Adairsville High School baseball coach, Billy Roper, was recently recognized by the Georgia Dugout Club for achieving 200 wins as a head baseball coach. Coach Roper is beginning his fifth year as the head baseball coach at Adairsville after serving as an assistant on the Tigers’ staff for four years with coach Eric Bishop. Prior to joining the staff at Adairsville, Roper was the head coach at Newton High School in Covington for eight years. Adairsville is 51-53-1 over the past four seasons under Roper including a 15-11 campaign in 2016. The Tigers were 10-19 last season, 13-12-1 in 2015, and 13-11 in 2014. Adairsville will begin baseball tryouts and practices on Monday, January 22 with their preseason scrimmage set for 5:30 p.m. on February 8 at home against St. Pius. The Tigers officially begin the 2018 season at home February 12 against Model at 5:30 p.m. Also at the Georgia Dugout Club Awards ceremony at the Marietta Hilton Hotel & Conference Center, Valdosta head coach Brad Porter received the Ethics in Coaching Award The GDC also added six new members into its Hall of Fame -- the late Georgia College coach John Kurtz, former Brunswick coach Charles Skipper, Mercer University coach Craig Gibson, Mill Creek coach Doug Jones, Parkview coach Chan Brown and Walton coach Shane Amos. Kurtz's family (wife Kathy, daughter Kauleen Thatcher and grandson Cooper Thatcher) accepted the Hall of Fame award on behalf of the legendary Bobcat coach, who guided the Georgia College program for 18 seasons. Kurtz passed away in the fall of 1993 at practice. He compiled a 577-369-4 record, leading the Bobcats from 1976 to 1993. He led the program to seven Georgia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships and four NAIA District 25 titles. He guided two of his teams (1984 and 1985) to the NAIA World Series. Jones was introduced by longtime Parkview coach Hugh Buchanan. "He's probably the most uncomfortable person in this room," Buchanan said. With the exception of one season where Jones was an assistant football and baseball coach at Jackson County, he has spent most of his life playing and coaching football and baseball in Gwinnett County. He boasts a career 400-214 record as a head coach at Brookwood and Mill Creek. "Coaching baseball is like a ministry to me," Jones said. "It's a calling. It's what God has called me to do. We've had some bumps and bruises along the way, but we've made it.” Amos holds a 348-181 coaching record. He took Walton to state titles in 2007 and in 2016 while playing in the state's highest classification. Skipper began his coaching career at Brunswick High School in 1984 as a volunteer assistant while student teaching. He assumed full-time duties in 1985 and remained at the school for the next 28 years. He was an assistant to legendary Brunswick coach Jimmy Brown, who introduced his longtime assistant. When Brown retired, Skipper took over and guided the program for five years. During Skipper's 28 seasons, he coached in 648 varsity and more than 300 sub-varsity games. He helped more than 35 players continue their careers in college. Gibson succeeded long-time Mercer skipper Barry Myers in 2004. Gibson has guided the Bears from the depths of the Atlantic Sun Conference to the top of the SoCon as one of the most respected programs in the southeast including an unprecedented run over the last eight years. Under Gibson’s tutelage, Mercer has set a program record with eight-straight seasons of 35 wins or more. Gibson holds a 470-331 career coaching mark. Brown has continued to keep Parkview among the state's elite since taking over for Buchanan in 2005. He holds a career coaching mark of 375-137 and has guided the Panthers to three state titles. His 2012 and 2015 state championship teams were also named national champions by several media outlets. He has coached in several national events. In 2013, he was head coach of the East squad in the Perfect Game All-American Classic. He also led the Team USA 15U squad to a gold medal in the Pan Am Games in 2013. Brown also guided Team USA 15U to a silver medal in the World Games in Mexico in 2014. The Dugout Club also honored its state players and coaches of the year, while presenting plaques to coaches for milestone wins. ------------------------- 100 Wins Derek James, Bacon County Brad Davis, Bleckley County Chris Gilstrap, Hardaway Nick Pou, Islands Jason Bramlett, Oglethorpe County Beau Edwards, Ola 200 Wins Billy Roper, Adairsville Mike Dunfee, Gordon Lee Erik McDougald, Thomasville