The Lady Cats picked a road, Region 7-AAAAA victory Monday night at Paulding County, 45-31. Woodland led 15-6 at halftime and held a 25-18 edge through three periods. Carli Clymer and Lauren Morris led the Lady Cats with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Whitney Harris followed with eight points. Morgan Cooper scored seven, Madgie Robinson five, and Gracie Styles four points. Remani Watson finished with 16 points for the Lady Patriots (2-19, 2-10). Destiny Broughton added eight. Woodland (5-11, 2-8) travels to Rome Tuesday night for a 6 p.m. start and will host Paulding County in a rematch Wednesday. PAULDING COUNTY BOYS 72, WOODLAND 51 The Wildcats stayed close at Paulding County Monday night into the third quarter, but were outscored 21-10 in the period as the Patriots pulled away for a 21-point Region 7-AAAAA win. Paulding led 33-27 at the intermission, but pushed their advantage to 54-37 after three periods on their way to a 72-51 victory. Kevin Brown led the Patriots with 13 points. Jalen Sowells and Tyron Summerour added nine points each. Dustin Ivie led Woodland with 13 points. Hunter Johnson scored 11. Peyton Roberts, Jaylen Ballard, and Kenny Jinks totaled five each. Justice Carter scored three points. Connor Gallagher, Dawson Wilkins, and Charles Norman added two apiece. Kyjuan McLendon had one point. Paulding County improved to 12-9 overall and evened their region record at 6-6. Woodland (3-15, 1-9) travels to Rome Tuesday and hosts Paulding County in a rematch Wednesday night.

