC Tournament in Kingsport, Tennessee that begins on Wednesday. JA’KA’YAH DRAUGHN — Brewton Parker Christian University (So., Cartersville HS) … scored four points with three steals, two assists, and one rebound this past Saturday in a 76-62 home win over Point University. The Barons (7-20, 6-10 Southern States Athletic Conference) open play in the conference championship tournament on Wednesday against the University of Mobile in Montgomery. ANSLEY GRIFFIN — North Carolina Wesleyan University (So., Cartersville HS) … totaled nine points with five rebounds, two steals, and two assists as  the Battlin’ Bishops beat Methodist University on February 17 but lost at Brevard College this past Saturday. NCWU (14-10, 12-6) plays Greensboro College on Tuesday in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, in the first round of the USA South Conference Tournament. ZION HAYES — Vincennes University (So., Cass HS) … scored 21 points with ten rebounds, six assists, five steals, and three blocked shots last Friday in a 101-37 home win over the University of Cincinnati-Clermont. The Trailblazers (18-7) host Olney Central College (IL) on Wednesday and visit Wabash Valley College (IL) on Saturday. ZYON HEATH — LaGrange College (So., Woodland HS) … had two rebounds and one assist on February 17 in an 87-73 loss at Piedmont University. The Panthers (14-11, 5-7 Collegiate Conference of the South) hosts Asbury University (KY) on Tuesday night in the first round of the conference tournament that continues in Maryville, Tennessee, through Saturday. HALEY JOHNSON — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … totaled ten points and four rebounds last week in wins February 18 at Brenau University and last Saturday at Bluefield State University (WV). Reinhardt (21-6, 18-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference) heads to the AAC Championship Tournament in Kingsport, Tennessee on Wednesday through Saturday. KEARA McDANIEL — Toccoa Falls College (Sr., Cass HS) … scored five points with three rebounds, and two assists this past Saturday in a five-point loss at Bob Jones University (SC). The Screaming Eagles also lost on February 16 at home to Welch College (TN) but boxscore data was not available. Toccoa Falls will participate in the National Christian College Athletic Association South Region Tournament in mid-March. T.J. PRINTUP — Tusculum University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … totaled 18 points, 13 rebounds, seven steals, six assists, and five blocks in losses last week at home to UVA-Wise and on the road at Lenoir-Rhyne University. The Pioneers (10-16, 6-14 South Atlantic Conference) travel to Emory & Henry College (VA) on Wednesday and welcome Anderson University (SC) on Saturday to conclude the regular season schedule. MEGAN SCHULTZ — Abraham Baldwin Agriculural College (So., Woodland HS) … had one rebound and one assist in a loss February 16 at Blue Mountain Christian (MS), and scored two points with three boards, two assists, and one steal in a loss this past Saturday at Life University in Marietta. ABAC (6-20, 3-13 Southern States Athletic Conference) plays an opening round conference tournament game against Thomas University (GA) on Wednesday morning at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex in Montgomery. LONDAISHA SMITH — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … in road games last week at Milligan University (TN), Brenau University (GA), and Bluefield State University (WV), Smith totaled 35 points, 19 rebounds, five steals, and five assists. The Eagles lost at Milligan, but won the other two games. Reinhardt (21-6, 18-2) will be the No. 3 seed at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament that begins on Wednesday in Kingsport, Tennessee. The Eagles will play Johnson University (TN) in a quarterfinal game on Thursday night with the tournament continuing through Saturday. ALISSA WINTERS — Truett McConnell University (So., Adairsville HS) … scored two points in a loss at Tennessee Wesleyan University and two in a win at Union Commonwealth University (KY) last week. Winters also totaled five rebounds, two assists, and two steals in those games. The Bears finished the season with a 6-22 record, 5-15 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference. WRESTLING COLTON BISHOP — Reinhardt University (Sr., Woodland HS) … went 2-3 and placed sixth in the 125-pound bracket at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships as the Eagles finished