The Cartersville girls soccer team improved to 3-0 on the young season Wednesday night with a 5-1 home victory over North Cobb Christian. Five different Lady Canes found the net. Linet Chege, Claire Choate, Caroline Bagwell, Kaylyn Donegan and Chloe Davis each scored goals for Cartersville. The North Cobb Christian girls slipped to 2-2 on the year. The Lady Canes host Chestatee Friday night at 5:30pm.

The Cartersville boys soccer team shutout visiting North Cobb Christian Wednesday night, 9-0. Victor Guevara, Pedro Ghanem, and Cesar Abeja all scored two goals each for the Hurricanes. Grant Farmer, James Chege, and Brady Craig added one goal each. Farmer contributed with a pair of assists. Ghanem, Jake Hacker, and Carter Spivey each recorded an assist. Four of the goals came unassisted. The Canes (2-0-1) host Chestatee Friday with kickoff scheduled for 7:30pm.

The Cartersville bats were hot early Wednesday night at LakePoint in Emerson as the Purple Hurricanes won their fourth straight to open the 2017 campaign and topped the preseason No. 9 team in the nation according to Perfect Game USA. Cartersville defeated the Class 7A Walton Raiders in impressive fashion, 10-1. Walton won the 2016 Class AAAAAA title and was ranked No. 1 preseason in the state's largest classification. The game was originally scheduled to be played at Walton, but was moved to LakePoint due to wet field conditions at the Cobb County school. The Canes posted six runs in the first two frames and added four more in the fifth inning as they cruised to victory. Cartersville pitchers Curtis Wilkes (1.2 IP, 0R, 0H, 4BB, 1K) Levi Ayers (2.1 IP, 1ER, 2H, 2BB, 3K), and Ian Inaba (2 IP, 0R, 1H, 1BB, 2K) combined to limit the Raiders to only one run on three hits through six innings. Anthony Seigler entered to close out the seventh on the mound. He yielded a pair of hits, but also struckout two to wrap up the Canes’ nine-run win. Jake Gooch drove in the game’s first run with an RBI single and J.P. Martin followed with a three-run homer in the top of the first inning to launch the Hurricanes’ offensive barrage. In the second, Seigler singled and Devin Warner followed with a two-run blast that put the Canes up 6-0. After Walton scored a run in the bottom of the fourth inning, Cartersville logged four more runs in the fifth. The Canes scored two runs in the inning on bases loaded walks drawn by Preston Welchel and Seigler, a third run on a sacrifice fly by Warner, and a fourth run on a Noah Daniel RBI single. Cameron Bloodworth was saddled with the pitching loss for Walton who eventually used four hurlers. Seigler led the Canes’ 12-hit attack with a 3-for-3 performance. He also walked twice, scored two runs, and drove in a run. Tee Webb and Daniel (RBI) both had two hits. Brant Smith, Gooch (RBI), Inaba (double), Martin (HR, 3 RBI), and Warner (HR, 3 RBI) had the other Cartersville hits. Walton, who had previous wins over McEachern, North Cobb, and Calhoun, slipped to 3-1 on the season. Cartersville (4-0) plays Parkview and Collins Hill Saturday at Parkview High School. The game with Collins Hill is scheduled for 3pm with the Parkview game to follow.

CARTERSVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT ADULT BASKETBALL RESULTS Games played February 13-16 CFB-RED 75, CFB-GRAY 61 RED: Mitch Jones 19, Andy Bishop 18, Kent Howard 15, Tyler McCurry 8, Blake Arthur 6 GRAY: Joshua Christian 14, Dionata Christian 10, Derrick Jackson 6, Jonathan Brown 6, Donlin Hinton 6, Asa Williams 6, Logan Bagley 3, Jason Parker 3 BEARDS 57, HAWKS 44 BEARDS: Kyle Lundberg 16, Paul Monroe 12, Kevin Harris 10, Blake Scoggins 8, James Griffin 5, Chase Corder 2 HAWKS: Teddy Kellogg 19, Nick Whorton 7, TJ Hemphill 5, Zach Tasker 4, Georgia Russell 3, Brian Warlick 3 CFB-RED 66, GF WILLIS 54 CFB: Craig Lindsay 27, Andy Bishop 15, Blake Arthur 7, Tyler McCurry 7, Mitch Jones 6, Matt Gibson 5 GFW: #12-15, Michael Woodard 13, Greg Johnson 6, Ty Mitchum 2, Brad Stephens 1 SHAW X-MEN 80, ALL WASHED UP 72 SHAW: #35-23, #34-18, James Williams 9, #23-8, #20-8, #40-6, #2-2, James Williams 2 AWU: Mike Howren 20, Darrell Wilkins 19, Courtney Gamble 17, Monterio Fezzia 7, #33-4, #4-3 CFB-GRAY 63, KRACKERJAX 61 CFB: Donlin Hinton 16, Derrick Jackson 15, Dionata Christian 11, Joshua Christian 7, Jonathan Brown 6, Jeff Hayhurst 2 KRACKERJAX: Austin Love 17, Blake Wilkey 13, Adam Chance 13, Patrick Jones 7, Jay Frazier 6, Steven Brown 2 PRI 75, TOYO HIGHLANDERS 67 PRI: Jr Davis 24, Cyrus Banks 14, #91-13, Tyler Blackmon 7, Michael Frazier 6, Laine Frazier 4, Corey Davis 2 TOYO: Eddie Melvin 24, #5-19, #21-9, Shannon Winters 7, #2-2, #10-2 KRACKERJAX 60, CFB-GRAY 52 KRACKERJAX: Landon Adams 23, Adam Chance 13, Blake Wilkey 5, Patrick Jones 5, #0-4, Jay Frazier 4, Steven Brown 4 CFB: Donlin Hinton 15, Joshua Chritian 10, Asa Williams 9, Dionata Christian 7, Jonathan Brown 6, Logan Bagley 3, Tanner Stinard 2 STANDINGS: COMPETITIVE LEAGUE RECORDS (as of Feb. 21): Shaw X-Men 7-3, PRI 7-3, Toyo Highlanders 4-6, Toyo All-Stars 4-6, All Washed Up 3-7 REC LEAGUE RECORDS (as of Feb. 21): CFB-Red 8-0, Krackerjax 5-3, The Monstars 5-5, GF Willis 5-5, CFB-Gray 4-5, The Beards 2-6, Hawks 2-7

The Adairsville boys soccer team out shot visiting Darlington and controlled the ball for most of the night Tuesday in the rain, but could not capitalize on some quality scoring opportunities in a 2-1 loss. Danny Gonazlez scored Adairsville's goal to tie the game 1-1. Stuart Abernathy (nine) and Nic Jackson (six) combined for 15 saves with each allowing one goal. "We had some excellent scoring opportunities tonight," coach Kelly Abernathy remarked. "Danny Gonzalez made a superb shot and Chris Rodriguez just missed on a shot that skimmed off the cross bar." The Adairsville coach said he was pleased with the Tigers' progress since their opening game loss. "It is always tough to lose," noted Abernathy, "but I think we improved and that should help going forward." Adairsville (0-2) plays at Coahulla Creek next Tuesday.

The 8U Bartow Blue boys basketball team scored 18 points in the first half Tuesday night and more than doubled that total with a 20-point third quarter on their way to a 44-13 win over Dalton in the GRPA District 5 semifinals at the Houston Suggs Youth Facility at Hamilton Crossing Park. Ja’kez Baldwin led Bartow in scoring with 12 points. Tavaris Burleson followed with seven points. Nasier Bennett and Jabari Burleson scored six points each. Jaden Daise totaled five points. Jeremy Dent added four points. Eli Pearson and Kyron McClendon each added a basket. The win advances 8U Bartow Blue to the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association District 5 championship game where they will play Whitfield County. Whitfield defeated Rome Tuesday night in the other semifinal, 20-16. The title game will be Thursday night at 6:30pm at the Houston Suggs Youth Facility at Hamilton Crossing Park. 8U WHITFIELD COUNTY GIRLS 27, BARTOW COUNTY 10 The 8U Bartow County girls basketball team lost Tuesday night in the GRPA District 5 championship game to host Whitfield County 27-10 at the Whitfield County Recreation Department Gym in Dalton. Akhari Hames scored three points for Bartow. Rihanna Crittenden, Ansley Tilley, and Haley Collum scored two points each. Lily Roberts added one point.

The Adairsville Lady Tigers soccer team shutout Darlington 10-0 Tuesday night at Tiger Valley for their third win of the year. Gillian Johnson scored four goals in the rout. Emily Collum scored twice and added an assist. Havyn Isaac, Chloe Cochran scored a goal and assisted on two. Max Stephenson and Molly Carter also added goals. Katie Lawhorn was credited with a pair of assists and Hannah Worley had an assist. Darlington falls to 0-3 with the loss. Adairsville (3-0) plays at Dade County Thursday at 5:30pm.