College athletes with local ties competed this past week in basketball, wrestling, swimming, track and field, and tennis. Former Cass standout Jana Morning started twice at guard for Berry College and former Cartersville star A.J. Mosby recorded a double-double Saturday for his Alcorn State Braves. BASKETBALL RYAN DAVIS — Francis Marion University (Jr., G, Cartersville HS)… scored 15 points last Wednesday with a pair of rebounds, two assists, and one steal in a 106-104 victory at Augusta University. He then added eight points with three rebounds, one assist, and three steals in a 75-70 home loss Saturday to Flagler College. Davis is averaging 11.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game for the Patriots. FMU (10-6, 5-6 Peach Belt Conference) host UNC-Pembroke Wednesday and plays at Georgia College Saturday. KIMORA McCLINIC — Middle Georgia State University (Fr., G, Cartersville HS)… scored two points with four rebounds last Thursday in a 53-47 home loss to Bethel (TN). She followed that with two points and five rebounds in a 64-51 home loss to Martin Methodist (TN) on Saturday. MGSU (4-13, 1-7 Southern States Athletic Conference) plays at Blue Mountain College (MS) Thursday and travels to William Carey University (MS) Saturday. GREG MURPHY — Young Harris College (Jr., F, Woodland HS)… scored six points in both of the Mountain Lions’ games last week — a 71-56 home loss to Augusta University and a 102-65 win over visiting Columbus State. Murphy also totaled five rebounds in those games. YHC (5-12, 4-7 Peach Belt Conference) travels to Georgia College Wednesday and hosts USC-Aiken Saturday. JANA MORNING — Berry College (Fr., G, Cass HS)… started both games and played 34 minutes in each contest this past week as the Vikings split a pair of Southern Athletic Association games. Morning scored three points with two rebounds, one assist, and four steals Thursday in a 62-56 win at Birmingham Southern College. She then scored five points with seven rebounds, one assist, and two steals in a 68-43 loss Saturday at Millsaps College. Berry (7-10, 2-5 SAA) hosts Birmingham Southern Friday and Millsaps this Sunday. A.J. MOSBY — Alcorn State University (Sr., G, Cartersville HS)… in a home 68-52 Southwest Athletic Conference win over Alabama A&M Saturday, Mosby scored 16 points with 10 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. ASU (6-14, 2-5 SWAC) hosts Alabama State Monday night before traveling to Baton Rouge to face Southern University Saturday. ELIJAH ROBINSON — Emmanuel College (Sr., F, Excel Christian Acad.)… scored 15 points Saturday, collected four rebounds with three assists, one steal and three blocked shots in an 87-72 home victory over Barton College (NC). The Lions (10-8, 4-4 Conference Carolinas) entertain Lees-McRae Tuesday and Belmont Abbey Saturday in conference games. DARIUS THROWER — Truett McConnell University (Soph., G, Excel Christian Acad.)… totaled seven points in a pair of games this past week. The Bears lost 80-70 at Bryan College (TN) Thursday and defeated Montreat College (NC) 98-81 Saturday. Thrower has appeared in every game this season and is averaging 2.9 points and 1.1 rebounds in limited minutes. TMU (14-8, 7-6 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts Tennessee Wesleyan College Wednesday before traveling to Barbourville, KY Saturday to face Union College. COREY TOBIN — Reinhardt University (Sr., G, Cartersville HS)… started, played all 40 minutes, scored eight points with eight rebounds, three assists, and one steal last Tuesday in a 100-98 loss at Point University. He added 17 points with three rebounds, three assists, and four steals Saturday in an 82-71 loss at Milligan College (TN). Reinhardt (12-9, 7-5 Appalachian Athletic Conference) plays at Allen University (SC) Wednesday. CARROD WATSON — University of North Georgia (Soph., F, Woodland HS)… scored seven points and grabbed five rebounds in an 86-78 home loss to Flagler College last Tuesday. He added six points with one assist and one blocked shot Saturday in a 78-72 win over visiting Georgia College. UNG (8-8, 6-4 Peach Belt Conference) entertains Lander University Wednesday and travels to Georgia Southwestern Saturday. RUDY WINTERS — Columbus State University (Jr., G, Excel Christian Acad.)… scored 18 points with three rebounds last Monday in a 76-66 home win over Francis Marion University. Winters then scored four points with two rebounds and one steal Saturday in a 102-65 loss at Young Harris College. The Cougars (4-9, 4-6) host Georgia College Monday night, Flagler College Wednesday night, and travel to Clayton State Saturday. All three games are Peach Belt Conference matchups. WRESTLING EVAN COLE — Cumberland University (Sr., Cartersville HS)… competing in the 149-pound division, defeated Shea Swafford of Graceland University 3-1, but lost to Cam Tessari (Lindsey Wilson College) 10-0 and Thomas Garty (Indiana Tech) 3-0 Saturday at the Missouri Valley Invite in Marshall, MO. The Phoenix travel to 4th-ranked University of the Cumberlands Wednesday for a dual meet before hosting the Cumberland Open next Sunday. SWIMMING KATIE LAWHORN — Life University (Fr., Adairsville HS)… was the final leg of the second place 200-yard medley relay team (2:00.01) as Life competed at a tri-meet at University of the Cumberlands Friday. She was also fifth (31.18) in the 50-yard freestyle and part of the second place 200-yard freestyle relay team (1:52.15). Life swims next at the Mid-South Conference Championships February 1-3 in Kingsport, TN. TRACK AND FIELD SPENCER FIELDS — Rhodes College (Jr., Kingston, GA, Darlington HS)… finished 11th (8:45) in the 3000 meter run Sunday at the Emory Crossplex Invitational in Birmingham. The Lynx travel to Jonesboro, Arkansas next weekend for the Arkansas State Invitational. ANNA HIGHTOWER — Georgia Tech (Jr., Cartersville HS)… pole vaulter placed 15th Saturday at the Clemson Invitational (3.57m). The Yellow Jackets return to Clemson next weekend for the Bob Pollack Invitational. SAMANTHA PATTERSON — Jacksonville State University (Sr., Woodland HS)… pole vaulter reached 10’-6” and tied for sixth at the Birmingham Crossplex Samford Open this past weekend. The Gamecocks travel to Winston Salem, NC next Sunday for the JDL Collegiate Duals. TENNIS PEYTON GOLLHOFER — Ball State University (Jr., Cartersville, GA, Laurel Springs Acad.)…won her singles match and teamed with Julia Sbircea to defeat Ivon Mihaleva and Jana Kustkova by a 6-3 score Sunday in the Cardinals’ 6-1 win over Illinois State. The day before, Gollhofer was paired with Sbircea in a 6-2 loss to the 8th-ranked duo of Lee Or and Alex Chatt of Northwestern University. Ball State lost that match to Northwestern 6-1. Ball State (1-1) hosts Eastern Illinois in two matches next Sunday.

The Adairsville swim team tied for 17th in combined scores and the Lady Tigers were 11th in the girls’ team rankings Saturday at the 48th Metro Swimming and Diving Invitational hosted by Westminster School in Atlanta. Host Westminster won the championship with Milton, North Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodward Academy rounding out the top five places. The event included more than 30 schools. Cass and Woodland also participated in the invitational, but did not register team points. Adairsville junior Rylee Moss won the girls 200 yard individual medley with a time of 2:12.32 and the 100 yard butterfly in 1:00.09.