Patrick Smith, Mundy's Mill David Richardson, Hillgrove 300 Wins Mark Kimbro, Loganville Christian 400 Wins Steve Dennis, Columbia Tim Lemons, Chattahoochee Billy Nicholson, Johns Creek 500 Wins Andy Harlin, Blessed Trinity 800 Wins Tom Cantrell, University of North Georgia ------------------- Players and Coaches of the Year awards: Class 7A Players - Drew Waters, Etowah and Brant Hurter, Woodstock Coaches - Greg Robinson, Etowah and Jeff Brown, Woodstock Class 6A Players - Jared Miller, Pope and Josh Hatcher, Lee County Coaches - Jeff Rowland, Pope and Brandon Brock, Lee County Class 5A Players - Joseph Brandon, Loganville and Mason Robertson, Wayne County Coaches - Jeff Segars, Loganville and Justin McDonald, Wayne County Class 4A Players - Chris Cathcart, Marist and Colin Davis, Blessed Trinity Coaches - Mike Strickland, Marist and Andy Harlin, Blessed Trinity Class 3A Players - Taber Mongero, North Hall and Stetson Bennett, Pierce County Coaches - Trent Mongero, North Hall and Andrew Evans, Pierce County Class 2A Players - Cody Ogilvie, Jeff Davis and Colton Moon, Elbert County Coaches - Paul Glass, Jeff Davis and Lance Ingram, Elbert County Class 1A Public Players - Will Barry, Schley County and Austin Thomson, Gordon Lee Coaches - Chuck Cheek, Schley County and Mike Dunfee, Gordon Lee Class 1A Private Players - Zack Brockman, Savannah Christian and Trey Ham, Tattnall Square Coaches - Carl Carter, Savannah Christian and Joey Hiller, Tattnall Square ------------------- Fields of the Year 7A South Forsyth Parkview Woodstock Lassiter 6A Glynn Academy Houston County 5A Thomas County Central Loganville Villa Rica Wayne County 4A Sandy Creek LaGrange Troup Chestatee 3A Pierce County Jackson Pike County 2A Bleckley County Social Circle Banks County Thomasville 1A Public Gordon Lee 1A Private Fellowship Christian GISA Loganville Christian ------------------- Assistant Coaches of the Year Ben Abner, Woodstock Mike Foley, Etowah Chris Turco, Pope Brian Trivette, Lee County Jordan Mullis, Wayne County Trevor Flow, North Hall Brett Padgett, Elbert County Jody Sellars, Schley County Brad Strickland, Allatoona Evan Deis, Johns Creek Lee Phelps, LaGrange Matt Hopkins, Houston County Andy Fowler, Jefferson Will Stuckey, Colquitt County Josh Heath, Locust Grove Ray Boyer, Walker Crandall Stamps, Morgan County Gary Matthews, Flowery Branch Mike Best, Villa Rica Scott Strickland, Richmond Hill Jamie Sexton, Carrollton Jeff Davis, Madison County

The 2017-2018 high school basketball regular season schedule has reached the home stretch with local GHSA regions moving into post-season, region tournaments the week of February 5. That leaves less than three weeks for area regions to conclude their regular season slates. Weather cancellations have made scheduling difficult for teams across the state, but games played over the upcoming stretch will go a long way in determining seeding for the all-important region tournaments. The top four teams from each region tournament advance to the state playoffs that begin at higher-seeded school sites on February 16-17. Here is a quick glance at games remaining for each of our local schools: Adairsville has road region games remaining at Bremen, at Calhoun, and at Sonoraville. The Tigers and Lady Tigers will also host region opponents Haralson County and Coahulla Creek before the close of the regular season slate. Adairsville's closing stretch in the regular season also includes a non-region game at Coosa. Over the final eighteen days of the regular season, Cartersville has region road games to play at Cedartown, at Sandy Creek, at Chapel Hill, and at Troup. The Hurricanes and Lady Canes have region home games remaining with Central-Carroll, LaGrange, and Troup plus a contest at non-region Woodland set for Saturday, February 3. Woodland's schedule during the closing stretch includes road games at Villa Rica, at Paulding County, at Rome, at East Paulding, and at Hiram. The Lady Cats and Wildcats have region home games left with Paulding County and Cass plus a pair of non-league home games against Southeast Whitfield and Cartersville. The remainder of the Cass regular season schedule includes region road games at Hiram, at Woodland, and at Kell, with region home games remaining against Hiram, Kell, and Carrollton. The Lady Colonels and Colonels play their final non-region home game against Rockmart this Saturday. Updated team schedules and starting times for games are available via GHSA schools at www.maxpreps.com.

