Both the Cass and Cartersville boys basketball teams dropped Thanksgiving Tournament games Wednesday evening. Dalton edged Cass in a low-scoring consolation round contest at the Dalton High School Thanksgiving Tournament and Cartersville lost to host North Murray at the Mountaineers' Turkey Jam. DALTON 36, CASS BOYS 30 Cass led 16-6 after one period, but Dalton chipped away in a low-scoring battle for a come-from-behind win over the Colonels Wednesday night in the consolation finals of the Dalton Thanksgiving Tournament, 36-30. The host Catamounts got back in the game in the second period by limiting the Colonels to only two points in the quarter. Cass still led 18-15 at halftime, but Dalton grabbed a 24-22 lead heading into the final quarter. “That was a disappointing loss,” said Cass coach Sean Glaze after the game. “We have work to do on both ends. We missed way too many open shots, but it was a lack of discipline on offense that hurt us tonight.” Dalton (2-1) was led by Jalen Westfield with eight points. Franklin Almonte and Jamal Mason followed with seven each. Braxton Benham led Cass with 12 points. C.J. Pipkin scored ten. Zaylan Chaney and Justice Hayes rounded out the scoring with five and three points, respectively. Next for the Colonels (1-3) is a home game Tuesday against Fannin County. NORTH MURRAY 71, CARTERSVILLE BOYS 61 The host Mountaineers improved to 3-0 on the season and won the North Murray Turkey Jam with a 10-point victory over Cartersville. North Murray edged Boaz (AL) Tuesday night in the semifinals to reach the championship game. Cartersville opened the tournament with a win over Northwest Whitfield. Micah Tart had five assists for the Canes. Isaac Gridley snagged ten rebounds and had five blocked shots. The Canes (1-1) return to the hardwoods Saturday, December 1 at Woodland with a 4:30 p.m. tip.

The Bartow County Parks and Recreation Department’s U10 Girls Soccer all-stars won the Georgia Parks and Recreation Association District 5 Championship this past Saturday in Dalton defeating Calhoun 6-1 in the title match. Bartow U10 will advance to the GRPA State Tournament November 30 and December 1 at the Nix Complex Causby Field in Dalton. The Bartow County U12 boys team placed second in the District 5 Tournament with wins over Murray County and Dalton Two, before falling to Dalton One in the title game. Layla Allgood, AnnaGrace Weathers, Gracie Cash, Carly Edwards, Ella Edwards, Emma Edwards, Malorie Rogers, Layla Morgan, Ryland Piatt, Zoe Bailey, Kiley McMichael, Bailey DeBoard. Coach: Jimmy Edwards.

The Cartersville girls edged Adairsville, while the boys teams from Cartersville, Cass, and Woodland all picked up Thanksgiving Tournament wins Tuesday night. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 40, ADAIRSVILLE 39 The Cartersville girls edged Adairsville 40-39 in a back-and-forth battle Tuesday night at the Armuchee Thanksgiving Tournament to improve to 2-0 on the season. Cartersville’s Amya Davis made two free throws with less than 20 seconds remaining and Adairsville missed a potential game-winning shot at the end. “We couldn’t keep them off the boards,” noted Adairsville coach Michael Roberson. “Their offensive rebounding was the difference in the game.” Lehla Thomas scored all 13 of her points in the first half — 12 in the second quarter — and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Lady Canes. London Shaw and Amya Davis scored eight points each. Alexia Henderson scored five points. Naijah Evans contributed four points and had four blocked shots. Kierra Milline added two points and Jamiya Moore had four assists. Nakiyah Washington led Adairsville (1-1) in the scoring column with 15 points. Coriana McDaniel scored 10 points. Havyn Isaac posted six points. Aaliyah Applin added four points. Breeana Wilson and Ji’Leyah Mitchell contributed three and one point, respectively. The Lady Tigers host Ringgold November 27. The Lady Canes play at Woodland December 1. CARTERSVILLE BOYS 75, NORTHWEST WHITFIELD 69 The Canes won their season opener at the North Murray High School Turkey Jam, defeating Northwest Whitfield 75-69. Perignon Dyer and Isaac Gridley paced Cartersville with 25 and 24 points, respectively. Micah Tart added 13 with Raylin Royal and Taywuan Johnson scoring five each. Cartersville (1-0) plays at host North Murray Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. CASS BOYS 61, SIGNAL MOUNTAIN (TN) 47 The Colonels picked up their first win of the year with a 61-47 victory over Signal Mountain (Tenn.) at the Dalton High School Thanksgiving Tournament. Cass led 18-10 after one quarter and extended their lead to 40-22 at the intermission. The Colonels held a 46-37 lead after three quarters. Cass had three players with double figures in scoring. Jacquez Fountain scored 14 points. Jaylon Johnson and Braxton Benham contributed 12 points apiece. C.J. Pipkin scored eight, Justice Hayes six, Zaylan Chaney five, and Ethan Carter two points. The Eagles (2-2) were led by Terrance Russell with 11 points. Owen Honroth and Malone Hawley added nine and seven points, respectively. Cass (1-2) plays in the consolation finals Wednesday against the host Catamounts at 5:30 back at Dalton High School. WOODLAND BOYS 51, CENTRAL-CARROLL 35 After dropping their first two games at the Paulding County High School Thanksgiving Tournament, Woodland raced to an early lead and held off Central-Carroll 51-35 to even their season record at 2-2. Hunter Johnson and Jaylen Ballard shared scoring honors for Woodland with 21 points each. Johnson’s night included five, three-pointers. Ballard scored 10 of his points in the first quarter. Woodland led 25-8 after one quarter and led 38-18 at halftime. Justice Carter and Nathan Gomez contributed four points each for Woodland. Peyton Roberts scored three. Abrin Daniel led Central with 12 points as the Lions slipped to 0-3 on the year. Woodland (2-2) travels to Hiram Friday, November 30 and will host Cartersville on Saturday, December 1. ARMUCHEE 43, WOODLAND GIRLS 26 The host Indians defeated the Lady Cats 43-26 in second day action at the Armuchee High School Thanksgiving Tournament. Armuchee evened its season mark at 2-2. The Lady Cats fall to 0-3 on the year and play at Hiram Friday, November 30 at 6 p.m. before hosting Cartersville on Saturday, December 1.