Austin Pruett scattered three hits and three walks across six innings, while Bailey Campbell homered and drove in three runs as the Cass Colonels won at Sonoraville Tuesday night 4-1 to remain unbeaten. Nathan Smith doubled and scored on a Clay Means RBI single in the top of the third as Cass took a 1-0 lead. In the fifth, the Colonels extended their lead to 3-0 on Bailey Campbell’s two-run homer that scored Means who had singled with two outs. The Phoenix narrowed the Cass lead to 3-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning on a hit by Chase Kirby and an RBI double by Storm Carnes. The Colonels responded with an insurance run in the top of the seventh to regain their three run lead. Zach Yancey singled, stole second and scored on an RBI single by Campbell. Austin Pruett (6 IP, 1ER, 3H, 3BB, 9K) picked up the pitching victory for Cass. Evan Hinton (1 IP, 0R, 1H, 1BB, 1K) worked a scoreless seventh to earn a save. Grant Clark worked the first five innings for Sonoraville and was tagged with the pitching loss despite striking out eight. Sonoraville fell to 0-2 with the loss. Cass (4-0) plays at Sequoyah Thursday (5:55pm) and will host Rockmart (10am) and Alexander (5:30pm) Saturday.

The Bartow County Recreation Department’s 10U Bartow Blue boys team defeated Rome 48-18 Monday night in the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) District 5 Tournament being held at the Houston Suggs Youth Facility at Hamilton Crossing Park. Jayden Foster and Zach Postell both reached double figures for Bartow Blue with 15 and 10 points, respectively. Zantavian Brown followed with eight points; Jakevian Harris scored seven; Joseph Boatman added four points; Jamarion Pullum and Kevin Henderson chipped in two points each. 10U Bartow Blue took control early and led 17-0 at the end of the first quarter. They led 31-8 at halftime and 46-14 after three quarters. 10U Bartow Blue will play South Cobb for the GRPA District 5 championship Thursday night at 8pm at the Houston Suggs Youth Facility at Hamilton Crossing Park. South Cobb won the other district semifinal game Monday night 44-38 over Whitfield County. In other GRPA District 5 action Monday night at the Ron Anderson Rec Center in Cobb County, the Cartersville 14U All-Stars lost in the district championship game to Powder Springs, 56-32. Cartersville reached the title game by defeating Bartow 72-42 on Saturday afternoon.

The Woodland baseball team took an early 3-0 lead at Class 4A, 7th-ranked Cedartown Monday night, but a four-run bottom of the third by the home-standing Bulldogs led to a 5-3 defeat of the Wildcats in non-region action. For Woodland, it was the first loss of the season after starting 3-0. Noah Ludy led off the top of the second inning with a solo home run to center field for the Wildcats’ first run. After Jacob Frye doubled to lead off the Woodland third inning, T Harrison was hit by a pitch and C Williams loaded the bases with a ground ball single. A sacrifice fly to left field by Ludy scored Frye and gave Ludy his second RBI of the night. B Kellet, who was inserted as a courtesy runner for Harrison, scored Woodland’s third run on a double steal play that resulted in an out at second base to end the inning. Trailing 3-0, Cedartown answered in the bottom of the third to score four runs on a pair of doubles, two Wildcat errors, a hit batsman, and a ground out RBI. The Bulldogs later added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth on a pair of walks, a double, and another error. The Wildcats out hit Cedartown 8 to 6, but the miscues and walks were costly. Walker Barrow and Jack Haney led Cedartown with two hits each and combined for three doubles. Dalton Bowman (5 IP, 3ER, 7H, 1BB, 5K) collected the pitching win for the Bulldogs. Miles Minge (1 IP, 0R, 0H, 1BB, 1K), who also doubled in the contest, was credited with a save. Ludy finished 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBIs for Woodland. Frye was 2-for-3 with a double, walk, and run scored. Dylan Webb, Koby Stansel, Cauy Williams, and Hunter Reaid (double) all added hits as the Wildcats out hit Cedartown eight to six. Frye and Brycen Kellet each swiped a base. Harrison (4 IP, 4R, 2ER, 5H, 1BB, 4K) was tagged with the pitching loss. Williams (2 IP, 1R, 0ER, 2BB, 3K) worked the final two frames on the mound for Woodland. Cedartown improved to 3-0 with the victory. Woodland (3-1) hosts Armuchee Tuesday at 5pm and Coosa Friday at 5pm.

