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Cole Hewatt hit a pair of threes and scored eight points, while teammate Ronald Hardin tallied six points in the extra session as the Adairsville Tigers outscored Sonoraville 14-5 in overtime to advance in Region 6AAA tournament play at Ringgold. Hardin finished the night with 17 points and Hewatt 15 for the Tigers. The matchup was close throughout. The Phoenix led 13-11 after one quarter, but Adairsville took a 21-20 lead to the locker room at halftime. The Tigers led 30-28 after three periods and Sonoraville outscored Adairsville 14-12 in the fourth quarter to send the game to overtime, tied 42-all. Cody Henderson and Bryce Holland contributed six points each for the Tigers. James Sims scored five, while Juan Perez and Hunter Hice added four and three, respectively. Austin Carter led Sonoraville with 18 points. Hunter White scored eight. Trenton Daniel and Tavian Reynolds scored five each for the Phoenix, followed by four each from Jaeden Irving and Bailey Reece. Bryce Wilson added three. With the win, Adairsville improved to 9-18 on the year and will now take on tournament host and fourth-seeded Ringgold Thursday night at 8:30pm with the winner guaranteed a spot in the region semifinals and the Class AAA state tournament. Sonoraville finished the year with an 11-13 record.

College athletes from the Cartersville and Bartow County area continue to make important contributions to their respective athletic programs across the Southeastern United States in swimming, tennis, track and field, wrestling, basketball, baseball, and softball. Bartow Sports Zone maintains a roster of all the local collegiate and professional athletes on the 'Athletes Beyond Bartow' page of this web site. (PHOTO: Kailah Rain, Embry Riddle University) Below, are updates for local athletes in current sports. WOMENS BASKETBALL SYDNEY BOYD — Brewton-Parker College (G, Freshman, Woodland HS) . . . scored two points and grabbed a rebound in a 59-55 loss Saturday at Coastal College of Georgia in Brunswick. The Lady Barons also lost Jan. 30 at Brenau University and are now 4-19 overall and 0-13 in the Southern States Athletic Conference. BPC has a three-game homestand Feb. 11-20 vs. Middle Georgia State, Brenau University, and College of Coastal Georgia. MARISSA DUBOSE — Gadsden State CC (F/C, Sophomore, Woodland HS) . . . scored three points and collected 14 rebounds in a pair of home losses to Southern Union State (Feb. 1) and Wallace State (Feb. 4). Dubose has played in 20 games and started once for the 8-13 Cardinal. GSCC is 3-3 in conference games. Dubose is averaging 2.9 rebounds per game and just under one per game in a reserve role. The Cardinal play at Lawson State CC Feb. 11 and host Roane State CC Feb. 15. ASHLEY HUSKINS — Univ. of the Cumberlands (G/F, Freshman, Cass HS) . . . has appeared in 18 of 20 games for the Lady Patriots averaging 3.3 rebounds and 3.5 points per game in an average of just under 15 minutes per game. Huskins scored six points, with three rebounds and a pair of assists Feb. 4 in a 59-56 loss to seventh-ranked Shawnee State (OH). She also played 17 minutes, scored one point and grabbed three rebounds in a one point loss to Georgetown (KY). University of the Cumberlands is 8-12 overall and 0-9 in the Mid-South Conference. They host St. Catharine College (KY) Feb. 11 and third-ranked Campbellsville University Feb. 13. KAELYN IRBY — Gadsden State CC (G, Sophomore, Cartersville HS) . . . averaging 12 points per game, 4.3 rebounds per game, and 3.6 assists per game in 20 starts. Irby scored 13 points in a home loss to Southern Union State CC Feb. 1 and scored five points Feb. 4 vs. Wallace State. The Cardinal travel to Lawson State CC Feb. 11 and will host Roane State CC Feb. 15. MAYA JONES — Gadsden State CC (F, Sophomore, Cartersville HS) . . . averaging a point per game and just under one rebound per game in 16 appearances for the Cardinal. She scored a season-high six points Feb. 1 in a home loss to Southern Union State. GSCC plays at Lawson State CC Feb. 11 and will host Roane State CC Feb. 15. MORGAN JONES — Gadsden State CC (C, Sophomore, Cartersville HS) . . . a starter for the Cardinal, averaging 5.