The 2017 NFL season came to a close for the Atlanta Falcons and local star Vic Beasley Saturday with a hard-fought road loss at the Philadelphia Eagles. At the college level, three local college basketball players recorded season highs in scoring this past week while local track and field, wrestling, and swimming athletes contributed with their respective programs. NFL VIC BEASLEY — Atlanta Falcons (3rd yr. pro; Clemson University; Adairsville HS)… had three tackles Saturday as the Falcons were knocked out of the NFL playoffs in the NFC Divisional round by the Philadelphia Eagles, 15-10. Beasley, the 2016 NFL sacks leader, finished the 2017 season with 29 total tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble, and a pair of passes defended. He missed two games early in the season due to injury. Atlanta finished the season with an 11-7 mark. BASKETBALL RYAN DAVIS — Francis Marion University (Jr., G, Cartersville HS)… averaged 5.3 points, 3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and had two steals as the Patriots went 1-2 last week. FMU defeated Lander 84-77 last Wednesday before dropping a 93-71 game at Georgia Southwestern and a 76-66 contest at Columbus State on Monday afternoon. The Patriots (9-5, 4-5) play at Augusta University Wednesday and Flagler Saturday in Peach Belt Conference games. KIMORA McCLINIC — Middle Georgia State University (Fr., G, Cartersville HS)… scored four points and collected a pair of rebounds Saturday in the Knights 75-64 loss at Brewton-Parker College. MGSU (4-11, 1-5 Southern States Athletic Conference) hosts Bethel University Thursday and Martin Methodist Saturday. JANA MORNING — Berry College (Fr., G, Cass HS)… scored a career high 12 points, grabbed six rebounds with totaled five assists in an 86-78 home loss to Sewanee Sunday. She also scored five points, played 17 minutes, and had six rebounds and one assist in a 63-53 home win over Centre College (KY). Berry (6-9, 1-4 Southern States Athletic Conference) travels to Birmingham Southern College Friday and at Millsaps College (MS) Saturday. A.J. MOSBY — Alcorn State University (Sr., G, Cartersville HS)… scored a season-high 23 points with three rebounds, one assist, and one steal in a 77-63 win at Mississippi Valley State Saturday. He added ten points with four rebounds, three assists, and four steals in a 71-59 loss Monday at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The Braves (5-14, 1-5) play a Southwestern Athletic Conference game Saturday at home against Alabama A&M. ELIJAH ROBINSON — Emmanuel College (Sr., G, Excel Christian Acad.)… scored nine points with four rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocked shots last Tuesday in a 66-59 win at Erskine College. He also scored 11 points with 10 rebounds, two assists, and a blocked shot in a 76-74 loss at Lees-McRae. The Lions (9-8, 3-4 Conference Carolinas) play at King University (TN) Wednesday and host Barton College (NC) Saturday. DARIUS THROWER — Truett McConnell University (Soph., G, Excel Christian Acad.)… scored eight points, grabbed two rebounds, and added one assist in a 90-83 home loss to Milligan College (TN) last Wednesday night. He also saw five minutes of playing time Saturday at Bluefield College (VA) in an 87-70 win. TMU (13-7, 6-5 Appalachian Athletic Conference) plays at Bryan College (TN) Thursday and at Montreat College (NC) Saturday. COREY TOBIN — Reinhardt University (Sr., G, Cartersville HS)… scored 14 points and 13 points in games last Tuesday at Thomas University and Saturday at home against Montreat College (NC). He also collected 11 rebounds, four assists, and a steal in those two games. The Eagles lost 99-86 at Thomas, but defeated Montreat 105-85. Reinhardt (12-7, 7-3 Appalachian Athletic Conference) travels to Point University Tuesday and Milligan College (TN) Saturday. CARROD WATSON — University of North Georgia (Soph., F, Woodland HS)… In three home games last week, he totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds, and one steal as the Nighthawks defeated Young Harris College 90-88 and Augusta University 91-84 at home with an 86-78 loss to Flagler College. UNG (7-8, 5-4) plays Peach Belt Conference games Wednesday at Clayton State University and entertains Georgia College Saturday in Dahlonega. HAKEEM WINTERS — Point University (Jr., F, Cartersville HS)… scored two points with two rebounds and one blocked shot last Wednesday in a home 91-83 Appalachian Athletic Conference home loss to St. Andrews (NC). Winters started, but did not score and only played four minutes with one rebound in a road loss Saturday at Tennessee Wesleyan College. The Skyhawks (5-15, 1-10 AAC) host Reinhardt University Tuesday night, Allen University (SC) Thursday night and travel to Bluefield College (VA) on Saturday. RUDY WINTERS — Columbus State University (Jr., G, Excel Christian Acad.)… was no longer in the starting lineup, but averaged 29 minutes in three games last week. Winters scored a season-high 21 points Wednesday at Georgia Southwestern University and followed that with five against UNC-Pembroke Saturday and 18 points against Francis Marion University on Monday afternoon. Winters totaled 14 rebounds, three assists, one block, and one steal in those games. The Cougars lost 83-72 at GSW, lost 73-69 to UNCP, and defeated FMU 76-66. CSU (4-8, 4-5 Peach Belt Conference) hosts Georgia College Wednesday night and travels to Young Harris College Saturday. WRESTLING EVAN COLE — Cumberland University (Sr., 149, Cartersville HS)… competing at the Fire Duals in Lakeland, FL, Cole defeated Kyle Kirkham of 8th-ranked Southeastern University 4-3 in a team 24-21 loss and lost to 3rd-ranked Indiana Tech’s Justin Atkinson 10-4 in a 35-9 team loss. Atkinson is ranked 12th nationally. The Phoenix travel to Marshall, MO this Friday and Saturday for the Missouri Valley College Invitational. TRACK & FIELD ANNA HIGHTOWER — Georgia Tech (Jr., Pole Vault, Cartersville HS)… placed 11th at the Commodore Invitational last Friday and Saturday in Nashville. The Jackets return to Vanderbilt this weekend for the Vanderbilt Invitational. TREVOR KNOWLES — Albion College (Fr., Sprint/Jumps, Woodland HS)… won the 300 meter dash and was part of the second place 4x400 meter relay team in the Britons 63-38 dual meet loss at Calvin College last Thursday. Next for Albion is the Invitational at Defiance (OH) College on Saturday, January 27. SWIMMING ELISE HART — US Air Force Academy (Sr., Cartersville HS)… was part of the first place 200-yard freestyle relay team; part of the second place 200-yard medley relay team; and was third in the 100-yard butterfly as the Falcons defeated University of the Incarnate Word and Seattle University and University of Northern Colorado last Friday at the US Air Force Academy Natatorium. On Saturday, Hart was a member of the fourth place 400-yard medley relay team as the Falcons defeated University of the Incarnate Word and Seattle University. Air Force travels to Las Vegas Saturday for a meet at UNLV with Nevada. KATELYNN LAWHORN — Life University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … Lawhorn moved from the soccer pitch to the natatorium for the Eagles and was part of the 200 medley relay team that won this past Saturday at the Double Dual against Thomas University and Point University in West Point, GA. The team combined for a time of 2:02.19 which beat the NAIA national qualifying time by just over seven seconds. Life is back in action Friday as they travel to Williamsburg, KY to compete in a double dual against Bethel and Cumberlands.