The Cartersville girls basketball team opened the 2018-19 season Monday night with a come-from-behind victory over host Armuchee and will be in action again Tuesday at the Armuchee Thanksgiving Tournament. Meanwhile, the Cartersville boys crank up their 2018-19 campaign Tuesday and Wednesday at the North Murray High School Turkey Jam in Chatsworth. The Canes will play Northwest Whitfield Tuesday and host North Murray Wednesday night. The Cartersville teams will once again compete in the always challenging Region 5-AAAA that includes Cedartown, Central-Carroll, LaGrange, Sandy Creek, and Chapel Hill. The girls will play non-region contests against Armuchee, Adairsville, Calhoun, Woodland, North Paulding, and Chattooga. The Hurricanes will have Calhoun, Woodland, Chattooga, White County, and Furtah Prep on their non-region slate. The Lady Canes will look to take a step forward from their 8-16 record last season. The Cartersville girls were 2-10 in region play. The Cartersville boys will look to extend their current streak of seven straight state playoff appearances. The Hurricanes were co-region regular season champions with Sandy Creek last season, won the Rome Holiday Tournament, and went undefeated at home. CARTERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL LADY CANES Head Coach: Cindy Moore Assistants: Emerson Bridges, Bonnie Britton, D’Yazmine Richards Returning starters: Amya Davis (Sr.), Ariana Cochran (Jr.), and London Shaw (Sr.) Expected contributors: (comment by Coach Moore) Naijiah Evans (Jr.) - “high expectations, she will be a contributing factor for this team.” Emily Perry (Sr.) and Jada Cunningham (Jr.) - “the other upperclassmen expected to contribute.” “We will have a host of freshmen and sophomores that are ready to make an impact.” Season goals / expectations from Coach Moore: “Our goal is to play consistent basketball and improve each week.” CARTERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL PURPLE HURRICANES Head Coach: Mike Tobin (495-195, 26 seasons at Cartersville, Woodland, Eden Prarie (MN) Last Season: 21-7 overall / 10-2 Region 5-AAAA Players with commentary from Coach Tobin: Issac Gridley: 6’7” Sr – Honorable Mention All Region last season. Set school record for blocked shots last season. Got much stronger in the weight room the past off-season. Excellent shooter and ball handler. Started 2016 & 2018 Region Championship game. Can score inside and outside. School record 85 blocked shots last season. Perignon Dyer: 5’8” Sr Guard. Explosive guard. Has improved tremendously. Excellent perimeter shooter and penetrator. Taywuan Johnson : 6’1” Sr. G: Has improved tremendously over the past two seasons. Best floater on the team. Marqual Coaxum: 5’11 Jr. G: Excellent speed and great defender. Penetrates well. Competitor. 2 sport athlete Micah Tart: 5’11” Jr: 2 yr varsity award winner. Great first step. Has improved tremendously from last season. Marco Dudley: 5’11” Jr: Brought up to varsity last season. 2 sport athlete. Possibly the best defender on the squad. Austin Cauffman: 6’2” Sr.: Played Varsity last year. Brings energy and high enthusiasm to team. Works extremely hard. Top Newcomers: Raylin Royal: 5’8” Sr. Guard: Ultra quick. Outstanding at putting defense pressure on the ball. Robert Novak: 6’2” Soph. High basketball IQ. Amarai Orr: 6’2” Soph. 2 sport athlete. Had a great summer. Intense offensive rebounder. Competes at a very high level. Kolbe Benham: 6’2” Soph. 2 sport athlete Evan Slocum: 6’2 Soph. 2 sport athlete Quante Jennings: 6’0” Soph. 2 sport athlete Devonte Ross: 5’10” Soph. 2 sport athlete Tyriek Hammock: 6’6” Soph. Coach Tobin’s comments about 2018-19 team, including season outlook: We put in a good summer of work competing against some of the best teams in the State. We feel like we have improved greatly from the end of May to the present day. Players are getting stronger in weight training and preseason conditioning. Many players were very dedicated and committed in an attempt to improve individual and team skills. We will have good team speed, and some very good perimeter shooting to hopefully stretch out opposing defenses. There is a high probability that we will play our first several games without our players that play football. We are looking forward to get many players off the football team hopefully after they win the State Championship. We are looking forward to playing in two regular season tournaments, and a very challenging Region schedule. Comments on Region 5AAAA: The Region is shaping up to be very competitive. Sandy Creek is loaded with 6’8” TJ Bickerstaff leading their team. Troup has an abundance of talent.