The Woodland girls notched a non-region win Saturday with a 42-30 victory over visiting Southeast Whitfield, 42-30. Senior Whitney Harris scored 17 points that included five three-pointers to lead the Lady Cats. Madgie Robinson followed with 12 points for Woodland. Lauren Morris scored five points. Carli Clymer and Nickiah Metcalf posted three each. Gracie Styles added two points. Mekenna Lentych and Alyson Kountz led the Lady Raiders (2-17) with 10 points each. Woodland (4-11, 1-8 Region 7-AAAAA) plays at Paulding County Monday night at 6 p.m.; at Rome Tuesday at 6 p.m.; and hosts Paulding County Wednesday at 6 p.m. Woodland also has a home game Friday with Cass and travels to Villa Rica on Saturday in the coming week. SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD BOYS 57, WOODLAND 52 (Overtime) Visiting Southeast Whitfield made seven of 12 free throws in overtime Saturday and outscored Woodland 9-4 in the extra session for a 57-52 non-region win over the Wildcats. The game was tight throughout. Woodland led 8-7 after one quarter. The score was tied at halftime 14-14. Southeast led 31-29 after three periods, and the game went to overtime tied 48-48. A trio of Raiders, Murphy Flood, Austin Brock, and Jacob Wyatt reached double digits for Southeast with 14, 11, and 10 points, respectively. Hunter Johnson and Jaylen Ballard led Woodland with 10 points each. Charles Norman and D.J. Robinson followed with nine apiece. Kenny Jinks scored six, Dawson Wilkins four, and Jaylen McLendon and Connor Gallagher added two points each for the Wildcats. Southeast Whitfield improved to 8-12 overall with their win. Woodland (3-14, 1-8 Region 7-AAAAA) plays five region games this week. The Wildcats play at Paulding County Monday, at Rome Tuesday, host Paulding County Wednesday, host Cass Friday, and travel to Villa Rica on Saturday.

The Cass basketball teams both trailed early Saturday, but both came-from-behind to earn non-region, Senior Night wins over visiting Rockmart. The Lady Colonels won 69-60. The Colonels defeated the Yellow Jackets 53-43. The Cass girls fell behind 21-9 after one quarter, but rallied in the second period to get back in the game trailing 33-27 at the intermission. The Lady Colonels outscored Rockmart 24-14 in the third quarter to take a four point lead and held off the Jackets down the stretch for a nine-point win. Kyla Michienzi and Lyric Curtis led Cass in scoring with 26 and 19 points, respectively. Payton Stoddard added 11, followed by Amber Brittian with seven, Aaliyah Curtis with four, and Chanel Clemmons two points. Keyarrah Berry scored a game-high 27 points for Rockmart (11-6, 5-2 Region 7-AA). Cambree Stanley added 11. The Lady Colonels (11-7, 4-5 Region 7-AAAAA) have four region games in the coming week. Cass travels to Hiram Tuesday, hosts East Paulding Wednesday, plays at Woodland Friday, and at Kell on Saturday. CASS BOYS 53, ROCKMART 43 The Colonels rallied from an early five point deficit in the second quarter Saturday to take a brief lead but eventually knot their game with Rockmart 21-21 at halftime. Carter Hedden had eight points in the first half and Mark Chester led the Colonels’ balanced attack with 10 points. Rockmart slipped to 10-7 overall with their loss. Cass (11-7, 4-5 Region 7-AAAAA) travels to Hiram Tuesday, hosts East Paulding Wednesday, plays at Woodland Friday, and travels to Kell on Saturday. All four games are region contests.