fourth in the 10-team tournament in Miami Gardens, Florida. LEE CAMP — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … won two of three bouts and placed second in the 133-pound weight division at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships and qualified for the NAIA National Championships in Wichita, Kansas, on March 5-7, as the Eagles finished fourth in Miami Gardens, Florida. CADEN McCRARY — Reinhardt University (Sr., Woodland HS) … went 4-0 and won the 141-pound weight class at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships and qualified for the March 5-7 NAIA National Championships in Wichita, Kansas, as the Eagles placed fourth in Miami Gardens, Florida. HAYDEN SANTORA — Reinhardt University (So., Woodland HS) … went 2-3 and placed sixth in the 165-pound bracket as the Eagles finished fourth at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championship in Miami Gardens, Florida. Santora awaits a potential at-large selection for the NAIA National Championships in Wichita, Kansas. BEACH VOLLEYBALL AILEE ENGLAND — Berry College (So., Cartersville HS) … the Vikings won three matches this past Friday and Saturday at the Huntingdon College Beach Bash in Montgomery, but individual match results were not available. Berry defeated Southern Virginia University, Truett McConnell University, and Loyola University New Orleans. England paired with Kaylee Howell and lost a Line 3 home match 21-17, 23-25, 15-13 during a 4-1 team loss to Carson-Newman University on February 18. In a second match against CNU, England paired with Keira Kruk at Line 2 and fell 22-20, 21-15 in a 4-1 team loss. Berry (3-2) will face Spring Hill College (AL), Huntingdon College, LaGrange College, and Wesleyan College on Friday and Saturday at the Badger Beach Bash in Mobile. LAUREN LAWSON — University of South Carolina (Jr., Cartersville HS) … paired with Sadie Nelson and lost an exhibition match 17-21, 19-21, with their opponents from Florida Gulf Coast University, last Friday at the Jacksonville University Dolphin Duals. The Gamecocks also lost the team match, 3-2. South Carolina defeated 17th-ranked North Florida 3-2 and host Jacksonville 4-1, but fell to 14th-ranked Stetson University 4-1 to complete the tournament with a 2-2 mark. The Gamecocks will host the Wheeler Beach Bash on Friday and Saturday and will face Austin Peay, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Chattanooga, and Coastal Carolina. TENNIS EMILY BUSH — University of North Georgia (Sr., Cartersville HS) … won a Line 2 doubles match 6-4 with Linn Goerdes as the Nighthawks defeated visiting Auburn University-Montgomery 6-1 on February 16. At the ITA D-II National Team Indoor Championships this past weekend in Indianapolis, Bush had losses with Goerdes at Line 2 doubles and lost Line 6 singles matches as UNG fell to 7th-ranked West Florida and 9th-ranked Catawba College. In a team 4-2 win on Sunday over the University of Indianapolis, their Line 2 doubles set was tied at 4-4 but went unfinished. SYDNEY COPPOLA — Berry College (Jr., Cass HS) … partnered with Charlee Eidson in a 4-6 Line 3 double loss and dropped her Line 6 singles match 1-6, 0-6 as the Vikings lost 0-7 this past Saturday at Shorter University. Berry visits Covenant College on Tuesday. GYMNASTICS ABIGAIL BUNCH — Rhode Island College (Sr., Cass HS) … scored a 9.325 on vault and placed 17th with a 9.575 on bars last Friday as the Anchorwomen finished fourth of four teams in Brookville, New York. The meet was won by the University of New Hampshire, followed by Long Island University, the University of Bridgeport (CT), and RIC. Rhode Island College will travel to Utica for a tri-match with Springfield on Sunday, March 1. SOFTBALL JORDAN BISHOP — Virginia Tech (Fr, Cartersville HS) … appeared in two games as a pinch runner at the University of Georgia Classic and saw action at catcher with one at-bat as the Hokies went 4-0 on Friday through Sunday with two wins over the Bulldogs, one over Seton Hall, and one over Utah State. Virginia Tech (11-2) will play in the Moore Memorial at Auburn University on Friday through Sunday. They will play USC Upstate and Auburn twice and one game with Troy University. CLAY JORDAN — Shorter University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … made a one-inning pitching start at home on Saturday and was charged with the loss as the Hawks fell 10-0 to Columbus State University. Clay allowed six earned runs on six hits and two walks. Shorter dropped two of