The Cartersville Parks and Recreation Department youth football teams concluded Georgia District 5 play this past Saturday at Dellinger Park with games against Carrollton. The Cartersville 8U, 10U, and 12U all-star teams will advance to the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association state playoffs on Saturday, December 1 at Walton County as the GRPA District 5, Class A representatives. CARTERSVILLE 12U 28, CARROLLTON 12 Cartersville scored on touchdown runs of 34- and 6-yards by Khristian Lando. Jakeveon Porter had a 10-yard rushing touchdown. Trevor Harris finished with 50 yards rushing. Brelace Williams converted two-point PATs. ​​Lando, Harris, and Logan Shrewsbury had one interception each for the Cartersville defense. The return by Shrewbury as time expired in the second quarter was just shy of a pick-six. Brayden Pope had a fumble recovery in the second quarter and Isaiah Livsey finished with eight total tackles. Carrollton got a 34-yard touchdown run by Khristian Crowder and a one-yard touchdown on a keeper by quarterback Carson Kimball. Both PAT kicks were unsuccessful. R.J. Sizemore and Jeremiah Stevens were the defensive leaders. CARROLLTON 10U 19, CARTERSVILLE 12 Carrollton broke open a close game in the fourth quarter with a pair of touchdowns to win 19-12. Bodie Brumlow connected with Reed Ezell on a 54-yard pass to set up Cartersville’s first touchdown. Brumlow scored on a one-yard sneak. Ezell scored the second touchdown on a 12-yard run to narrow the Carrollton lead to 13-12, but Cartersville would get no closer. Jacob Ellis finished with 80 yards rushing. Ellis recorded ten tackles to pace the Cartersville defense. Bear McWhorter had six tackles — two for loss. Collier Jordan was effective as a pass rusher. CARROLLTON 8U 7, CARTERSVILLE 0 Carrollton 8U’s Omarvi Smith had the game’s only touchdown with a 20-yard run in the second quarter as Carrollton edged Cartersville. Tobias Thomaston and Rayden Avery were identified as defensive leaders for Carrollton. Cooper Melvin led the Cartersville offense with 40 total yards and was 1-for-3 passing. Braxton Mealer was credited with three touchdown saving tackles for the Cartersville defense. Melvin contributed six total tackles and Braylen Clever was noted for making a pair of touchdown saving stops. Youth football recreation reports are sponsored by McWhorter Capital Partners and are provided to Bartow Sports Zone by the Cartersville Parks and Recreation Department and the Bartow County Parks and Recreation Department.

The Adairsville girls basketball team defeated Bartow County rival Woodland Monday night in both teams’ opening game of the Armuchee Thanksgiving Tournament in Floyd County. The Lady Tigers led 15-13 after one quarter, 30-27 at halftime, and 42-34 after three periods on their way to a five-point victory. Havyn Isaac led three Lady Tigers in double figures with 15 points. Coriana McDaniel and Nakiyah Washington followed with 12 and 10 points, respectively. Lori Cimino scored six points, Aaliyah Applin and Ji’leyah Mitchell followed with four points each, and Alexa Varner added one point for the Lady Tigers Woodland was led by Madgie Robinson who scored 11 of her 15 points in the first half. Lauren Morris also reached double figures for the Lady Cats with 12 points. Nickiah Metcalf contributed eight points for Woodland. Jordan Thompson scored six, Gracie Styles four, and Callie Jones finished with two points. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 49, ARMUCHEE 41 The Lady Canes trailed 25-20 at halftime, but rallied in the third quarter to take the lead and held off the host Indians 49-41 in both teams’ first game at the Armuchee Thanksgiving Tournament. The Lady Canes outscored Armuchee 14-7 in the third quarter to take control of the contest and then outscored the Indians 15-9 in the final eight minutes to win by eight. Haley Johnson scored 11 of her game-high 18 points in the first half to keep Cartersville in striking range. Lehla Thomas scored all of her 10 points in the second half as the Lady Canes came-from-behind. Rounding out the Cartersville scoring were Amya Davis with seven, Ariana Cochran six, Naijah Evans and Jimaya Moore three each, and Alexia Henderson with two points. Olivia Moses led Armuchee (1-2) with 13 points. Chloe Purdy and Julia Williams followed with 10 and nine points, respectively. Cartersville will play Adairsville Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Armuchee Tournament. CLEVELAND (TN) 73, CASS BOYS 45 The Colonels had ten different players to score, led by 10 points from Jacquez Fountain, but Cleveland (TN) had too much offense for the Colonels Monday afternoon at the Dalton Thanksgiving Tournament. “Cleveland has a good team,” said Cass coach Sean Glaze. “We played flat the entire first half, however. We are still learning the importance of toughness and discipline.” Other scorers for Cass included Ethan Carter with eight points, C.J. Pipkin seven, Justice Hayes six, Jordan Ford five, Jaylon Johnson three, Jaquan Heard and Zaylan Chaney two each, Eman Green and Zay Jackson one point apiece. Cass (0-2) will play Monday night’s Signal Mountain (TN) vs. Morristown East (TN) loser Tuesday at 4 p.m. in a consolation round game at Dalton High School. LITHIA SPRINGS 70, WOODLAND BOYS 48 Lithia Springs broke open a tight game Monday afternoon by outscoring Woodland 22-10 in the third quarter on their way to a 70-48 consolation round win at the Paulding Patriots Hoopsgiving Tournament. The Lions and Wildcats were knotted 15-15 after one quarter and Woodland held a three point advantage at the intermission, 30-27. Lithia Springs improved to 2-1 on the season and will play Lassiter Tuesday afternoon in the consolation finals. Woodland slips to 1-2 for the year and will play Central-Carroll in another consolation round matchup Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. at Paulding County High School.