The Cartersville High School boys basketball team has been ranked in the Top Ten of two Georgia High School Association polls this week. The Canes (12-2) are ranked fourth in Class AAAA by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and seventh by SandysSpiel.com in polls released Sunday. Ranked teams in regions including local Bartow County schools are the Villa Rica girls and boys in Class AAAAA; the Sandy Creek boys in Class AAAA; the girls teams from Haralson County, Sonoraville, and North Murray in Class AAA; plus the Carrollton, and Rome girls in Class AAAAA. Below are the complete boys and girls polls from both the AJC and SandysSpiel.com: BOYS BASKETBALL TOP TEN — Atlanta Journal-Constitution — Jan. 14, 2018 Class AAAAAAA McEachern (14-2) Norcross (16-2) Pebblebrook (16-2) Mountain View (16-2) Meadowcreek (13-3) Newton (15-3) Grayson (13-3) Peachtree Ridge (14-3) Wheeler (12-6) Collins Hill (16-2) Class AAAAAA Langston Hughes (15-4) Brunswick (17-1) Cambridge (17-1) Gainesville (11-6) Douglas County (13-4) Tri-Cities (14-4) Bradwell Institute (13-5) Jonesboro (12-6) Creekview (15-2) Lanier (13-5) Class AAAAA Warner Robins (14-2) Buford (15-3) Miller Grove (12-6) Southwest DeKalb (13-6) Lithonia (15-4) Stockbridge (13-4) Villa Rica (16-0) Clarke Central (14-4) Jackson-Atlanta (15-1) Eagle’s Landing (11-5) Class AAAA Upson-Lee (18-0) St. Pius (16-2) Americus-Sumter (15-2) Cartersville (12-2) Mary Persons (17-1) Sandy Creek (12-5) Westover (13-4) Carver-Columbus (15-4) Baldwin (13-5) Salem (14-4) Class AAA Morgan County (17-0) Jenkins (12-3) Johnson (13-2) Westside (9-7) Greater Atlanta Christian (14-3) Cedar Grove (11-6) Central-Macon (12-3) Windsor Forest (11-6) Dawson County (13-4) Pace Academy (9-8) Class AA Glenn Hills (16-0) Thomasville (15-2) Dublin (13-2) South Atlanta (15-2) Laney (13-3) Chattooga (14-2) Bleckley County (13-3) Washington County (10-5) Swainsboro (12-3) Elbert County (15-2) Class A (Private) St. Francis (15-2) Aquinas (16-3) Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (15-2) Christian Heritage (16-0) North Cobb Christian (13-5) Greenforest Christian (7-9) Holy Innocents’ (10-7) Stratford Academy (8-4) Mount Vernon Presbyterian (11-4) Lakeview Academy (11-5) Class A (Public) Manchester (14-0) Calhoun County (16-2) Lanier County (15-2) Macon County (12-3) Woodville-Tompkins (15-2) Central-Talbotton (14-1) Montgomery County (13-3) Wilkinson County (11-6) Pelham (13-3) Wilcox County (13-3) BOYS BASKETBALL TOP TEN — SandysSpiel.com — Jan. 14, 2018 Class AAAAAAA McEachern (14-2) Norcross (16-2) Pebblebrook (16-2) Mountain View (16-2) Newton (15-3) Meadowcreek (13-3) Grayson (13-3) Peachtree Ridge (14-3) Collins Hill (16-2) Wheeler (11-7) Class AAAAAA Langston Hughes (15-4) Gainesville (11-6) Brunswick (17-1) Tri-Cities (14-4) Douglas County (13-4) Stephenson (12-5) Jonesboro (13-6) Cambridge (17-1) Bradwell Institute (13-5) Coffee (9-6) Class AAAAA Warner Robins (14-2) Buford (15-3) Miller Grove (12-6) Southwest DeKalb (13-6) Lithonia (15-4) Villa Rica (16-0) Maynard Jackson (17-1) Stockbridge (13-4) Statesboro (14-3) Eagle’s Landing (13-5) Class AAAA Upson-Lee (18-0) St. Pius X (16-2) Mary Persons (17-1) Westover (13-4) Americus-Sumter (15-2) Salem (14-4) Cartersville (12-2) Baldwin (13-5) Carver-Columbus (15-4) Sandy Creek (12-5) Class AAA Morgan County (17-0) Jenkins (12-3) Johnson-Savannah (13-2) Greater