three with the Cougars. The Hawks (4-13) host a doubleheader with Clark Atlanta University on Tuesday and visit Emmanuel University for two games on Saturday. TAYLOR EVANS — Southern Wesleyan University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … made one unsuccessful pinch hitting appearance last Saturday in a 10-0 home win over Lincoln Memorial University (TN). The Warriors (7-4) play a doubleheader at Lenoir-Rhyne University on Saturday. ANSLEY HIGHT — Reinhardt University (Jr., Cass HS) … went 2-for-5 with one home run, one walk, one stolen base, and two RBI last Friday in two home wins over the University of Pikeville (KY). The Eagles (2-0) host Montreat College (NC) on Tuesday and will play six games on Friday through Sunday in Columbus at the NFCA Leadoff Classic. Reinhardt will face Georgia Gwinnett College, United States Sports University, Coastal Georgia, Faulkner University, Rio Grande University (OH), and Louisiana Christian University. ALYSSA JARRETT — Piedmont University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … went 1-for-7 with one RBI and scored one run in two losses last Saturday at 15th-ranked Emory University. The Lions (0-2) host Pfeiffer University and Mount St. Joseph University on Friday through Sunday. ERYN LEE — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … in two home wins last Friday over the University of Pikeville (KY), Lee was 1-for-6 with one walk and two stolen bases. The Eagles (2-0) host Montreat College (NC) on Tuesday and will play six games on Friday through Sunday in Columbus at the NFCA Leadoff Classic. Reinhardt will face Georgia Gwinnett College, United States Sports University, Coastal Georgia, Faulkner University, Rio Grande University (OH), and Louisiana Christian University. RACHAEL LEE — Valdosta State University (Sr., Cass HS) … in a three-game series sweep at Trevecca Nazarene University (TN) this past weekend, Lee went 1-for-7 with a solo home run, one walk, one sacrifice fly, and scored three runs. The Blazers (7-6, 3-0 Gulf South Conference) host the University of Alabama-Huntsville for three games on Saturday and Sunday. AVA PERKINS — Lander University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … in a doubleheader split at Wingate University (NC) and a home doubleheader sweep of Newberry College (SC), Perkins was 3-for-10 at the plate with a double, two walks, two runs, and seven RBI. The Bearkats (8-4) host a doubleheader with Francis Marion University on Wednesday. ALEXIS WOODS — Tennessee State University (Jr., Cass HS) … went 0-for-8 at the plate as the Tigers dropped three games at the East Tennessee State Bucaneers Tournament this past weekend. Woods had one walk, one stolen base, and scored one run in two losses to ETSU and one loss to Bowling Green State University. TSU (0-6) will play Presbyterian, Mercer, and Columbia on Friday through Sunday at the Mercer University Invitational in Macon. TRACK AND FIELD BENJAMIN ABERNATHY — Reinhardt University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … finished eighth (41-02.50) in the triple jump at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Indoor Championships last Thursday and Friday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  JUNE DELAUDER — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … placed 15th (10.44) in the 60-meter hurdles at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Indoor Championships last Thursday and Friday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. WILL PARKER — Columbia College (Fr., Woodland HS) … was a member of the Koalas 4000-meter distance medley relay team that placed sixth (11:05.66) at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Indoor Championships last Thursday and Friday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. JAYLEN SCOTT — Reinhardt University (So., Cartersville HS)  … finished eighth in the weight throw (14.92m) at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Indoor Championships last Thursday and Friday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. GOLF CHRISTINA SURCEY — Lipscomb University (So., Cartersville resident, North Cobb Christian HS) … carded rounds of 75-75-81 and tied for 45th as the Bisons tied for fifth at the Space Coast Classic this past Saturday and Sunday at par-72, 6,215-yard Duran Golf Club in Viera, Florida. Dartmouth won the tournament, followed by Columbia, Notre Dame, and Penn. The next tournament for Lipscomb is the Magnolia Collegiate on March 16-17 in