Former Adairsville High School star and Clemson University All-American Vic Beasley had an impressive day for the Atlanta Falcons Sunday. He not only did a solid job setting the edge against Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott, he got to Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott twice raising his season sack total to three. Unfortunately for his Falcons however, Atlanta lost to Dallas 19-16 on a last second field goal. On the college football front, 20 local athletes made contributions with their respective programs this week highlighted by a two touchdown, 251-yard passing day for former Cartersville High and current Clemson University quarterback Trevor Lawrence. A pair of local runners — Spencer Fields and Jaison Morning — concluded their collegiate cross country careers and the college basketball schedule has now begun across the country. NFL VIC BEASLEY — Atlanta Falcons (4th yr. pro, DE, Clemson University, Adairsville HS)… recorded three tackles with a pair of quarterback sacks Sunday afternoon, but the Falcons fell at home to the Dallas Cowboys 19-16 to slip to 4-6 for the year. COLLEGE FOOTBALL DeANDRE APPLIN — Georgia State University (Sr., DB, Adairsville HS)… made five tackles including one for a loss in the Panthers’ 45-17 loss at Appalachian State Saturday. The starting safety has 27 tackles this season and one interception. Georgia State (2-9, 1-6 Sun Belt Conference) concludes the 2018 season Saturday in Atlanta against Georgia Southern. TERRY BERDIN — Reinhardt University (Fr., RB, Cartersville HS)… a week after garnering Mid-South Conference Appalachian Division Player of the Week for his 175 yard, three touchdown performance against Union College (KY), Berdin was limited to only one carry for 16 yards in the Eagles’ 31-21 NAIA first round playoff loss Saturday to Concordia (MI). Reinhardt’s season ended with a 9-2 mark. Berdin rushed for 284 yards this season on 29 carries. CHRIS BLACKSTON — University of West Georgia (Jr., FS, Adairsville HS)… the Wolves’ starter at free safety had six tackles, three solo, in a 41-31 NCAA D2 playoff loss to visiting Wingate Saturday. Blackston finished the year as the Wolves’ fourth-leading tackler with 47 total. He also had one tackle for loss, one pass break-up, one pass defended, two quarterback hurries, and recovered one fumble. West Georgia was ranked as high as No. 2 nationally during the year, but their season ends with a 10-2 mark. TREVOR CARLTON — Reinhardt University (Sr., LB, Cartersville HS)… had one tackle in the Eagles’ 31-21 NAIA first round playoff loss Saturday to Concordia (MI) University. Carlton finished the season with 34 total tackles, five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Reinhardt finishes the year with a 9-2 record. MARCUS CHILDERS — Northern Illinois University (R-So., QB, Adairsville HS)… was 15-for-32 for 157 yards passing with one interception last Wednesday in the Huskies’ 13-7 home loss to Miami (OH). Childers also rushed for 57 yards on 13 attempts in NIU’s first Mid-American Conference loss. Northern Illinois (7-4, 6-1) plays at Western Michigan Tuesday night and will represent the MAC Western Division in the MAC Championship Game in Detroit on November 30. JONATHAN CRUZ — UNC-Charlotte (Fr., PK, Cartersville HS)… made all five PAT kicks and had four of five kickoffs for touchbacks but the 49ers fell 42-35 at home to Florida International Saturday. Charlotte (4-7, 3-4 Conference USA) closes out the 2018 season this Saturday night at Florida Atlantic. DALEN CURTIS — Brevard College (So., FB, Cartersville HS)… had one carry for three yards Saturday in the Tornados’ 46-10 win over Allen University. Brevard finished the season with a 4-6 record. CURTIS FEANNY — Lenoir-Rhyne University (Fr., OL, Woodland HS)… made the participation list in the Bears’ NCAA D2 opening round playoff win over visiting Florida Tech, 43-21. 17th-ranked LRU (11-1) advances to host Wingate this Saturday in the second round. JORDAN FERGUSON — Middle Tennessee State University (So., DL, Cartersville HS)… had one tackle Saturday in the Blue Raiders’ 34-23 loss at Kentucky. He now has 10 tackles for the season. MTSU (7-4, 6-1 C-USA) can play their way into the Conference USA Championship Game with a home win over UAB this Saturday afternoon. MILLER FORRISTALL — University of Alabama (R-So., TE, Cartersville HS)… fielded one of the kickoffs and was credited with a one-yard return Saturday as the top-ranked Crimson Tide defeated The Citadel 50-17. Alabama (11-0, 7-0 SEC) has already clinched the SEC West and will host rival Auburn this Saturday