February 5, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com A total of thirteen swimmers from local high schools advanced through the Georgia High School Association’s State Championship Preliminaries this week to reach the State Finals on Thursday at Georgia Tech. Adairsville, Cartersville, Cass, and Woodland will be represented across nine events in their respective classifications. In Class A-AAA, Andrew Harris of Adairsville qualified in the 100-yard butterfly with a 59.85 preliminary time. The Tigers’ 200-yard freestyle relay team also earned a spot in Thursday afternoon’s finals with a 1:38.21 mark. All of the other finalists are in Class AAAA. Cartersville freshman William Galland made the finals in the 50-yard freestyle (22.02) and the 100-yard butterfly (55.80). He will also join teammates Nate Rives, Luke Gibson, and Grayson Paradis in the 200-yard freestyle relay (1:35.79 preliminary time) and the 400-yard freestyle relay (3:38.31). Freshman Anniston Duckett of Cass made the finals of the 100-yard butterfly with a preliminary time of 1:08.75, and the Woodland girls’ 200-yard freestyle relay team, consisting of Kailyn Black, Kimberlin Smith, Madysen Grano, and Emily Guin, reached Thursday’s finals with a time of 1:51.87. A total of 60 schools are represented at the Class A-AAA State Championships, and 37 schools have finalists in the Class AAAA State Championships. Most events for the local swimmers in the finals are scheduled for 3 p.m. or later on Thursday at Georgia Tech’s McAuley Aquatic Center. Exact starting times are available at GHSA.net .

February 4, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Cartersville boys' basketball head coach Mike Tobin (back center) collected his 600th career coaching victory on Tuesday as the Purple Hurricanes routed visiting Southeast Whitfield 72-19. The Cartersville High School basketball teams maintained their leading positions in the Region 7-AAAA standings with home victories on Tuesday night against Southeast Whitfield. The Lady Canes, ranked 8th, are still tied with 6th-ranked Dalton for first place, while the Cartersville boys are tied with Hiram in the region standings. The victory by the Canes also marked the 600th career coaching victory for Mike Tobin. In other games on Tuesday, the Cass boys defeated visiting Dalton, and the Adairsville girls secured a win at Calhoun. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 76, SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD 13 The Lady Canes kept visiting Southeast Whitfield off the scoreboard in the first quarter on Tuesday en route to a 76-13 Region 7-AAAA home win. Cartersville led 30-0 at the end of the first quarter and 50-9 at halftime in the one-sided victory. Zoe McCurry led the Lady Canes with 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Trinity Montgomery finished with 21 points, five boards, and two assists. Blakely Morris added 14 points and nine rebounds. Dellyn Walston led the Lady Raiders (2-19, 1-10) with five points. The Cartersville girls (18-4, 11-1) host Woodland on Friday. CARTERSVILLE BOYS 72, SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD 19 Xavier Lowe scored 20 points and Kyron McClendon, Wyatt Thomason, and Grayson Warmack each added nine on Tuesday in the Hurricanes’ 72-19 home win over Southeast Whitfield. McClendon added five assists and five steals. Thomason contributed nine rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Warmack added five rebounds and four steals in the Canes victory. The Canes’ win was also the 600th career coaching win for Cartersville head coach Mike Tobin in 34 seasons — 14 with the Canes. His win total includes stints at Eden Prairie (MN) and Woodland in Cartersville. The loss kept the Raiders (0-21, 0-12) winless on the season. Cartersville (18-4, 11-1) welcomes Woodland on Friday. CASS BOYS 59, DALTON 54 The Colonels avenged an early January loss at Dalton on Tuesday night with a 59-54 home win over the Catamounts. Cass trailed 16-12 after one quarter, but led 25-21 at the intermission and 41-37 at the end of the third period before holding on for a five-point win. Isaiah Moreno led the Colonels with 23 points. Cam’ron Beauford contributed 15, and Jahlil Abdullah Kortey added 10 points. Jermichael Craft and Carmelo Weaver each scored 15 points for the Catamounts (13-9, 7-5). Cass (7-14, 6-6) visits Allatoona on Friday. ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 39, CALHOUN 23 The visiting Lady Tigers kept the Calhoun girls winless in Region 7-AAA with a 39-23 decision on Tuesday night. Adairsville trailed 7-4 after the opening eight minutes, but gained the lead for good in the second quarter by outscoring the Lady Jackets 18-2. Alivia Joslin paced the Lady Tigers with nine points. Lily Roberts followed with seven. Dylan Duke led Calhoun (3-18, 0-9) with eight points. Adairsville (10-14, 4-7) hosts LaFayette on Friday. CALHOUN 70, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 30 Tenth-ranked Calhoun stayed unbeaten in Region 7-AAA on Tuesday night with a 70-30 home win over Adairsville. The Yellow Jackets raced to a 27-7 lead in the opening eight minutes and held a commanding 41-15 advantage at the intermission. Jaden Perkins and Jaxon Moore led Calhoun (16-2, 9-0) with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Jackson Jarrett scored 12 points for the Tigers. Adairsville (3-21, 2-9) welcomes LaFayette on Friday. DALTON 80, CASS GIRLS 37 Sixth-ranked Dalton sprinted to a 36-16 first-half lead and won easily at Cass on Tuesday, 80-37. Aubriyana Camp scored a game-high 23 points to lead the Lady Catamounts. Emery Silvers scored 21, and Georgia Sanders added 13 points.  The Dalton girls (19-3, 11-1) remain tied with Cartersville for the top spot in Region 7-AAAA with two games remaining before the region tournament. Anizah Taylor scored 10 points for the Lady Colonels. Yvonne Ellison added six points. Cass (8-12, 7-4) remains in third place in the region and plays at fourth-place Allatoona on Friday at 6 p.m. CEDARTOWN 63, WOODLAND BOYS 56 The Wildcats trailed host Cedartown early on Tuesday night and, although they kept pace with the Bulldogs, failed to close the gap in a 63-56 region road loss. Cedartown led 18-6 after one quarter, 28-21 at halftime, and 50-43 through three quarters en route to a seven-point victory. Zane Diamond Pasley scored 25 points to lead the Bulldogs. JP Price and Devion Smith each added 15 points for Cedartown (8-14, 4-8). Caiden Moore paced the Wildcats with 15 points. Landon Dougherty, Canden Davis, and Amir Heath each finished with eight. Clayton McArdle added seven points. Woodland (8-15, 1-11) plays at Cartersville on Friday night. CEDARTOWN 50, WOODLAND GIRLS 19 Kenzlei Boozer scored 20 points, and Hadlee Robinson added 13 on Tuesday evening as the Lady Bulldogs defeated Woodland 50-19 in a Region 7-AAAA contest. Cedartown improved to 7-13 overall and 4-7 in region action. Bailey Gerstner and Destiny Jackson each scored four points for the Lady Cats. Woodland (3-20, 0-12) visits 8th-ranked Cartersville on Friday. PRAISE ACADEMY 44, EXCEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY GIRLS 29 The Excel Christian Academy girls lost to Praise Academy on Tuesday night, 44-29, in Powder Springs. The loss came in a semifinal game in GAPPS Region 1-IA. The Lady Eagles’ season ended with a 5-11 record.

February 4, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Adairsville Tigers punched five tickets to the GHSA Class 3A State Sectionals on Tuesday, advancing individual wrestlers from the Region 7-AAA Tournament held at LaFayette High School. Gilmer captured the region team championship, with Heritage-Catoosa taking second and host LaFayette finishing third. Adairsville placed seventh overall but delivered standout performances to secure multiple state sectional berths. Leading the way for the Tigers was David Coon, who battled to the finals and finished as region runner-up at 175 pounds. Jarrett Chriswell added a bronze at 157 pounds with a third-place finish, while Jude Lowery (106 pounds), Victor Singer (150 pounds), and Joey Harill (190 pounds) each earned fourth-place finishes to round out the qualifiers. All five Tigers will now compete at the State Sectional meet at Cherokee Bluff High School in Flowery Branch on Saturday, where they will vie for spots in the Class 3A State Championships.