With the NCAA Division I teams opening up their 2017 seasons this past weekend, collegiate softball and baseball are now at full speed at all collegiate levels. On the softball diamond this past weekend, Taylor Braselton and Taylor Weeks both had excellent performances at the USCB Southern Challenge for Reinhardt University. On the baseball diamond, Sean McDermott's hot start continues at Cleveland State CC and Ty Fowler picked up his first pitching victory of the year for Tennessee Wesleyan College. Meanwhile, Michael Goss and Jo Jo Underwood were both opening day starters for UNC-Greensboro as they began the 2017 season at University of South Carolina. Update for Febuary 14-19, 2017 SOFTBALL BETHANY BALLARD — Armstrong State (Senior, C, Cass HS). . . drove in a run with a pinch hit single Saturday in a 14-0 rout of East Stroudsburg in a game at the Florida Tech Brawl at the Beach in Melbourne, FL. Armstrong State (7-3) won three of five games at the event and will play five more games this weekend in Orlando, FL at the Diamond 9 Citrus Classic. TAYLOR BRASELTON (photo left, courtesy Reinhardt University) — Reinhardt University (Senior, SS, Woodland HS). . . went 10-for-20 with a double, one RBI, and five runs scored as the Lady Eagles won two of five games at the USCB Southern Challenge in Beaufort, SC Friday through Sunday. Reinhardt (4-4) will host the Reinhardt Invitational this Friday through Sunday with Kentucky Christian, Brescia, Georgia Gwinnett, and Martin Methodist participating. CASSIDY HOWREN — Reinhardt University (Junior, C, Adairsville HS). . . started all five games for the Eagles at the USCB Southern Challenge in Beaufort, SC this past weekend as RU won two of the five. Howren managed only one hit and a walk for the tournament. Her hit came Friday in a 2-1 loss to Campbellsville (KY). Reinhardt (4-4) will host the Reinhardt Invitational this Friday through Sunday with Kentucky Christian, Brescia, Georgia Gwinnett, and Martin Methodist participating. SYDNEY FLOWERS — Reinhardt University (Senior, OF, Woodland HS). . . played in two games at the USCB Southern Challenge in Beaufort, SC this past weekend and was 1-for-5 with one RBI. The RBI hit came in the fourth inning of a 4-3 defeat of Faulkner University (AL). The hit gave the Eagles a 2-0 lead at the time. Reinhardt (4-4) will host the Reinhardt Invitational this Friday through Sunday with Kentucky Christian, Brescia, Georgia Gwinnett, and Martin Methodist participating. SYDNEY HODORFF — LaGrange College (Sophomore, C/INF, Woodland HS). . . went 3-for-6 with a walk and scored a run in a pair of losses at Georgia Southwestern Sunday. Hodorff started at third base defensively and hit third in the batting order. The Lady Panthers (0-2) play a doubleheader Wednesday at Birmingham Southern College and play a doubleheader at Judson College (AL) Saturday. HUNTER IRVIN — Reinhardt University (Sophomore, OF, Cartersville HS). . . started games against Lindsey Wilson College (KY) and Campbellsville University (KY) at the USBC Southern Challenge in Beaufort, SC last Thursday. Irvin was 0-for-5 with one walk in the two losses. The Lady Eagles won two of five games at the event. Reinhardt (4-4) will host the Reinhardt Invitational this Friday through Sunday with Kentucky Christian, Brescia, Georgia Gwinnett, and Martin Methodist participating. TAYLOR WEEKS (photo right) — Reinhardt University (Senior, OF, Adairsville HS). . . the Lady Eagles’ left fielder and leadoff hitter was 10-for-20 in five games at the USBC Southern Challenge in Beaufort, SC last Thursday through Saturday. Weeks had a double and a triple with a walk and three RBIs. She also scored four runs. Reinhardt won two of the five games. The Eagles (4-4) will host the Reinhardt Invitational this Friday through Sunday with Kentucky Christian, Brescia, Georgia Gwinnett, and Martin Methodist participating. LAUREN WOMACK — Georgia Highlands College (Sophomore, SS, Cass HS). . . went 6-for-17 with two walks, three sacrifice hits, stole a base, and was hit by pitch twice as the Chargers won seven games over the weekend. GHC won five games at the Gulf Shores, AL Sun Chief Classic Friday and Saturday before sweeping a doubleheader at Enterprise CC (AL) Sunday afternoon. The Chargers (16-3) have reeled off 14 straight wins and open conference play at home at Stars Field Wednesday against Gordon State College. BASEBALL ELLIOTT ANDERSON — Auburn University (Freshman, LHP, Cartersville HS). . . made his collegiate debut last Friday in the Tigers’ 9-0 opening day shutout of George Washington. Anderson pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning and recorded one strikeout. Auburn (3-1) hosts Holy Cross for a three-game series Friday through Sunday. BRANDON ETHERIDGE — Limestone College (Junior, OF/P, Cass HS). . . went two for six with a pair of RBIs and two runs scored