afternoon. RICO FRYE — Bowling Green University (Fr., RB, Cartersville HS)… rushed for 59 yards on 14 attempts including a long run of 13 yards as the Falcons won at Akron University 21-6 Saturday. Frye capped a late third quarter drive with a 5-yard touchdown run and was even credited with a tackle following an interception in the second quarter. Bowling Green (3-8, 2-5 MAC) will look to extend a two-game win streak at home Friday night against Buffalo. SEAN HOLTON — Davidson College (So., DB, Cartersville HS)… had one tackle Saturday in the Wildcats’ 41-38 defeat of visiting Butler. Holton’s season included 23 tackles (21 solo), one tackle for loss, one pass break-up, and one pass defended. Davidson finished the season 6-5 overall and 3-5 in the Pioneer Football League. BRADY JERNIGAN — Maryville College (TN) (Jr., DL, Woodland HS)… had one tackle in the Scots’ 31-0 NCAA D3 first round playoff loss Saturday at 18th-ranked Berry College. Maryville ends the year 7-3 and was USA South Athletic Conference champion. LUCAS JOHNSON — Georgia State University (Sr., OL, Cass HS)… was in the offensive line rotation Saturday in the Panthers’ 45-17 loss at Appalachian State. GSU (2-9, 1-6 Sun Belt Conference) closes out the 2018 campaign Saturday at home against Georgia Southern. EMMANUEL JONES — Colorado State University (So., DE, Woodland HS)… had a pair of tackles in Saturday’s 29-24 home loss to 18th-ranked Utah State. The Rams (3-8, 2-5 Mountain West Conference) will wrap up the 2018 season Thanksgiving Day at Air Force. TREVOR LAWRENCE — Clemson University (Fr., QB, Cartersville HS)… was 21-of-38 for 251 yards and two touchdowns Saturday as 2nd-ranked Clemson cruised by Duke, 35-6. He also rushed for 26 yards on three attempts, including a long run of 19 yards. Lawrence’s longest toss of the day went for 41-yards in the second quarter to Justyn Ross and he had touchdown passes of 19 yards to Ross and 10-yards to T.J. Chase. Through 10 games, Lawrence is 152-of-228 (66.7%) for 1,844 yards and 19 touchdowns. Clemson (11-0, 8-0 ACC) steps out of conference Saturday to host rival South Carolina before facing Pitt the following Saturday in Charlotte in the ACC title game. NYVIN NELSON — University of Chattanooga (Fr.,, LB, Cartersville HS)… saw action Saturday in the Mocs’ 49-9 loss at South Carolina. Chattanooga finished the year with a 6-5 mark. MARK QUATTLEBAUM — UNC-Charlotte (Sr., SL, Cartersville HS)… was targeted twice Saturday and made a pair of fair catches on punts in the 49ers’ 42-35 home loss to Florida International. Charlotte (4-7, 3-4 C-USA) closes out the season Saturday at Conference USA foe Florida Atlantic. SEVEN RICHARDS — Jacksonville University (Fr., OL, Cass HS)… the Dolphins’ starter at left guard was part of an offense that finished with 299 total yards (266 rushing) in a season-ending 34-7 loss at University of Dayton. Jacksonville finished the year 2-8 overall and 1-7 in the Pioneer Football League. JAKE WALKER — Furman University (So., TE, Cartersville, GA, Darlington HS)… made four catches for 43 yards and two touchdowns Saturday in the Paladins’ 35-30 win at Mercer. Walker’s touchdown catches were for 10-yards to cap an early second quarter drive and 11-yards in the fourth quarter for the final go-ahead score with 6:52 remaining. Furman (6-4, 6-2 SoCon) captured a share of the 2018 Southern Conference championship but were not selected as an at-large team for the FCS playoffs. CROSS COUNTRY SPENCER FIELDS — Rhodes College (Sr., Kingston, GA, Darlington HS)… placed 79th individually (25:28.3) of 280 runners Saturday as Rhodes finished 17th at the NCAA D-III National Champoionships in Winneconne, Wisconsin. The national title was won by North Central (IL). The men’s 8K championship race was held at Lake Breeze Golf Club. For the Lynx, it was their third straight NCAA National appearance and Rhodes’ best-ever finish. JAISON MORNING — Valdosta State University (Sr., Cass HS)… ran to a 60th place finish individually and was the Blazers’ top finisher in 33:53.68 (10K event) as VSU placed 15th at the NCAA Division II South Regional won by Embry-Riddle University. In his career, Morning scored for the Blazers in 21 events and was often VSU’s top runner. WRESTLING JONATHAN DE LA CRUZ — Life University (Fr., 184-pounds, Cartersville HS)… went 3-2 to place fourth Saturday at the Georgia Open hosted by Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, GA. Life wrestles next at Reinhardt University November 28. COLLEGE BASKETBALL MARK CHESTER — Georgia Northwestern Tech CC (Fr., G, Cass HS)… scored 24 points last Tuesday as the Bobcats defeated the