Mobile, Alabama. BASEBALL DREW BILLINGS — Trinity College Jacksonville (Sr., Woodland HS) … made a relief appearance last Friday at Arlington Baptist University (TX) and retired the final five outs. He allowed three runs (none earned) on two hits, facing eleven batters. The Eagles (5-7) visit Thomas University (GA) for a doubleheader on Tuesday and play a three-game series at Bob Jones University (SC) on Friday and Saturday. CURT BONNER — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … in a February 17 loss at Emory University and two home wins this past Sunday over Endicott College (MA) and Mississippi University for Women, Bonner went 3-for-13, including one double, one walk, two hit by pitch, one stolen base, and five RBI. LaGrange (6-3) welcomes Emory University on Tuesday night and plays a three-game series at North Carolina Wesleyan University on Saturday and Sunday. CALEB DANIEL — Georgia Tech (So., Cartersville HS) … went 4-for-12 at the plate in a Yellow Jackets’ win at Georgia Southern on February 17 and a home three-game sweep of Stony Brook University (NY) this past weekend. Daniel had two doubles, one walk, one RBI, and scored four runs in the four games. Second-ranked Georgia Tech (8-0) hosts Georgia State University on Tuesday and Northwestern University for a three-game series on Friday through Sunday. GAVIN DYSON — LaGrange College (Fr., Excel Christian Academy) … made pitching appearances at Emory University and at home against Mississippi University for Women, but retired only one out. He yielded one earned run on one hit, two walks, and two hit batters with no decision in either appearance. The Panthers lost 8-7 at Emory and defeated MUW 15-9. LaGrange (6-3) welcomes Emory University on Tuesday night and plays a three-game series at North Carolina Wesleyan University on Saturday and Sunday. MICAH EARWOOD — Southeastern University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … entered in the eighth inning and worked a 2-⅓ inning relief appearance on February 14 as the Fire won 5-4 in ten innings at the University of Mobile. Earwood was credited with the pitching victory. Southeastern (12-4) hosts Peru State College (NE) for four games on Friday and Saturday. ELLIOTT EASTIN — Covenant College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … went 4-for-13 at the plate as the Scots won three of four home games against Wheaton College (IL) last Friday and Saturday. Eastin walked four times, scored six runs, had two RBI, and stole one base in the series. Covenant (6-1) welcomes Emory University for a three-game series on Friday and Saturday. COLIN EATON — East Tennessee State University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … the right-hand pitcher recorded all three outs in the fourth inning on February 17 in a 7-5 loss at Virginia Tech. He allowed two unearned runs on one hit and one walk. The Buccaneers (6-1) host Appalachian State University on Tuesday and a three-game series with Quinnipiac University (CT) on Friday through Sunday. RYAN FARR — Kentucky Christian University (So., Adairsville HS) … was credited with a save following a three-inning relief appearance as the Knights beat visiting Rochester Christian University (MI) 13-5 last Friday. Farr gave up two earned runs on four hits with no walks and five strikeouts. KCU (4-4) plays a doubleheader on Tuesday at Wilberforce University (OH) and hosts Indiana University Kokomo for three games on Friday and Saturday. NICK HRUBY — Bryan College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … made a one-inning appearance at Cumberland University (TN) on February 17 with no decision, but a Lions win. Hruby gave up four earned runs on five hits. Bryan (8-7, 3-0 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visits Columbia International University (SC) for three games on Friday and Saturday. RYAN JOHNSON — University of Illinois (So., Cartersville HS) … made his first collegiate start and went 1-⅓ innings with no decision in an eventual 10-8 Iliini loss to visiting Butler University on February 17. Johnson yielded five earned runs on four hits and three hit batters. Illinois (3-4) will play Michigan State, College of Charleston, and the University of Albany this weekend at Fluor Field in Greenville, South Carolina. AIDAN LARKIN — Georgia Highlands College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … went 5-for-14 at the plate in four games last weekend, including three doubles, one walk, two runs scored, and five RBI as the