Cartersville took a 21-9 lead Saturday in the first eight minutes behind a trio of three-pointers by Perignon Dyer on their way to a 71-53 win at Central-Carroll in Region 5-AAAA. The 18-point win keeps the 4th-ranked Canes atop the region standings and undefeated in league play. Dyer finished with a game-high 20 points, followed by T.J. Horton with 16 and JKobe Orr with 11 points. Jaylon Pugh added eight for the Hurricanes. Isaac Gridley scored seven, Taywuan Johnson four, Luke Schilitz three, and Marqual Coaxum two. Josh McClendon and Jarrod Jackson led Central-Carroll (8-10, 0-6) with 18 and 16 points, respectively. Cartersville (14-2, 7-0) travels to Troup County Monday, hosts LaGrange Tuesday, and travels to Sandy Creek and Chapel Hill Friday and Saturday. CENTRAL-CARROLL GIRLS 44, CARTERSVILLE 39 (Overtime) The Cartersville girls battled back from an early 10-2 deficit Saturday to cut Central-Carroll’s lead to 17-16 at halftime, then took a 26-24 lead going into the final eight minutes before going to overtime tied 36-36. In the extra period, Central made six-of-eight free throws — including four-for-four by Nyah Houston — to edge the Lady Canes 44-39. Haley Fehring scored a game-high 13 points to lead the Lady Lions (12-6, 4-2). Houston added nine and Jade Simmons contributed seven. Kallie Scheff led Cartersville with eight points. Amaya Davis scored seven, Arianna Cochran six, and Cio Siegler scored five points. London Shaw, Addie Smith, and Naijah Evans added three each. Aliyah Sellers and Jada Cunningham scored two each. It is a busy week for the Lady Canes (6-11, 1-6 Region 5-AAAA). Cartersville plays Monday at Troup County (5 p.m.), home Tuesday against LaGrange (6 p.m.), Friday at Sandy Creek (6 p.m.), and Saturday at Chapel Hill (6 p.m.).

The Adairsville boys remained unbeaten in their sub-region with a 36-35 win Saturday at Bremen. The win makes the Tigers 5-0 in Region 6-AAA South games with three remaining. After falling behind 15-9 going into the second quarter, the Tigers held the Blue Devils scoreless in the period to take a 17-15 advantage at halftime. Cody Henderson scored all 11 of his points in the first half for Adairsville who held a 29-27 edge going to the final eight minutes. In the fourth, Hunter Hice scored all seven of his team’s points in the period to match Henderson with a game-high 11 as the Tigers won by one. Jason Houston and Charlie Crafton led Bremen (7-11, 4-5) with 10 points each. Mason Boswell added five points for Adairsville. Grayson Dailey scored four, Gaven Crunkelton three, and Ethan Belcher two. The Tigers (11-9, 6-3 all Region 6-AAA games) have now won 10 of their last 12 games and play at Calhoun Tuesday night. BREMEN GIRLS 59, ADAIRSVILLE 32 The Bremen girls ran out to a 17-2 lead in the first eight minutes and never trailed in a 59-32 win Saturday over visiting Adairsville Ashlyn Hodges led the Lady Blue Devils with a game-high 31 points. Bremen (6-9, 1-6) led 29-12 at halftime and 44-22 after three quarters. Nakiyah Washington led Adairsville with 12 points. She was followed by Josie Summerville with seven, Havyn Isaac with six, Aaliyah Applin and Alexa Varner with three each, and Lori Cimino with one point. The Lady Tigers (3-16, 1-7) travel to Calhoun Tuesday for a 6 p.m. tip.

The Cartersville boys sprinted to a 26-8 lead by halftime on their way to a convincing 58-25 win at Cedartown Friday in Region 5-AAAA action. The Hurricanes held a 12-4 lead after one quarter and led 46-21 through three quarters. Jaylon Pugh led Cartersville with 17 points. Perignon Dyer scored 10. Isaac Gridley and JKobe Orr contributed seven points each. Luke Schiltz and T.J. Horton added five points each. Marquail Coaxum scored four and Taywuan Johnson scored three points. Trevon Wofford led Cedartown (8-9, 2-4) with seven points. Cartersville (13-2, 6-0) hosts Central-Carroll Saturday and travels to Troup County Monday. CEDARTOWN 54, CARTERSVILLE 32 The Lady Canes were missing two starters Friday at Cedartown and fell behind 12-0 before scoring in a 54-32 loss. Cartersville battled back and narrowed the Lady Bulldogs’ lead to 10 points in the third quarter, but that was as close as they would come. Cedartown (9-8, 3-3 Region 5-AAAA) led 18-5 after one quarter, 32-15 at halftime, and 38-26 after three quarters. Tamara Beeman and Keke Turner led the Lady Bulldogs with 17 and 14 points, respectively. Jada Cunningham scored 10 points for Cartersville followed by eight by Ariana Cochran, six by Amya Davis, five by Aliyeah Sellers, and three points by Kallie Scheff. Cartersville (6-10, 1-5) hosts Central-Carroll Saturday with the girls game starting at 4:30 p.m. They then travel to Troup County Monday for a 5 p.m. start.

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)