Covenant College JV squad, 105-94. Georgia Northwestern (1-1) hosts the Tennessee Wesleyan University JV Tuesday in Rossville. RYAN DAVIS — Francis Marion University (Sr., G, Cartersville HS)… scored 10 points of 3-of-6 shooting, collected 10 rebounds, distributed five assists, and made two steals in 27 minutes as the Patriots beat visiting Methodist University last Thursday 110-63. FMU (2-1) plays at Shaw University Tuesday night. WHITNEY HARRIS — Toccoa Falls College (Fr., G, Woodland HS)… scored nine points with two rebounds, two assists, and a steal in a 90-38 home loss to Erskine College last Wednesday. Harris also had nine points and five rebounds in TFC’s 94-31 loss at Emmanuel College Friday night. The Screaming Eagles (1-6) play at Berry College Tuesday night. CARTER HEDDEN — Hocking CC (Fr., G, Cass HS)… scored six points on 3-of-7 shooting Saturday in a 98-63 loss at Lakeland CC. He added a rebound and three assists. Hedden is averaging 3.8 ppg through the Hawks first eight games. Hocking (2-6) returns to action November 26 at UC-Clermont. KIMORA McCLINIC — Middle Georgia State University (So., G, Cartersville HS)… played four minutes off the bench but accumulated no other stat line in the Knights’ 78-68 win last Monday at Thomas University. MGSU (3-2) hosts Voorhees Tuesday, November 27. JANA MORNING — Berry College (So., G, Cass HS)… scored nine points in a home win over Wesleyan and four points in a loss at Brevard as the Vikings opened their 2018-19 campaign. Morning also accumulated 12 rebounds, five assists, and three steals in the two games. Berry (1-1) hosts Toccoa Falls Tuesday, plays at LaGrange Saturday and hosts Piedmont College Sunday. JONATHAN PRITCHETT — Vermont Tech CC (So., G, Woodland HS)… averaging just over 18 minutes per game this past week — all starts — Pritchett did not score, but had a rebound, one steal, and two assists in a 115-33 home win over Hampshire Wednesday. He then scored four points with a steal and a block in a 94-74 win Friday over visiting Paul Smith’s College. On Sunday, the Knights lost for the first time at Middlebury College. Pritchett had one rebound. VTCC (6-1, 4-0 Yankee Small School Conference) host Fisher College on Tuesday. JAYLON PUGH — Furman University (Fr., G, Cartersville HS)… scored nine points with two rebounds, one assist, and one steal last Thursday night during a 107-67 home win over D2 North Greenville. He also played three minutes in an 88-86 home win over Gardner-Webb last Tuesday, but did not see floor time in the Paladins’ dramatic 76-68 overtime upset of 8th-ranked Villanove Saturday in Philadelphia. Furman (5-0) hosts Southern Wesleyan Wednesday and travels to UNC Asheville Sunday. JOSIE SUMMERVILLE — North Park University (Fr., F, Adairsville HS)… came off the bench and scored two points in both of the Vikings’ first two games Friday and Saturday in the North Park Tip-Off Tournament in Chicago. Summerville also collected five rebounds and had one steal as NPU lost to Wittenberg University and defeated Defiance College. NPU (1-1) hosts Concordia-Chicago Tuesday and will host Berea College (KY) Saturday in the opening round of the North Park Thanksgiving Invitational. The Vikings will also play either Wisconsin-Stout or Albion Sunday. DARIUS THROWER — Truett McConnell University (Jr., G, Excel Christian Acad.)… scored six points in 12 minutes off the bench as the Bears beat Columbia International (SC) 87-76 last Wednesday. He then drew his first start of the season Saturday and had one rebound and one assist in 11 minutes as the Bears lost at home to Montreat (NC) 72-57. TMU (3-2) hosts Bluefield College (VA) Tuesday night. CARROD WATSON — University of North Georgia (R-Jr., F/C, Woodland HS)… played five minutes with two rebounds and a blocked shot as the Nighthawks defeated Southern Wesleyan 86-57 Saturday in Dahlonega. UNG (3-1) entertains University of West Georgia Tuesday night. HAKEEM WINTERS — Point University (Sr., F, Cartersville HS)… was a starter last Thursday but only saw one minute of action in a 99-82 loss at Montreat (NC). Point (0-8, 0-4 Appalachian Athletic Conference) plays at Tennessee Wesleyan Tuesday. PRO BASKETBALL ELIJAH ROBINSON — Club Atletico Villa San Martin (1st yr. pro; La Liga Argentina, F, Emmanuel College, Excel Christian Academy)… scored only two points, but contributed four rebounds and one assist in his team’s 71-62 win Sunday night over Hindu Club. Robinson is averaging more than 15 points and six rebounds per game for the 4-3 Villa San Martin team. They play at Olimpico Ceres November 24 before hosting Hindu and Independiente November 27 and 30.