Chargers defeated Macomb CC (MI) and Catawba Valley CC (SC), but lost twice to Wabash Valley College (IL). GHC (16-6) hosts Pellissippi State CC (TN) for a doubleheader on Tuesday and welcomes Chattahoochee Valley CC (AL) for a three-game series on Friday and Saturday. HUNTER LOVETT — Oglethorpe University (Fr., Cass HS) … in his first collegiate appearance, Lovett faced three batters, allowed one hit, and struck out two to close out the fifth inning of a 14-1 Stormy Petrels home loss last Friday to Wooster College (OH). On Saturday, he entered in the seventh inning and pitched through the eighth, allowing one unearned run on one intentional walk with two strikeouts in an eventual 9-7 loss to the Scots. Oglethorpe (1-2) hosts Piedmont University on Tuesday night and Greensboro College (NC) for a three-game series on Friday and Saturday. SAM MELTON — Guilford College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … made a start at second base and was 0-for-3 at the plate in a Quakers 5-4 home win last Saturday over Bob Jones University (SC). Guilford (4-3) hosts Southern Virginia University on Tuesday and Pfeiffer University (NC) on Wednesday. LUKE MILLER — Columbus State University (So., Cartersville HS) … went 3-for-7, including six walks, one double, and two RBI as the Cougars swept a three-game series over visiting Claflin University (SC). CSU (5-7, 4-2 Peach Belt Conference) welcomes Ohio Dominican University for a three-game series on Saturday and Sunday. AYDEN RAY — USC Lancaster (So., Woodland HS) … in three games — a home win over Robeson CC and a split of two games with USC Salkehatchie — Ray went 3-for-9, including one home run, one walk, two hit by pitch, five runs scored, and one sacrifice fly. The Lancers (8-6) visit Robeson CC on Wednesday and travel to Florence-Darlington Technical College for three games on Saturday and Sunday. DREW ROTHSCHILD — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … in three home starts against the University of Fort Lauderdale on Friday and Saturday, Rothschild went 4-for-12, including one home run, one double, two walks, two runs scored, and five RBI. The Stallions lost two of three in the series. ABAC (12-5) visits Middle Georgia State University on Tuesday before traveling to William Carey University (MS) for three games on Friday and Saturday. LOGAN SHREWSBURY — Columbus State University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … pitched a scoreless fifth inning last Saturday during an 11-0 home win over Claflin University (SC). Shrewsbury allowed one hit and one walk while facing four batters. The Cougars (5-7, 4-2 Peach Belt Conference) host Ohio Dominican University for a three-game series on Saturday and Sunday. HANK SMITH — University of West Georgia (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … made one start and appeared in two games this past weekend at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. The Wolves’ catcher was 1-for-4 at the plate as UWG lost all three games in the series. West Georgia (1-7) visits 7th-ranked Auburn on Wednesday night and plays three games at the University of South Alabama on Friday through Sunday. KADEN STEPHENSON — Oglethorpe University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … went 3-for-12, including one double, one walk, two runs scored, and one RBI as the Stomy Petrels dropped two of three games to visiting Wooster College (OH) last Friday and Saturday. Oglethorpe (1-2) hosts Piedmont University on Tuesday night and welcomes Greensboro College (NC) for three games on Friday and Saturday. DAVIS WILLIAMS — University of West Georgia (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … made relief appearances at Kennesaw State University on February 17 and at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock on Friday in Wolves’ losses. The two appearances totaled 1-⅓ scoreless innings with one hit and two walks. West Georgia (1-7) visits 7th-ranked Auburn on Wednesday night and plays three games at the University of South Alabama on Friday through Sunday. SAWYER WILSON — Columbus State University (So., Cartersville HS) … made a five-inning pitching start and evened his record to 1-1 as the Cougars beat visiting Claflin University (SC) 17-3 this past Sunday. Wilson allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits, one walk, and one hit batter, while fanning five. Columbus State (5-7, 4-2 Peach Belt Conference) welcomes Ohio Dominican University for three games on Saturday and Sunday.