February 3, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Georgia Highlands College baseball split a twinbill with visiting Cleveland State Community College on Tuesday, dropping the opener 13-5 before rallying to take the second game 18-17. The Chargers trailed the Cougars 5-3 in Game 2 heading into the bottom of the third inning, but struck for 15 runs over their next five frames for a walkoff win. GHC scored seven runs in the bottom of the third, four in the fourth, and two in the sixth to knot the score at 16-all heading to the final inning.  Cleveland State grabbed a one-run lead with a bases-loaded walk in the top of the seventh, but the Chargers loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh and tied the game on a wild pitch. After Kenton Collier walked to reload the bases, Aidan Larkin was hit by a pitch to drive in Georgia Highlands’ walk-off run. Collier led the Chargers’ offense with four hits, including one triple, one double, and one RBI. Caden Marcos smacked two homers and had six RBI. Andrew Bishop also hit two home runs with five RBI. Ian Fullerton also had two hits and one RBI. Carson Page and Larkin each had one hit and two RBI. Hayden Miller (double) and Oakley Willingham added one hit. Jack Burns picked up the pitching win as the pitcher of record in the seventh. He allowed one earned run on two hits and two walks with two strikeouts. Ty Jones, Braxton Wade, Evan Doss, Jowsell Seda, and Jackson Scali pitched for the Chargers. In Tuesday’s opener, Cleveland State outhit GHC 13-5 and won 13-5. Aidan Larkin (two RBI) and Andrew Bishop (RBI) hit homers for Georgia Highlands. Caden Marcos (two RBI), Ian Fullerton, and Kenton Collier each had one hit. The Chargers utilized seven pitchers in brief stints. Starter Alex Karst (1 IP, 2ER, 2H, 1BB, 1K) was charged with the loss. Reed Thursby, Nick Kane, Sam Clower, Wyatt Gatlin, Ian Mihalopolous, and Calvin Koo each pitched in the loss. Georgia Highlands (3-3) hosts a four-game series with USC Lancaster this weekend, with doubleheaders on Friday and Saturday at Commander Robert Bentley Field. Games begin both days at 1 p.m.

Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com In conjunction with WBHF and Bartow Sports Zone, Elite Stone Supply presents the ELITE ATHLETES OF THE MONTH. Each month, local high schools select an Elite Athlete of the Month from their varsity programs and share the information about their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3 FM and AM 1450, WBHF in Cartersville. Kaytlin Arnold is the Cartersville High School Elite Athlete of the Month for January 2026. A senior guard on the Lady Canes basketball team, she is the daughter of Timothy and April Arnold. “Kaytlin is the ultimate competitor,” noted Cartersville basketball coach Alvah Beasley. “She hates to lose and is a great leader. She works just as hard in the classroom as she does on the court.” Arnold, one of the team’s top scorers, has helped lead the Lady Canes to a 17-4 record heading into February. She has averaged 16.4 points, four rebounds, and three steals per game. She has signed with Columbus State University to play basketball and maintains a 4.0 GPA. Arnold is a Beta Club member and has completed eight dual enrollment classes. The Adairsville High School Elite Athlete of the Month is Andrew Harris. A junior and standout leader on the Tigers’ swimming team, Harris began his swim career in the seventh grade and is also a dedicated member of the Adairsville Raiders. Harris has qualified for the GHSA State Championships in the 100-yard butterfly, and he is a member of the Tigers’ 200-yard freestyle relay team that has also qualified for the state meet. “Andrew’s hard work and commitment continue to set him apart,” said Adairsville swim coach Tyler Branick. “He is a motivated, disciplined leader who leads by example. His teammates look up to him.” Harris is interested in becoming a Navy diver. Owen Jones is the January 2026 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Woodland High School. A senior on the Wildcats’ wrestling team who has already won the state dual championship and the region traditional tournament heading into February. He competes in the 190-pound division. “Owen has shown up in the biggest moments to help his team,” noted Woodland coach Brett Shedd. “He pinned the returning state runner-up en route to helping us win the state dual title. He always works hard and pushes his teammates to reach new heights.” He is the son of Chad and Malinda Jones and plans to wrestle at the collegiate level. Derris Reece is the January 2026 Elite Athlete of the Month for Cass High School. A starting forward on the Colonels’ basketball team, he is the son of Danica Reece and serves as one of the team’s captains. Reece is averaging 6.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game heading into February, but also demonstrates true leadership through his impact on people off the court. “Derris is constantly encouraging others, building connections, and sharing a positive word in the locker room and in our hallways,” said Cass coach Kevin Cunningham. “His work ethic and strong character have helped to make him a great teammate and leader in our program. Reece is an active member in the school community and maintains a 3.56 GPA. Editor's Note: The respective schools and athletic departments supply Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF with photos and bios. Elite Stone Supply Co., LLC is the monthly sponsor. Athletes receive a plaque and recognition during a WBHF radio feature. #EliteAthletesoftheMonth #Cass #Cartersville #Woodland #Adairsville #highschool

February 2, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Excel Christian Academy boys routed Holy Ground Baptist Academy 96-24 on Monday night at Hearts Academy in Powder Springs in the semifinals of the GAPPS Region 1-IA Tournament. The Eagles built an early lead and were never threatened in their 72-point win. Excel led 26-11 after one quarter; 59-18 at halftime; and 74-19 at the end of the third quarter. Damir McBride led the Eagles with 16 points. Tristan Jenkins followed with 14 points. Mason McKinney finished with 11, and Jamari Gatson added 10 points in the tournament win. Cooper Farmer scored nine points for the Stallions, who finished the year with a 3-13 record. Excel Christian (19-6) will play in the region championship game on Thursday in Powder Springs against the Hearts Academy/Praise Academy winner.