Atlanta Christian (14-3) Westside-Macon (9-7) Cedar Grove (12-6) Central-Macon (12-3) Windsor Forest (11-6) Dawson County (13-4) Towers (11-5) Class AA Glenn Hills (16-0) Thomasville (15-2) South Atlanta (15-2) Dublin (13-2) Elbert County (16-2) Swainsboro (12-3) Washington County (10-5) Laney (13-3) Therrell (11-7) Banks County (16-3) Class A-Private St. Francis (15-2) Aquinas (16-3) Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (15-2) Christian Heritage (16-0) Stratford Academy (10-4) Mt. Vernon Presbyterian (11-4) Lakeview Academy (11-5) North Cobb Christian (13-5) Holy Innocents’ (10-7) Drew Charter (8-8) Class A-Public Manchester (14-0) Woodville-Tompkins (15-2) Calhoun County (16-2) Montgomery County (13-3) Central-Talbotton (14-2) Wilcox County (13-3) Lanier County (15-2) Pelham (13-3) Macon County (12-3) Wilkinson County (11-6) GIRLS BASKETBALL TOP TEN — Atlanta Journal-Constitution — Jan. 14, 2018 Class AAAAAAA Westlake (16-1) Collins Hill (15-2) Cherokee (16-2) North Forsyth (16-2) Norcross (17-3) Newton (14-2) South Gwinnett (16-1) Colquitt County (16-4) Hillgrove (12-4) McEachern (9-5) Class AAAAAA Lovejoy (18-1) Winder-Barrow (13-3) Harrison (15-4) Lanier (15-3) Forest Park (14-3) Alpharetta (14-2) Northview (14-4) Tucker (14-5) Stephenson (13-5) Sequoyah (14-3) Class AAAAA Buford (15-2) Flowery Branch (16-4) Harris County (17-2) Bainbridge (18-2) Villa Rica (15-0) Dutchtown (15-3) Ware County (14-2) Arabia Mountain (14-1) Rome (14-2) Carrollton (13-4) Class AAAA Carver-Columbus (18-1) Henry County (17-1) Northwest Whitfield (16-2) Westover (14-2) Spalding (13-3) Marist (14-2) Americus-Sumter (14-3) Luella (13-4) Baldwin (16-2) Madison County (12-5) Class AAA Greater Atlanta Christian (13-3) Beach (16-1) Franklin County (18-0) Johnson-Savannah (10-3) Central-Macon (13-2) Lovett (14-4) Haralson County (13-2) Hart County (13-5) Tattnall County (15-4) Sonoraville (12-4) Class AA Laney (16-0) Banks County (16-3) Dodge County (14-2) Swainsboro (13-2) Washington County (13-3) Putnam County (14-2) Rabun County (14-3) Josey (15-2) Model (13-3) Bryan County (15-2) Class A (Private) Holy Innocents’ (15-1) Wesleyan (15-2) St. Francis (12-3) Our Lady of Mercy (14-1) Calvary Day (15-1) Stratford Academy (13-2) Prince Avenue Christian (15-1) Christian Heritage (14-3) Athens Academy (14-3) Eagle’s Landing Christian (12-5) Class A (Public) Greenville (16-1) Telfair County (16-2) Pelham (15-1) Wheeler County (12-2) Macon County (13-2) Wilcox County (12-4) Georgia Military (15-0) Terrell County (12-2) Bowdon (13-4) Marion County (14-4) GIRLS BASKETBALL TOP TEN — SandysSpiel.com — Jan. 14, 2018 Class AAAAAAA Westlake (16-1) Collins Hill (16-2) Norcross (17-3) Newton (15-2) Cherokee (16-2) North Forsyth (16-2) South Gwinnett (16-1) Hillgrove (12-4) Colquitt County (16-4) McEachern (9-5) Class AAAAAA Lovejoy (18-1) Winder-Barrow (13-3) Harrison (15-4) Creekview (11-6) Lanier (15-3) Forest Park (14-3) Northview (14-4) Alpharetta (14-2) Stephenson (13-5) Tucker (14-5) Class AAAAA Buford (15-2) Flowery Branch (16-4) Harris County (17-2) Bainbridge (18-2) Villa Rica (15-0) Arabia Mountain (15-1) Ware County (14-2) Dutchtown (15-3) Carrollton (13-4) Fayette County (12-4) Class AAAA Carver-Columbus (18-1) Henry County (17-1) Spalding (14-2) Northwest Whitfield (16-2) Luella (13-4) Madison County (13-5) Marist (14-2) Baldwin (16-2) Westover (15-2) Cross