February 23, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Georgia Highlands College baseball team went 2-2 this past weekend, hosting the GHC Invitational. The Chargers earned a 16-6 win over Macomb College (MI) on Saturday and blanked Catawba Valley College (SC) 8-0 on Sunday.  The losses were to Wabash Valley CC (IL) on Friday (11-5) and Sunday (7-1). Wabash Valley used big innings to take control in the Warriors’ two wins over the Chargers. Wabash scored four runs in back-to-back innings — the fourth and fifth — to win on Friday 11-5. On Sunday, the Warriros broke open a tight start with a five-run fifth inning to win 7-1. In the two Georgia Highlands wins, the Chargers peppered Macomb College pitchers for 14 hits, including 11 extra-base hits in a 16-6 win on Saturday. Kaiden Krak and Jowsell Seda shared the pitching duties in the win over the Monarchs. On Sunday, GHC pitchers Matthew Perkins and Wyatt Gatlin combined for nine strikeouts in an 8-0 victory over Catawba Valley. Mason Moore had nine hits, including two triples, one double, and three RBI to lead the Chargers’ bats during the four-game tournament.  Gatlin produced six hits, including a homer, three doubles, two sac flies, and six RBI. Aidan Larkin (three doubles, sac fly, six RBI) and Andrew Bishop (two homers, two doubles, four RBI) each finished the weekend with five hits. Emiliano Dominguez (two homers, double, five RBI) and Caden Marcos (two doubles) contributed four hits. Georgia Highlands (16-6) hosts Pellissippi State CC (TN) for a doubleheader on Tuesday at 1 p.m. and welcomes Chattahoochee Valley CC (AL) for a three-game series on Friday and Saturday.

February 21, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Georgia Highlands College softball split a home doubleheader on Saturday with visiting Gaston College (NC), winning the first game 2-0 before falling in the second game by the same 2-0 score. Emily Ferro tossed a complete-game shutout in the first game for the Chargers. She scattered five hits and one walk with one strikeout. The pitching performance by Haley Curtis was also outstanding for the Chargers in the second game, but the visiting Rhinos took advantage of an error, two hits, and a sacrifice fly for the game’s only runs in the top of the seventh. Curtis allowed six hits and five walks with two strikeouts. Both runs by Gaston were unearned. Alivia Fannin (double) and Gracie Azpeitia had two hits for GHC in the doubleheader. Anslee Logan (RBI), Emma Darrow, Athens Hudson, Ahmani Green, and CeCe Williams each had one hit. The Chargers (6-6) will host Chattanooga State CC on Tuesday for two games starting at 1 p.m.

February 21, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Woodland Wildcats and the Adairsville Tigers both earned their fifth wins of the young season on the road on Saturday, while the Cartersville Hurricanes were blanked in their final game at the Brunswick Baseball at the Beach event. WOODLAND 12, NORTH COBB 4 The Wildcats broke open a 1-1 game in the top of the sixth inning on Saturday at North Cobb, scoring nine runs en route to a 12-4 victory. Grant Tidwell (5.1 IP, 4R, 3ER, 9H, 0BB, 4K) earned the pitching victory for Woodland. Clayton Wilkes (1.2 IP, 0R, 2H, 2BB) retired the final five outs on the mound. Tidwell also led the Wildcats’ bats with four hits and two RBI. Tommy Risner (two RBI) and Jonathan Ryan (RBI) each contributed two hits. Alfredo Romo (two RBI), Tucker James (two RBI), and Preston Sorrells (RBI) each had one hit. Zaylen Cochran added one RBI. The loss dropped the Warriors to 3-4 on the season. Woodland (5-1) travels to Darlington for a 4 p.m. start on Monday. ADAIRSVILLE 5, DARLINGTON 0 The Tigers scored four runs in the top of the second to gain control and added an insurance run in the fifth to win at Darlington on Saturday, 5-0. Hudson Parr (6 IP, 0R, 4H, 3BB, 10K) went six innings and struck out ten to pick up the pitching victory. McCayden Hufstetler retired Darlington hitters in order in the seventh, including one strikeout. Matthew Cook had two hits and one RBI to lead the Adairsville bats. Evan Hardin (double, three RBI), Parr (RBI), Harrison Cole, Tyler Parker, Kaden Coker, and Bryson Weaver each added one hit. The loss left Darlington with a 2-3 record. Adairsville (5-1) plays at Sonoraville on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and will host the Phoenix on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. WARE COUNTY 5, CARTERSVILLE 0 Cartersville managed only three hits and was shut out on Saturday night by Ware County 5-0 in a game played at Glynn Academy.  