The Excel Christian Academy boys basketball team edged visiting Gordon Central Saturday 50-48 to start the Eagles’ 2018-19 regular season slate on a winning note. Rayshawn Womack, who scored 16 points and had seven rebounds in the contest, scooped up a loose ball near mid-court and finished with a lay up as the Eagles snagged a victory as time expired. Kalil Holley led ECA with 17 points and added five rebounds. Josiah Mosley scored 11 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and contributed six assists. Excel (1-0) hosts Morris Innovative November 27. WHITEFIELD ACADEMY 60, WOODLAND BOYS 51 Playing in the opening round of the Paulding County Patriots’ Hoopsgiving Classic, Woodland lost Saturday to Whitefield Academy of Cobb County, 60-51. The two teams were tied at 11 after one quarter before the Wolfpack outscored Woodland 20-11 in the second quarter to take a 31-22 lead at halftime. Whitefield (1-0) held a 48-40 advantage after three quarters. The Wolfpack’s A.J. Hopkins scored 13 of his 18 points in the first half and Devonte Watson picked up the slack in the second half scoring 12 of his 14. Woodland (1-1) was led by Hunter Johnson and Dawson Wilkins with 18 and 15 points, respectively. Jaylen Ballard scored eight points. Peyton Roberts contributed six points and Justice Carter added four points. The Wildcats will play Lithia Springs Monday in the consolation round of the tournament at Paulding County High School.

The Hurricanes’ defense forced five turnovers and junior quarterback Tee Webb tossed four touchdown passes as Cartersville dominated Ridgeland 41-7 Friday night at Weinman Stadium. The victory powered the Purple Hurricanes to a 12-0 record for the fourth time since 2012 and propelled Cartersville to a Class 4A state quarterfinal matchup at Baldwin next Friday night in Milledgeville. Three of Webb’s scoring strikes were to tight end Jackson Lowe (photo) and Sunni Moorehead’s 42-yard interception return for a third quarter touchdown highlighted the Canes’ defensive barrage. Two first quarter turnovers by Ridgeland set up short fields for the Cartersville offense and the Canes took advantage for an early two-score lead. Amarai Orr recovered a Ridgeland fumble on the Panthers’ first possession of the night to set up a 49-yard scoring drive for Cartersville. Marcus Gary capped the drive with a five-yard run and Oscar Hernandez kicked the PAT with 4:21 remaining in the opening quarter. Sunni Moorehead On the ensuing drive, Marko Dudley intercepted a Ridgeland pass and returned it to the Canes’ 46-yard line. Four plays later, Webb connected with Dadrian Dennis for a 30-yard touchdown to give the Hurricanes a 13-0 lead with 2:12 left in the first quarter. The PAT kick failed. A Ridgeland punt set up the next Canes’ scoring drive from 41 yards. A 30-yard touchdown pass from Webb to Jackson Lowe with 8:37 remaining in the second quarter added the points as Cartersville led 20-0. Cartersville had its next offensive drive reach the red zone, but end with an interception by Ridgeland’s Stephon Walker at the goal line with 5:17 remaining in the half. The first half ended, however, with a Marquail Coaxum interception and the third Ridgeland turnover of the first half as the Canes took a 20-0 advantage to the intermission. Webb found Lowe (photo right) for two more touchdown passes in the third quarter. A 23-yard connection put Cartersville up 27-0 with 5:13 left in the period. Then after Evan Slocum intercepted a Ridgeland pass and returned it 60 yards to the Panthers’ 20-yard line, Webb hit Lowe again from four yards and Cartersville held a 41-0 lead with 0:04 left in the third quarter. In between the two Webb to Lowe touchdown connections, Cartersville linebacker Sunni Moorehead returned a pick-six 42 yards at the 3:11 mark of the third quarter that gave the Canes a 34-0 lead at the time. The only Ridgeland score of the night came late on a Tanner Hill 22-yard pass to Jordan Hughley. Connor Middleton’s PAT kick made the final score, 41-7. Ridgeland’s season ends with an 8-4 record. Webb finished the night 20-of-28 passing for 209 yards and four touchdowns. Gary (photo) was a workhorse for the Canes rushing for 154 yards and finishing with 176 total yards. Lowe hauled in five receptions for 74 yards and three scores and Dennis contributed five catches for 53 yards and a touchdown. Cartersville (12-0) advances to the Class 4A state quarterfinals where the Canes will travel to Milledgeville next Friday night to face Baldwin. The Braves (7-5) blanked Columbus Friday night, 21-0. Game stats courtesy Nicholas Sullivan, The Daily Tribune News

The Woodland basketball teams opened the 2018-19 season Friday night at home by splitting a pair of games with Gordon Central. The Wildcats defeated the visiting Warriors 60-38. The Lady Cats fell 63-29. WOODLAND BOYS 60, GORDON CENTRAL 38 The Wildcats got their 2018-19 season started on the right foot Friday night at home with a 60-37 win over Gordon Central. Woodland led 12-7 after one quarter and 24-17 at halftime before taking a 38-23 lead after three quarters. Jaylen Ballard and Hunter Johnson led the Wildcats’ scoring with 24 and 20 points, respectively. They were followed by Kyjuan McLendon and Dawson Wilkins with four points each. Nathan Gomez and Justice Carter added three points. DiAnthony Heathcock scored two points, while D.J. Robinson and Peyton Roberts added one point each. Kade Steward led Gordon Central (0-1) with 13 points. Lee Mabe and Christian Manjez added eight apiece for the Warriors. Woodland (1-0) opens play at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the Paulding Patriots Hoopsgiving Classic against Whitefield Academy at Paulding County High School. GORDON CENTRAL 63, WOODLAND GIRLS 29 The visiting Lady Warriors ran out to a 19-7 lead after one quarter and led 34-18 at halftime on their way to a 63-29 opening night win at Woodland. Mercedes Coleman led Gordon Central (1-0) with 16 points. Cara Crump scored 12 and Tayla Gunn added nine for the Warriors. Madgie Robinson and Lauren Morris score seven each for the Lady Cats. Jordan Thompson added four points. Nickiah Metcalf scored three. Morgan Bailey, Morgan Cooper, Abigail Taylor, and Gracie Styles contributed two points each. Woodland (0-1) plays Adairsville Monday at 5:30 p.m. in the opening round of the Armuchee Thanksgiving Tournament in Rome.