Creek (14-4) Class AAA Greater Atlanta Christian (13-3) Beach (16-1) Johnson-Savannah (11-3) Franklin County (18-0) Central-Macon (14-2) Lovett (14-4) Tattnall County (15-4) North Murray (13-5) Hart County (13-5) Sonoraville (12-4) Class AA Laney (16-0) Banks County (16-3) Swainsboro (13-2) Washington County (13-3) Putnam County (14-2) Rabun County (14-3) Josey (16-2) Dodge County (13-2) Model (13-3) Bryan County (15-2) Class A-Private Holy Innocents’ (16-1) Wesleyan (15-2) St. Francis (12-3) Our Lady of Mercy (15-1) Calvary Day (16-1) Stratford Academy (13-2) Prince Avenue Christian (15-1) Christian Heritage (14-3) Landmark Christian (9-8) Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (12-5) Class A-Public Greenville (16-1) Pelham (15-1) Telfair County (16-2) Macon County (13-2) Wilcox County (12-4) Wheeler County (12-2) Terrell County (12-2) Marion County (14-4) Bowdon (13-4) Georgia Military College (15-0)

Adairsville placed eighth, Cartersville ninth, and Woodland 14th Saturday at the 18-team Northwest Georgia Swim and Dive Championship at the Calhoun Aquatic Center. Calhoun won the meet, followed by Rome, Blessed Trinity, Jefferson, and Creekview. A pair of local individual swimmers finished with state qualifying times as did the girls 200- and 400-yard freestyle relay teams from Cartersville. Adairsville junior Rylee Moss won the girls 200-yard individual medley with a finals time of 2:13.27. She also captured the 100-yard butterfly in 58.71. Cartersville freshman Giulia Vidoli finished runner-up in the girls 100-yard freestyle with a state qualifying time of 56.37. The Lady Canes’ 200-yard freestyle relay team (Rachel Long, Gracie Siniard, Aleina Vidoli, and Giulia Vidoli) also finished with a state qualifying time of 1:51.16 and placed fourth at the meet while the Cartersville girls 400-yard freestyle relay team (Grayson Breedlove, Long, Siniard, and Giulia Vidoli) finished seventh with a state qualifying time of 4:11.36.

The Cass wrestling team went 4-1 this weekend to place third at the GHSA Class AAAAA State Duals Championship held at the Macon Centreplex. The Colonels defeated Decatur 62-9 and Harris County 55-13 on Thursday to reach the state semifinals. On Friday, Cass suffered their only loss of the tournament, 34-25, to Ola who lost the state championship match Saturday to Buford. Cass bounced back Saturday in the consolation bracket to defeat Veterans 46-26 and Locust Grove 40-24 to finish third. Tripp Breeden and Seven Richards led the Colonels with dominating performances in the state tournament. The two seniors will defend individual state championships in a few weeks during the Class AAAAA traditional format. Cass coach D.L. Koontz also noted solid state tournament performances by Tyler Pilcher, Noah Huffmeier, Rett Moore, Hunter Rees, and Kendall Arnold. The third place finish for the Colonels marks the 12th time in the last 15 years that Cass has placed at the state duals. “We wanted to get to Buford in the finals,” said Koontz. “It’s always great to see how you stack up with the reigning state champs. I’m pleased with the way we re-focused after the loss to Ola and took care of business in those final two matches.” Cass will now focus on the individual, traditional format. The Colonels will host the region traditional tournament on January 27. The state sectionals and state finals will take place the following weeks.