in a doubleheader last Friday with Gannon and a single game Sunday with LUI Post. He also drew two walks and was hit by a pitch in the three games. Limestone split two games with Gannon and defeated LIU Post twice as part of the Limestone Classic. Etheridge also made his second relief pitching appearance of the year for the Saints, but did not record an out last Tuesday in a 6-3 loss at Lenoir-Rhyne. Limestone (9-4) plays at Lander University Wednesday and will host a three-game series with Barton College Friday and Saturday. CARRINGTON EVANS — Augusta University (Freshman, OF, Cartersville HS). . . entered to play right field and had one at bat in the Jaguars’ 13-3 defeat of Anderson University (SC) Saturday. In limited at bats, Evans is 3-for-6 this season with a walk and one RBI. Augusta won two of three games in the weekend series with Anderson. The Jaguars (4-5) travel to Valdosta State Wednesday before opening Peach Belt Conference play this weekend with a three-game series at Francis Marion. TY FOWLER — Tennessee Wesleyan University (Senior, RHP, Cartersville HS). . . (photo right) picked up a pitching victory last Tuesday at Talladega College (AL) with a four inning start. He allowed only one earned run on two hits and a walk. Fowler struck out two as the Bulldogs won 11-5. TWC (6-5) travels to 5th-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College Wednesday and will host a pair of two-game sets this weekend against 14th-ranked Campbellsville University and Shawnee State University. MICHAEL GOSS — UNC-Greensboro (Senior, 1B, Cartersville HS). . . started all three games for the Spartans this past weekend in a season-opening series at University of South Carolina. Goss was 1-for-9 at the plate with one RBI in the series. UNCG won 1-0 Sunday afternoon after dropping the first two games 7-1 and 5-1. The Spartans (1-2) play at Wake Forest Tuesday and will host a three-game set with Michigan State Friday through Sunday. SEAN McDERMOTT — Cleveland State CC (Sophomore, 1B, Adairsville HS). . . went 2-for-10 with three RBIs in games last week against Bryant & Stratton College (VA) Wednesday at LakePoint and a home doubleheader with Vincennes University Friday. McDermott, who still carries a .468 batting average with eight RBIs, drove in one run in each of the three wins as the Cougars improved to 5-1. They host Gordon State College (GA) Tuesday and play a doubleheader at Chattanooga State CC Saturday. JO JO UNDERWOOD — UNC-Greensboro (Senior, 3B, Cartersville HS). . . started the first two games of the season opening series at University of South Carolina last weekend, but went 0-for-5 at the plate. Underwood did record four putouts defensively. The Spartans lost the first two games, but edged the Gamecocks on Sunday, 1-0. The Spartans (1-2) play at Wake Forest Tuesday and will host a three-game set with Michigan State Friday through Sunday. TYLER WASHINGTON — Young Harris College (Junior, INF/OF, Adairsville HS). . . played in two of the three game, home series with Auburn Montgomery this past weekend and went 1-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base, and scored a run. In three starts and seven appearance, Washington is hitting .250 in 16 at bats with four RBIs. The Mountain Lions (3-7) host Lee University Tuesday before opening Peach Belt Conference play on the weekend at 5th-ranked USC-Aiken. EDITORS NOTE: An update for basketball, swimming, tennis, track & field, and wrestling was published in a separate article this week. Did we miss someone this week? If we did, please let us know. Use the 'Contact' link at the top of this page or send an email to: bartowsportszone@comcast.net. A full listing of current local athletes is available on this website on the Athletes Beyond Bartow page.

The Georgia Highlands College softball team continued its winning ways Sunday afternoon with a doubleheader sweep at Enterprise College (AL). The Chargers defeated the Boll Weevils 13-0 in five innings and 12-3 in six innings. Georgia Highlands has now won 14 straight games and improved to 16-3 on the season. Natalie Pederson was the winning pitcher in the circle for the first game Sunday. She tossed a complete game and allowed only two hits. Freshman Evan Hall (photo) made her collegiate debut in the second game. Hall went five innings and Becca Meade closed out the sixth for the Chargers. Shay Wooten and Brianna Fickes both hit two home runs, while Lacey Mount picked up her first collegiate hit. It was a two-RBI double. Georgia Highlands begins Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association conference play Wednesday at home at Stars Field. The Chargers will face the Gordon State College Highlanders at 4pm and 6pm. The address for Stars Field is 2200 Joe Frank Harris Parkway in Cartersville (behind Stars Pre-K Center). Games are also streamed via Facebook Live.