February 2, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Jaylee Long from Adairsville High claimed the championship in the 100-pound weight class at the Georgia High School Association Area 7 Girls Tournament held at LaFayette High School on Monday. Long achieved a 4-0 record and progressed to the GHSA State Sectional, which will take place on Friday at the Edwards Park Gym in Dalton. The Cass girls had two wrestlers to go 3-2 in their respective weight divisions. Ryland Piatt (130) earned a fifth-place finish and will be an alternate at the Sectional. Brooklyn West (115) had her fifth-place bout carried over to Friday in Dalton. The winner will be an alternate for the Sectional. Bailey White (105) of Cass finished 1-2 at the Area Tournament. The Region 7-AAA boys wrestling tournament, including Adairsville, will take place on Tuesday at LaFayette High School. It was postponed from Friday due to the weather system over the past weekend.

February 2, 2026 Region basketball standings for local high school teams, including their schedules for the week. LOCAL REGION STANDINGS (thru Monday, February 2) BOYS GAPPS Region 1 IA Sub A Region All Games This week Excel Christian Academy 6-0 18-6 Region semifinal v. Holy Ground Bapt. / Finals on Thur. Praise Academy 4-2 16-6 Region semifinal v. Hearts Academy / Finals on Thur Oakwood Christian 1-4 2-19 The Stonehaven School 0-5 0-12 GIRLS GAPPS Region 1 IA Sub-A Region All Games This week Oakwood Christian 6-0 12-9 Region championship game Praise Academy 3-3 8-14 Region semifinal v. Excel Excel Christian Academy 3-3 5-10 Region semifinal v. Praise The Stonehaven School 0-6 0-13 BOYS GHSA Region 7-AAAA Region All Games This week Cartersville 10-1 17-4 SE WHITFIELD, WOODLAND Hiram 10-1 14-8 ALLATOONA, DALTON Allatoona 7-3 13-7 at Hiram, CASS Dalton 7-4 13-8 at Cass, at Hiram Cass 5-6 6-14 DALTON, at Allatoona, CHEROKEE Cedartown 3-8 7-14 WOODLAND, at SE Whitfield Woodland 1-10 8-14 at Cedartown, at Cartersville SE Whitfield 0-10 0-20 at Cartersville, CEDARTOWN GIRLS GHSA Region 7-AAAA Region All Games This week Dalton 8-1 16-3 at Cass, at Hiram Cartersville 8-1 15-4 SE WHITFIELD, WOODLAND Cass 7-2 8-10 DALTON, at Allatoona Hiram 5-4 7-10 ALLATOONA, DALTON Allatoona 4-5 7-12 at Hiram, CASS Cedartown 3-6 6-12 WOODLAND, at SE Whitfield SE Whitfield 1-8 2-16 at Cartersville, CEDARTOWN Woodland 0-9 3-17 at Cedartown, at Cartersville BOYS GHSA Region 7-AAA Region All Games This week Calhoun 8-0 15-2 ADAIRSVILLE, at Ridgeland Heritage-Catoosa 8-2 14-6 GILMER, at Ringgold NW Whitfield 5-3 12-7 LAFAYETTE, at Gilmer LaFayette 5-4 14-7 at NW Whitfield, at Adairsville Gilmer 3-6 7-14 at Heritage, NW WHITFIELD Adairsville 2-8 3-20 at Calhoun, LAFAYETTE Ridgeland 1-9 8-14 HIXTON, CALHOUN GIRLS GHSA Region 7-AAA Region All Games This week Gilmer 8-1 14-7 at Heritage, NW WHITFIELD Heritage-Catoosa 8-2 18-4 GILMER, at Ringgold Ridgeland 7-3 18-3 HIXSON, CALHOUN NW Whitfield 4-4 12-8 LAFAYETTE, at Gilmer Adairsville 3-7 9-14 at Calhoun, LAFAYETTE LaFayette 2-7 16-7 at NW Whitfield, at Adairsville Calhoun 0-8 3-17 ADAIRSVILLE, at Ridgeland

February 2, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com This week’s update includes contributions from more than two dozen collegiate athletes in six different sports across the country. BASKETBALL TAFF BRADLEY — Huntingdon College (So., Cartersville HS) … scored six points with three rebounds, one steal, and one blocked shot in a 61-43 Lady Hawks’ win at Wesleyan College in Macon. Huntingdon also won 82-70 at Covenant College this past Saturday, improving to 9-9 overall and 6-3 in the Collegiate Conference of the South. The Hawks host Belhaven University (MS) on Tuesday, Asbury University (KY) on Friday, and Piedmont University (GA) on Saturday. NA’YEL CAMPER — Reinhardt University (So., Cartersville HS) … did not have a stat line in a brief appearance last Wednesday (Jan. 28) during a 72-57 home win over Johnson University (TN). The Eagles (15-5, 12-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visit Columbia International University (SC) on Monday, host Spartanburg Methodist (SC) on Wednesday, and welcome Bryan College (TN) on Saturday. SE’NAI CAMPER — Montreat