The loss left the Canes winless in three games at the Brunswick Baseball at the Beach event.  It also marks a fourth straight loss for Cartersville. The Gators posted a single run in the top of the first inning, scored three in the second, and added another run in the third inning.  Pitcher Seth Seuss went all seven innings for Ware County, struck out five, and issued no walks for the victory. The Gators also produced eleven hits, including five extra-base hits. Coleman Stubblefield (2 IP, 5R, 4ER, 6H, 1BB, 2K) made the pitching start for Cartersville and was saddled with the loss. Wyatt Earwood (1 IP, 0R, 2H), Brayden Logan (2 IP, 0R, 2H, 3K), Tyler Hickman (1 IP, 0R, 0H, 1K), and Gianni Gandy (1 IP, 0R, 1H, 1K) also pitched in the loss. Brant Rutledge (double), David Vargas, and Logan each had one hit for the Hurricanes. Ware County improved to 2-5 on the season. Cartersville (2-4) hosts Forsyth Central on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and will play Hillgrove and host Carrollton in games on Saturday.

February 21, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com PHOTO: Courtesy Excel Christian Academy The Excel Christian Academy boys basketball team made it back-to-back state championships on Saturday at Gordon State College in Barnesville by defeating Promise Preparatory Academy of Dawsonville 87-64 in the Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools (GAPPS) Class A title game. The Eagles started quickly and led at the end of each quarter.  Excel led 26-17 after one quarter and 45-33 at the break. The Knights outscored ECA 25-21 in the third quarter, narrowing the margin to 66-58. From there, the Eagles put the foot on the gas and pulled away with a 21-6 fourth quarter and a 23-point win. Ten different Eagles contributed to the scoring column, led by Mason McKinney with 20 points. Damir McBride scored 16. Jamari Gatson finished with 14 points, and Aston Chappell contributed 11 points. Mier Bell scored nine points. Connor Garland, Christian Vieira, and T.J. Hubert each finished with four points. Tristan Jenkins had three, and Karden Wingard added two. Promise Prep was led by Padiet Amum, who scored 21 points. Gradu Kapugnya scored 14, and Eli Mayfield added 11 points for the Knights (19-6). Excel Christian completed its second-straight state championship season with a 23-6 record.

February 19, 2026 Zoe McCurry (with ball) scored 14 points with nine rebounds and six assists in the Lady Canes' Region 7-AAAA semifinal win on Thursday over Cass. Kylie Miles of Cass (20) plays defense on Thursday. PHOTO: CanesAthletics.com The Lady Canes defeated Cass 44-29 on Thursday evening at The Storm Center in the Region 7-AAAA tournament semifinals and will play in the championship game against Dalton on Friday night at 7 p.m. Cartersville led 19-16 at halftime and extended the lead to 29-23 by the end of the third quarter. Zoe McCurry led Cartersville with 14 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Blakely Morris contributed a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards. KK Arnold followed with 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Anaizah Taylor and Nakayla Evans led Cass with 12 and nine points, respectively. The Lady Canes (21-4) will face Dalton (23-3) in the region title game on Friday at The Storm Center at 7 p.m. Dalton defeated Hiram in Thursday’s other semifinal game, 78-15. Cass (11-13) will play Hiram (10-15) on Friday at 4 p.m. in the region's third-place game. Cartersville and Dalton split their regular-season games, with each team winning at home. The Lady Canes won 55-46 on December 9, and the Lady Catamounts won on January 20, 59-27. ALLATOONA 68, CARTERSVILLE BOYS 60 The Cartersville boys lost to Allatoona in the Region 7-AAAA semifinals on Thursday evening at The Storm Center, 68-60. Allatoona improved to 18-8 on the season and will play in the region championship game on Friday at 8:30 p.m. against the Hiram/Dalton winner from Thursday night. Cartersville (20-6) will face the Hiram/Dalton semifinal loser in the third-place game on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