The Adairsville girls and boys basketball teams swept visiting Armuchee Saturday for a pair of non-region wins and the Cass girls picked up a Region 7-AAAAA win at Paulding County. ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 67, ARMUCHEE 51 Hunter Hice scored 23 of his game-high 28 points in the first half Saturday as the Adairsville boys ran out to a 44-16 first half lead on their way to a 16-point, non-region win over visiting Armuchee. Cody Henderson scored 19 points for the Tigers. Mason Boswell added eight, Gaven Crunkelton three, Malachi Gardner two, and Ethan Belcher one point. Eli Brock led Armuchee (4-13) with 16 points. Dre’Quan Cook added 13. Adairsville (10-8) has now won nine of their last eleven games and plays at Bremen next Friday. ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 39, ARMUCHEE 38 The Adairsville girls bounced back from a heartbreaking loss to region rival Sonoraville Friday night with a 39-37 win over visiting Armuchee in a back-and-forth battle. Armuchee led 16-8 at halftime after limiting the Lady Tigers to only two, second quarter points. Adairsville rallied in the third quarter, however, to take a 26-23 lead and then held off the Lady Indians in the final quarter for a two-point win. Nakiyah Washington scored a game-high 23 points to lead the Lady Tigers. Havyn Isaac followed with 10. Jessie O’Kelley contributed six points, Josie Summerville four, and Ji’Leyah Mitchell two. Brandy Anne Wacher led Armuchee (10-8) with 19 points. Adairsville (4-15) returns to Region 6-AAA play next Friday at Bremen. CASS GIRLS 59, PAULDING COUNTY 41 The Lady Colonels trailed 23-20 at halftime Saturday, but battled back in the third quarter to take a 34-31 lead heading into the final eight minutes at Paulding County. In the fourth, Cass outscored the Lady Patriots 25-10 for a comfortable 18-point win. Payton Stoddard led the way for the Lady Colonels with 20 points. Kyla Michienzi scored 12 and Lyric Curtis added 11 points. Aaliyah Curtis added six, Chanel Clemmons four, Sharia Wade and Amber Brittian three each, and Alexis Ware scored one point. Gabby Hemphill led Paulding County (2-16, 2-7) with 15 points. Cass (10-7, 4-5 Region 7-AAAAA) has four straight home games next week including East Paulding Tuesday, Hiram Wednesday, Kell Friday, and Rockmart on Saturday. PAULDING COUNTY BOYS 57, CASS 44 The Colonels bounced back from a slow start with a second quarter surge, but were outscored in the second half at Paulding County Saturday 35-23 in a 57-44 Region 7-AAAAA loss. Jalen Sowells and Trell Evans led the way for Paulding County with 14 and 10 points, respectively. The Patriots improved to 10-8 overall and 4-5 in region play. Cass was led in the scoring column by Carter Hedden with 13 points and Justice Hayes with 12. The Colonels got seven points from Ashton Burley, five from Markeldrick Powell, three by Ethan Carter and two by Mark Chester. Cass (10-7, 4-5) has four home games next week facing East Paulding Tuesday, Hiram Wednesday, Kell Friday and Rockmart Saturday. CARROLLTON GIRLS 56, WOODLAND 20 The 9th-ranked Lady Trojans raced out to a 32-14 first half lead on their way to a 56-20 win at Woodland Saturday. Carrollton improved to 13-4 overall and 7-1 in Region 7-AAAAA. Woodland (3-11, 1-8) travels to Paulding County Tuesday for a 6 pm. start. CARROLLTON BOYS 55, WOODLAND 34 Carrollton improved to 12-5 overall and 5-3 in Region 7-AAAAA with a road win at Woodland Saturday afternoon. Woodland (3-13, 1-8) plays at Paulding County Tuesday.

The Cass wrestling team will take on Locust Grove Saturday afternoon at the Macon Centreplex for third place at the 2018 GHSA Class AAAAA State Duals Championship. The Colonels won their first two matches of the state tournament Thursday, defeating Decatur 66-9 and Harris County 49-15. Cass then lost in the state semifinals Friday evening to Ola 34-25. The loss sent the Colonels to the consolation bracket where they defeated Veterans 46-26 Saturday morning to earn a berth in the third place match Saturday at 2 p.m. Buford will attempt to defend its Class AAAAA state title from last season Saturday at 4 p.m. The Wolves will face Ola for the 2018 championship.

13-year-old Whitley Stewart of Cartersville took her first wakesurf lesson a little over a year ago and in August of 2017 captured the Junior USA Wakesurf National Championship. The 2017 National Championship was held August 17-20 at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Winning a national title in such a short span of time is obviously an amazing feat, but it was made even more impressive by the fact it was only her third competition ever. Stewart also took first in her division at the Lake Anna Wakesurf Open in Virginia and the Rocky Mountain Wakesurf Open in Utah. Eleven junior riders competed in the National Championship event which also included divisions for women and men amateurs and professionals. A team competition was also part of the championships. In wakesurfing, the rider is pulled by a boat via a tow rope to get started on the wave. Once a wakesurfer is up and on the wake, they drop the rope and ride freely on the wave, much like ocean surfing. Wakesurfing is popular with surfers because the wave does not just end and wash the rider up on the shore after a few exhilarating moments. An ocean wave usually lasts for between 5 and 30 seconds, then the surfer has to paddle back out to catch the next one. A wakesurfer can ride for as long as the boat keeps providing the wave, or as long as they can stay up. Stewart began wakesurfing in 2016 and continues to train in the sport locally with Allatoona Adventures. She is the daughter of Robbie and Deena Stewart.

The Cass wrestling team lost to Ola in the semifinal round of the GHSA Class AAAAA State Duals Championship Friday night 34-25 ending the Colonels chance to win a state title. Cass will hit the mats again Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. in the consolation bracket. Cass will face the winner of an 8:30 a.m. match between Veterans and Carrollton. A win Saturday morning would give Cass an opportunity to wrestle for third place Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. against the Ware County/Clarke Central/Locust Grove survivor. Defending champ Buford will square off with Ola Saturday at 4 p.m. for the 2018 Class AAAAA State Duals title. The tournament is being conducted at the Macon Centreplex.