College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … scored six points with three rebounds, one assist, and one steal last Wednesday (Jan. 28) in a 98-57 loss at Milligan University (TN). The Cavaliers (7-14, 5-10 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visit Carolina University (NC) on Saturday. JA’KA’YAH DRAUGHN — Brewton-Parker Christian University (So., Cartersville HS) … posted 17 points, two steals, one assist, and one rebound last Thursday in an 82-67 home loss to the University of Tennessee Southern. The Barons (4-17, 3-7 Southern States Athletic Conference) host Blue Mountain University (MS) on Tuesday, Faulkner University (AL) on Thursday, and the University of Mobile (AL)  on Saturday. ANSLEY GRIFFIN — North Carolina Wesleyan University (So., Cartersville HS) … totaled eight points and two rebounds in wins last Wednesday (Jan. 28) at Methodist University (NC) and at home over Salem University (WV). The Batlling Bishops (10-8, 8-4 USA South Athletic Conference) host Methodist on Tuesday and Meredith College (NC) on Saturday. ZION HAYES — Vincennes University (So., Cass HS) … grabbed nine rebounds with two assists and one steal last Wednesday (Jan. 28) in a 54-45 loss at Southwestern Illinois College. Vincennes also beat John A Logan College 73-45 this past Saturday, but no stats were available at the time of this release. The Trailblazers (14-7) visit Lincoln Trail College (IL) on Wednesday and Shawnee CC (IL) on Saturday. KEARA McDANIEL — Toccoa Falls College (Sr., Cass HS) … scored 12 points last Thursday with eight assists, four steals, and three rebounds in a 77-45 win at Southeastern Baptist College (MS). McDaniel then scored eight points with four rebounds, four assists, and three steals this past Saturday in a 67-57 loss at Pensacola Christian College. The Screaming Eagles (7-14)  host Bob Jones University (SC) on Tuesday, Paine College (GA) on Wednesday, Trinity College-Jacksonville (FL) on Friday, and Southeastern Baptist College (MS) on Saturday. T.J. PRINTUP — Tusculum University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … totaled 24 points, 13 rebounds, six steals, four blocked shots, and two assists in road losses last Wednesday (Jan. 28) and last Friday at Carson-Newman University (TN) and Wingate University (NC). The Pioneers (8-12, 4-10 South Atlantic Conference) host Lincoln Memorial University (TN) on Wednesday before visiting Catawba College (NC) on Saturday. MEGAN SCHULTZ — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (So., Woodland HS) … scored two points with one rebound and one assist last Thursday in a 91-60 home loss to Faulkner University (AL). She also saw brief playing time in a 77-73 home loss to the University of Mobile (AL) on Saturday. The Fillies (5-14, 2-8 Southern States Athletic Conference) visit Loyola University (LA) on Thursday and William Carey University (MS) on Saturday. LONDAISHA SMITH — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … scored five points with six rebounds, six steals, and one assist in the Lady Eagles’ 72-57 home win last Wednesday (Jan. 28) over Johnson University (TN). Reinhardt (15-5, 12-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visits Columbia International University (SC) on Monday, hosts Spartanburg Methodist (SC) on Wednesday, and welcomes Bryan College (TN) on Saturday. GYMNASTICS ABIGAIL BUNCH — Rhode Island College (Sr., Cass HS) … scored a 9.450 on balance beam and a 9.025 on the uneven bars this past Sunday as the Anchorwomen defeated Springfield College (MA), but lost to host Ithaca College (NY). RIC visits Springfield College on Sunday and will also face Brown University. WRESTLING LEE CAMP — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … won his bout this past Saturday at 133 pounds by technical fall as the Eagles won at Brewton-Parker Christian University 40-3. The Eagles return to action on Saturday at the University of Montevallo (AL).  