February 21, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Trinity Montgomery (5) releases a shot on Friday night in the Lady Canes' overtime loss to Dalton. Montgomery paced Cartersville with 26 points and added six rebounds. PHOTO: Bryce Barkley / CanesAthletics.com The Lady Canes battled Dalton into overtime on Friday night, but came up just short in the Region 7-AAAA championship game at The Storm Center. Earlier on Friday, the Cass girls and the Cartersville boys won Region 7-AAAA tournament third-place games. DALTON 68, CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 66 (ot) The Lady Canes and Lady Catamounts split their regular-season games and tied in the Region 7-AAAA regular-season standings at 13-1. Both teams have been ranked in the Class AAAA top ten for most of the season, and Friday night’s region championship rubber game needed overtime to decide the title. Dalton led 15-14 after one quarter, and the two teams went to the intermission deadlocked at 29-each. The Lady Canes surged to a 50-40 lead in the third quarter, but Dalton rallied in the fourth quarter to send the game to overtime tied at 59. In the overtime period, Georgia Sanders scored six of her 11 points, and Dalton escaped with a 68-66 victory.  Dalton’s junior point guard, Aubriyana Camp poured in a game-high 44 points to lead all scorers in the contest. Trinity Montgomery led Cartersville with 26 points and added six rebounds. Zoe McCurry scored 19 points with four boards and four assists. Blakely Morris grabbed 11 rebounds and pitched in seven points. Kaitlyn Arnold collected seven rebounds and scored seven points. Dalton (24-3) will host Maynard Jackson on Tuesday in the first round of the state tournament. Cartersville (21-5) will welcome Pace Academy to The Storm Center on Tuesday. CASS GIRLS 45, HIRAM 36 The Cass Lady Colonels won the Region 7-AAAA tournament’s third-place game Friday evening at Cartersville High School, defeating Hiram 45-36. Cass led 11-3 after the opening eight minutes, but the Lady Hornets cut their deficit to 21-18 at the intermission. Cass outscored Hiram 12-9 in the third quarter to lead 33-27, then held off the Hornets over the final eight minutes for a nine-point victory. Nakayla Evans led Cass with 14 points. Yvonne Ellison scored 10, and Cadie Paez added eight points. Brittain Payne led Hiram with 12 points. Taylor Gaddis contributed 10, and Adriana Howell added eight points. Hiram (10-16) will be the No. 4 seed from Region 7-AAAA in the opening round of the state tournament on Tuesday and will play at Region 4-AAAA champion Creekside. Cass (12-13) will be the No. 3 seed and play the Region 4-AAAA runner-up, Midtown, on Tuesday in Atlanta. CARTERSVILLE BOYS 60, DALTON 29 Cartersville's Shakai Taylor goes up for a bucket in the Hurricanes' third-place game win on Friday over Dalton in the Region 7-AAAA tournament at The Storm Center. PHOTO: Bryce Barkley / CanesAthletics.com The Purple Hurricanes outscored Dalton 37-14 in the second half on Friday evening en route to a 31-point win in the Region 7-AAAA third-place game at Cartersville’s Storm Center. Following a 9-9 first period, the Canes carried a 23-15 lead to the halftime break. In the third quarter, Cartersville outscored the Catamounts 20-8 to take control. Xavier Lowe paced Cartersville with 23 points. Wyatt Thomason finished with 16 points. Kyron McClendon scored 11 points and added eight rebounds and four steals. Nas Bennett contributed six rebounds, four points, four assists, and two steals. Jermichael Craft led Dalton with eight points. Cole Laubscher added seven Dalton (14-13) will open the state tournament on Wednesday at Pace Academy. Cartersville (21-6) visits Mays on Wednesday in the first round.