On a night when Cartersville girls head coach Cindy Moore reached the 300 wins milestone, the Lady Canes defeated visiting Chapel Hill, 36-25, Friday at the Storm Center. Cartersville led 8-7 after one quarter, 14-11 at halftime, and 23-18 after three periods on their way to the 11-point victory. Kalli Scheff led the Lady Canes with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Addie Smith added eight points. Amya Davis and Cio Seigler scored five points and Arianna Cochran scored four. London Shaw and Aliyah Sellers contributed two points each. Taylor Hall, Madison Jackson, and Savannah Howard scored five points each for Chapel Hill (1-15, 0-4). Cartersville (6-9, 1-4) plays at Troup Tuesday, at Cedartown Friday, and hosts Central-Carroll at the Storm Center next Saturday. CARTERSVILLE BOYS 76, CHAPEL HILL 47 T.J. Horton poured in 20 points while Jaylon Pugh and JKobe Orr added 10 each to help lead the Hurricanes to a 76-47 Region 5-AAAA win over Chapel Hill Friday night at the Storm Center. Cartersville held a 13-point lead at halftime, 35-22, and extended their advantage to 58-31 after three periods. Perignon Dyer added seven points for the Canes. Luke Schiltz and Isaac Gridley contributed six. Micah Tart scored four, Marqual Coaxum three, and Austin Caufman one point. Justice Devone led Chapel Hill with 11 points. Tome Anderson and Makai Valentine added nine and seven points, respectively for the Panthers (4-9, 1-3). Cartersville (12-2, 5-0) plays at Troup Tuesday, at Cedartown Friday, and hosts Central-Carroll at the Storm Center next Saturday. ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 55, SONORAVILLE 54 The Adairsville boys escaped with a one-point victory Friday night over visiting Sonoraville in a mid-January battle for the Region 6-AAA South sub-region lead. The Tigers’ Cody Henderson sank a pair of free throws with ten seconds remaining to give Adairsville a 55-54 lead that survived a missed final-second shot by Will Walraven of the Phoenix. Adairsville led 13-2 early, but the Phoenix narrowed the Tigers’ lead to 19-14 by the end of the first quarter. The Tigers extended their lead to 30-22 at the intermission but Sonoraville cut the lead to 43-40 entering the fourth quarter. The two teams exchanged leads in the final eight minutes. Hunter Hice scored 21 points to lead Adairsville. Cody Henderson added 11 for the Tigers. Ethan Belcher finished with seven, Savaun Henderson five, Mason Boswell five, Gaven Crunkelton two, and Malachi Gardner two points. Trenton Daniel led Sonoraville (15-3, 6-1) with 21 points. Will Walraven and Lucas Brooks scored 11 each for the Phoenix. Adairsville (9-8, 5-3) has won all four games against their sub-region opponents. The Tigers host Armuchee Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. SONORAVILLE GIRLS 52, ADAIRSVILLE 48 A furious rally by the Lady Tigers in the third quarter got them back in the game Friday night at home, but visiting Sonoraville had just enough in the final period to edge Adairsville 52-48. Sonoraville led 13-9 after one quarter and 28-14 at halftime before the Lady Tigers outscored the Phoenix 25-11 in the third quarter to tie the game 39-39. Nakiyah Washington scored 20 points and Havyn Isaac had 14 for the Lady Tigers. Sonoraville (12-4, 6-1) got 15 points from Alexa Geary. Adairsville (2-15, 1-7) hosts Armuchee Saturday at 6 p.m. VILLA RICA GIRLS 61, CASS 19 Sixth-ranked Villa Rica improved to 14-0 overall and 9-0 in Region 7-AAAAA with a one-sided win Friday night at Cass. Cass (9-7, 3-5) plays at Paulding County Saturday. VILLA RICA BOYS 54, CASS 43 The Cass boys traded blows with the sixth-ranked Villa Rica Wildcats for a while Friday night, but a 20-10 advantage for Villa Rica in the third quarter made the difference in the visitors’ 11-point win. Villa Rica (15-0, 8-0) led 8-7 after one quarter but Cass grabbed a 19-18 lead at halftime. The unbeaten Wildcats rallied in the second half to outscore the Colonels 36-24. Cass (10-6, 4-4) plays another region game at Paulding County Saturday.

The Cass wrestling team won its first two matches at the 2018 GHSA Class AAAAA State Duals Championship Thursday at the Macon Centreplex to advance to the state semifinals. The Colonels defeated Decatur 66-9 in the first round Thursday afternoon and then defeated Harris County in the state quarterfinals Thursday night, 49-15. Cass will take the mat Friday at 5:30 p.m. to face Ola in one of the two state semifinals. Defending state champion Buford takes on Locust Grove in the other semifinal. The two winners Friday will wrestle for the state championship Saturday at 4 p.m. Semifinal losers will fall into the wrestle back portion of the bracket with an opportunity to place third and no lower than a tie for 5th in the state. Buford defeated Miller Grove and Carrollton to reach the semifinals. Locust Grove had wins over Riverwood and Veterans. Ola defeated Statesboro and Clarke Central.