BRYCE KRESHO — Franklin & Marshall College (Sr., Cass HS) … won his 141-pound bout by pin as the Diplomats won 30-11 this past Saturday at Drexel University in Philadelphia. On Sunday, Kresho won a 10-3 decision over his Hofstra University opponent in a 23-15 home win. Franklin & Morris hosts Morgan State University on Wednesday, February 11. CADEN McCRARY — Reinhardt University (Sr., Woodland HS) … won his bout at 141 pounds with a 4-2 decision this past Saturday as the Eagles won 40-3 at Brewton-Parker Christian University. Reinhardt travels to the University of Montevallo (AL) on Saturday. HAYDEN SANTORA — Reinhardt University (So., Woodland HS) … won his 165-pound bout by technical fall this past Saturday during a 40-3 Eagles win at Brewton-Parker Christian University. RU visits the University of Montevallo (AL) on Saturday. SOFTBALL KILEY ARNOLD — Shorter University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … went 0-for-6 with one RBI on a sacrifice fly last Friday in the Hawks’ two opening wins last Friday at home over Lee University. Shorter (2-0) will face McKendree University (IL), Palm Beach Atlantic University (FL), Union University (TN), and the University of Illinois-Springfield on Friday and Saturday at the Lee University Invitational in Cleveland, Tennessee. RACHAEL LEE — Valdosta State University (Sr., Cass HS) … went 1-for-13 with one double and one RBI in four starts at first base this past weekend at the Gulf Shores Invitational. The Blazers suffered losses to Spring Hill College (AL), 18th-ranked Rogers State (OK), and Northeastern State University (OK) before edging Middle Georgia State in their final game at the event. VSU (1-3) visits the University of North Georgia on Saturday for two games. BASEBALL MICAH EARWOOD — Southeastern University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … made a one-inning pitching appearance in the seventh this past Saturday in the Fire’s 9-8 loss to visiting Montreat College (NC). Southeastern (3-1) hosts 12th-ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan University for a three-game series in Lakeland, Florida, on Friday and Saturday. NICHOLAS HRUBY — Bryan College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … made a two-inning start with no decision last Friday in a 7-5 loss at 2nd-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College in Lawrenceville. Hruby allowed three earned runs on three hits and two walks. The Lions (0-3) host Marian University (IN) on Friday and Saturday for a four-game series. AIDAN LARKIN — Georgia Highlands College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … went 4-for-13, including one double and two RBI, as the Chargers went 2-2 at the Visit Panama City (FL) Classic. GHC beat Gulf Coast State College and Tallahassee State College, but lost to State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, and Wabash Valley College (IL). The Chargers host Cleveland State CC (TN) for a doubleheader on Tuesday and USC Lancaster for four games on Friday and Saturday. LUKE MILLER — Columbus State University (So., Cartersville HS) … went 2-for-6, including one double, one walk, one hit by pitch, one sacrifice fly, and one RBI in two home losses to the University of West Alabama this past weekend. The Cougars (0-2) play a three-game series on Friday through Sunday at Lenoir-Rhyne University (NC) DREW ROTHSCHILD — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … went 4-for-10, including two home runs, one double, and six RBI in a three-game home series last Friday and Saturday with Indiana Wesleyan University. The Stallions salvaged one of three games in the series. ABAC (4-2) travels to Lake Wales, Florida, for a doubleheader at Warner University on Friday and two games against Indiana University-South Bend on Saturday. JARRETT SCOTT — Bryan College (Fr., Adairsville HS) … made two starts and appeared in three games this past weekend at Georgia Gwinnett College. Scott went 1-for-5 at the plate and scored one run in three losses. The Lions (0-3) welcome Marian University (IN) for four games on Friday and Saturday. SAWYER WILSON — Columbus State University (So., Cartersville HS) … entered with two outs in the fourth inning and retired four of the eight batters he faced in the Cougars’ 8-6 loss to visiting West Alabama this past Sunday. Wilson allowed no runs on one hit, two walks, and one hit batter. He recorded one strikeout. CSU (0-2) visits Lenoir-Rhyne University (NC) for three games on Friday through Sunday. TRACK & FIELD BARRETT STEPP — Augusta