Adairsville High School swimmer, Rylee Moss, signed her National Letter of Intent to compete collegiately at Old Dominion University on Wednesday and Thursday she posted her first state-qualifying time of the season at Darlington. The Tigers' senior was under the state qualifying mark in the 200-meter individual medley as Adairsville finished second in the meet. She was also part of the Lady Tigers' 200 free relay team that narrowly missed the state qualifying benchmark by just over a second. In another highlight for Adairsville, Harper Powell swam a 26.38 third leg in the 50-meter free. Had that time been the first leg, it would have qualified for the state meet. Adairsville finished with 63 points and finished behind Calhoun (105) but ahead of third-place Cartersville (55). In the boys' competition Thursday, Adairsville finished in a sixth place tie with Cartersville at Darlington and were eighth last weekend in Augusta with 85 points. Evan Crane had a fifth place finish in the 200 free (2:26.65) and was sixth in the 500 free (6:52.88). He also anchored the 200 medley relay team that placed eighth with teammates Ian Huling, Landon Cress, and Davis Hardin. Last weekend at the Richmond Hill Pumpkin Plunge Invitational, Moss was runner-up in the 200 IM (2:25.38) and 100 butterfly (1:02.24). Powell also had a second-place finish in 27.56 seconds in the 50 free. Kayleigh Rice collected a fifth place in the 200 free, and Mallory Cook was fifth in the 50 free. Adairsville also had a pair of top-five finishes from its 200-meter relay teams. The medley squad of Powell, Josie Siniard, Moss and Cook placed third and established a new school record of 2:13.37 while the freestyle team (Powell, Camille Woodall, Cook and Moss) placed fourth in 1:59.62. Next for Adairsville will be the Tiger Plunge hosted by the Adairsville teams on Saturday, December 1.

The Cass girls and boys varsity basketball teams began their 2018-19 slates Tuesday night at home with games against visiting Cumberland Christian Academy. The Lady Colonels came away with an opening night win while the Colonels dropped new head coach Sean Glaze’s opener. The Cass girls will look to build on last season’s 15-11 record that saw the Lady Colonels finish 8-8 in Region 7-AAAAA. Cass failed to make the state playoffs, falling to Kell in a game that decided a state qualifier. In addition to Tuesday night’s opponent in 2018-19, the Lady Colonels will face non-region opponents Clarkston, Fannin County, Chapel Hill, and Chattahoochee. Cass will also play three opponents, including Washington, in the Adairsville Christmas Classic December 27-29. The Cass boys finished 17-12 one year ago and earned a state playoff berth after going 9-7 in Region 7-AAAAA. Head coach David Brock has departed to take the head coaching job at Dalton High School. The Colonels have another non-region game scheduled against Fannin County and Cass will play in two holiday tournaments. They play Cleveland (TN) in the opening round of the Dalton Thanksgiving Tournament November 19-21 and will play a pair of games December 21-22 in the Rockmart Christmas Tournament. Both the Lady Colonels and Colonels again will compete in Region 7-AAAAA that includes home-and-home matchups against Kell, Paulding County, East Paulding, Rome, Carrollton, Woodland, Villa Rica, and Hiram. Cass High School Lady Colonels Head Coach: Burt Jackson Assistant: Taylor Weeks Returning Starters: Sharia Wade, Amber Brittian, Alexis Ware, and Payton Stoddard Potential Starters and Expected Contributors: Londaisha Smith, Claire Davis, Ariana Hames, Brianna Stephenson, and Taryn Callahan Other Varsity Players: Brooklyn Whittington, Sylvia Wade, Abby Stoddard Coach Jackson on 2018-19 expectations: “We expect to compete for the region championship and qualify for the state tournament.” Cass High School Colonels Head Coach: Sean Glaze Assistants: Stephen Page, Drew McKaig, and Jonathan Wallace Returning Starter(s): Justice Hayes New potential starters and top expected contributors: Jordan Ford, Ethan Carter, and C.J. Pipkin Remainder of varsity roster: Zaylan Chaney, Emanuel Green, Andrew Glaze, Braxton Benham, Jaylon Johnson, Darius Ward, Jaquan Heard, JaQuez Fountain Coach Glaze’s comments on the 2018-19 season: “The six seniors who graduated from last year’s state tournament team took about 90 percent of the team scoring with them. The varsity roster is expected to include five upperclassmen and the remainder will be freshmen and sophomores. That said, I am pleased with the growth and commitment our guys have shown in the preseason. Watching our guys continue to grow into leadership roles will take some time, and our staff is excited to see how the work our athletes have put in will translate into production on the court in what is a very competitive region.”