University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … placed 53rd in the 800 meters (2:08.59) last Friday at the Tyron International Banked Invitational in Mill Spring, North Carolina. Next for the Jaguars is the Tyron Mid Winter Invitational on February 13-14. DANIELLE THAYER — Augusta University (Jr., Woodland HS) … finished seventh (18:42.28) in the 5000 meters last Friday at the Tyron International Banked Invitational in Mill Spring, North Carolina. Next for the Jaguars is the Tyron Mid Winter Invitational on February 13-14. JOSEPH WOMACK — Furman University (So., Cartersville resident, Darlington HS) … placed 40th (49.46) in the 400 meters last Saturday at the Clemson University Bob Pollock Invitational. The Paladins travel to Boston on February 13-14 for the David Hemery Valentine Invitational hosted by Boston University.

February 1, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Georgia Highlands College baseball kicked off its 2026 season last Thursday and Friday with a series of four games in Panama City, Florida. The Chargers had mixed results, winning against Gulf Coast State 2-0 and Tallahassee State 6-3, but falling to State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota 22-2 and Wabash Valley College (IL) 6-3. Carson Page and Cartersville High alumnus Aidan Larkin each recorded four hits during the Chargers' four-game series. Larkin, who transferred to GHC from the University of Kentucky, included a double and two RBIs among his hits. Wyatt Gatlin added two doubles and a two-run home run. Andrew Bishop (double) and Caden Marcos (double, RBI) each had three hits on the trip. Ian Fullerton contributed two hits, featuring a double and an RBI with a sac fly. Noah McMahon and Reed Thursby combined to shut out Gulf Coast State in the opener. McMahon went five innings and struck out four to earn the pitching win. Thursby tossed two shutout innings for a save.  David McKechnie recorded seven strikeouts in a four-inning start to collect the Chargers’ pitching win over Tallahassee State. Jack Burns fanned two of the three Tallahassee State batters he faced to pick up a save. Georgia Highlands (2-2) hosts Cleveland State CC (TN) for a doubleheader on Tuesday. The Chargers will then welcome USC Lancaster for a four-game series on Friday and Saturday.

January 31, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com (Edited on Saturday, 1 p.m.) Woodland wrestling won the 2026 Region 7-AAAA Traditional Tournament championship Friday night by outscoring host Cass, 266.5 to 244 in the eight-team event. Woodland and Cass each had five individuals win region championships in their respective weight divisions, and the two programs had wrestlers face off in the finals in seven of the fourteen weight classes. Dalton finished third in the team competition with 179.5 points, followed by Allatoona (154), Southeast Whitfield (113.5), Hiram (87), Cartersville (71.5), and Cedartown (68). The top four placers in each weight class advanced.to the Class AAAA State Sectionals on Saturday, February 7, at Cambridge High School.  Woodland advanced thirteen individuals; Cass had twelve wrestlers to extend their seasons; and Cartersville advanced three. Cayden Bagely (106), Adrian Zapata (126), Nathan Cates (157), Owen Jones (190), and John Gill (215) each won their weight class brackets. Bryton Glenn (120), Noah Cates (138), Dylan Couey (144), Aiden Buchanan (150), Skylar Pizzutiello (165), and Paul Lanier (175) each placed second. Nick Weathersbee (113) and Will Thomas (285) finished fourth for the Wildcats. Hayden Trimm (120), Rowdy Duck (138), Luka Jensen (144), Ethan Harrington (165), and Mason Tompkins (175) won region titles for the Colonels. Brandon Lalbehari (106) and David Jewell (157) were weight class runners-up. Justus Fife (126), Ethan Edwards (132), and Codey Dean (215) placed third. Collin Armona (150) and Logan Crisp (190) advanced with fourth-place finishes. Jair Flores of Cartersville won the 113-pound weight class, with teammates Peter Cepada (165) and Palarreus Richards (175) placing third. The Region 7-AAA tournament that includes the Adairsville boys, was postponed until Monday at LaFayette High School. The Girls Area Tournament will also be held on Monday at LaFayette.

January 31, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com On Friday night, the Cartersville girls and the Adairsville boys secured home region basketball victories, highlighting local results. Meanwhile, the Cartersville boys suffered their first region loss of the season. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 58, HIRAM 41 Zoe McCurry poured in 26 points and added eight rebounds Friday night as the Lady Canes defeated Hiram 58-41 at The Storm Center.  Cartersville led 16-7 after one quarter and never trailed. The Lady Canes led 26-15 at halftime and 43-30 through three quarters. Trinity Montgomery posted 17 points, eight boards, and three assists in the Lady Canes’ Region 7-AAAA victory. Blakely Morris added nine rebounds, seven points, and two steals. Brittain Payne scored 18 points for the Lady Hornets (8-11, 6-5). Taylor Gaddis added eight. Cartersville (17-4, 10-1) hosts Allatoona on Tuesday at 6 p.m. ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 62, RIDGELAND 39 The Adairsville boys snapped a six-game losing skid Friday night with a 62-39 home win over Region 7-AAA foe Ridgeland. The Tigers led 22-21 at the intermission, but overpowered the Panthers 24-2 in the third quarter to take command en route to a 23-point win. Lucas Poarch scored 24 points for the Tigers, and Elijah Pearson added 10 in the victory. Jamarcus Lewis had 17 points for Ridgeland (8-14, 1-9). Striker Harden added nine. Adairsville (3-20, 2-8) travels to Calhoun on Tuesday night. HIRAM 86, CARTERSVILLE BOYS 84 The Purple Hurricanes lost a Region 7-AAAA game for the first time this season on Friday night, falling to the visiting Hiram Hornets 86-84. Cartersville held narrow leads of 48-44 at halftime and 70-62 at the end of the third quarter, but Hiram outscored the Canes 24-14 in the final period to squeeze out a two-point victory. The Hornets’ win pulled them into a first-place tie with the Canes at the top of the region standings with three league games remaining. Jordan Smith and AJ Williams led Hiram (14-8, 10-1) with 25 and 23 points, respectively. Karon Fluker and Naeem McKanney each added 10 points. Xavier Lowe led the Hurricanes with 28 points and three rebounds. Wyatt Thomason finished with 17 points, five boards, and four assists. Kyron McClendon contributed 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Nas Bennett added 11 points, six rebounds, and two assists. Cartersville (17-4, 10-1) hosts winless Southeast Whitfield on Tuesday. RIDGELAND 46, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 34 A scoreless third quarter doomed the Lady Tigers on Friday night in a 46-34 home loss to the Ridgeland Lady Panthers. Adairsville led 20-18 at halftime, but was outscored 15-0 in the third quarter. Jamiah Lewis led the Lady Panthers with 14 points. Sha Elliott scored 13 and Jordyn Thomas added 10 for Ridgeland (18-3, 7-3). Alivia Joslin was the top scorer for the Lady Tigers with 14 points. Savannah Viktora pitched in five points. Adairsville (9-14, 3-7) visits Calhoun on Tuesday for a 6 p.m. tip. DALTON 76, WOODLAND GIRLS 21 The sixth-ranked Dalton Lady Catamounts defeated the Woodland girls on Friday night, 76-21. Dalton improved to 18-3 overall and remained tied with Cartersville atop the Region 7-AAAA standings at 10-1. Woodland (3-19, 0-11) visits Cedartown on Tuesday at 6 p.m. DALTON 60, WOODLAND BOYS 45 The Woodland Wildcats kept their region game at Dalton close for more than three quarters on Friday night, but fell to the Catamounts 60-45. Woodland led 18-16 after one quarter; trailed 26-20 at the intermission; and was behind 39-33 through three quarters. Dalton outscored the Wildcats 21-12 over the final eight minutes to pull away. “We played hard,” said Woodland coach Kip Dyer on Friday night, “but we just ran out of gas in the final quarter.” Landon Dougherty led the Wildcats with 12 points. Amir Heath posted 11, and Canden Davis scored 10 in the loss. Woodland (8-14, 1-10) travels to Cedartown on Tuesday for a 7:30 p.m. tip.