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game through 19 games. Jones scored eight points with five rebounds in a home loss Feb. 4 to Wallace State. She had six rebounds and a block in a loss to Southern Union State Feb. 1. The Cardinal play at Lawson State CC Feb. 11 and host Roane State CC Feb. 15. MENS BASKETBALL RUDY WINTERS — Dalton State College (F, Sophomore, Excel Christian Academy) . . .has seen action in 13 games, averaging 13.7 points and 3 rebounds per game. . . Winters scored three points in a home loss to Voorhees (SC) Feb. 2. The Roadrunners (14-10, 6-7 in the Southern State Athletic Conference) travel to College of Coastal Georgia Feb. 11 and Brewton Parker (GA) College Feb. 13. RYAN DAVIS — Chattahoochee Tech CC (G, Sophomore, Cartersville HS) . . . Davis is a starter averaging 14.4 points on 52 percent shooting from the floor. He has averaged 5.9 rebounds, 2.4 steals, and 5.1 assists per game. He scored 12 points in a Feb. 5, 95-93 home loss to South Georgia Technical and grabbed six rebounds. The Golden Eagles snapped a three-game skid Feb. 8 with an 80-63 win at East Georgia State CC. CTCC (19-6 overall, 6-5 in conference) hosts Central Georgia Tech CC Feb. 10 and plays at Albany Tech CC Feb. 13. A.J. MOSBY — Chattahoochee Tech CC (G, Sophomore, Cartersville HS) . . . scored 23 points in a 95-93 home loss to South Georgia Tech CC Feb. 5 with 3 rebounds and 3 assists. . . a starter for the Golden Eagles, Mosby is averaging just over 19 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and four assists while logging more than 30 minutes per game. His field goal percentage is better than 52 percent (over 40 percent from behind the arc) and he is shooting 79.7 percent from the charity stripe. The Golden Eagles ended a three-game losing streak Feb. 8 with a win at East Georgia State. Chatt Tech (19-6 overall, 6-5 in the GCAA) plays Central Georgia Tech CC at home Feb. 10 and travels to Albany Tech CC Feb. 13. ELIJAH ROBINSON — Emmanuel College (G/F, Junior, Excel Christian Academy) . . . a starter for the 15-5 Lions, Robinson is averaging 9.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in just under 21 minutes per game. He is shooting just under 50 percent from the floor and 75 percent from the free throw line. He scored two points and collected four rebounds at Erskine (SC) Feb. 3. The Lions won 88-75 at Southern Wesleyan Feb. 6 (ind. stats not available). Emmanuel is 10-4 in the Carolinas Conference and hosts Barton Feb. 13 before traveling to North Greenville and Limestone Feb. 15 and Feb. 17. COREY TOBIN — Chattahoochee Tech CC (SG, Sophomore, Cartersville HS) . . . as a starter for the 19-6 Golden Eagles, Tobin is scoring 8.3 points and grabbing 3.6 rebounds with 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals while logging just under 28 minutes per game. Chatt Tech (19-6 overall, 6-5 in the GCAA) plays Central Georgia Tech CC at home Feb. 10 and travels to Albany Tech CC Feb. 13. WRESTLING EVAN COLE — Cumberland University (So., Cartersville HS) . . . lost a narrow 3-0 decision to his Life University opponent Feb. 6 wrestling at 149-pounds. The team also fell 27-17 in the dual match. The Bulldogs are back in action Sat., Feb. 13 at St. Catharine College and the NAIA East Region Qualifier Sat., Feb. 20. TRACK & FIELD ANNA HIGHTOWER — Georgia Tech (Fr., Cartersville HS) . . . pole vaulter placed 8th in the unseeded division at the Virginia Tech Elite Indoor Meet in Blacksburg, VA. by clearing 11’ 7.75” (3.55m). The Yellow Jackets compete next at the Vanderbilt Music City Invitational Feb. 12-13 in Nashville. BLAKE PERRY — Jacksonville State University (Soph., Cartersville HS) . . . placed 8th in the 60 meter hurdles with a time of 9.38 at the Southern Illinois Invitational Feb. 6. The Gamecocks compete next at the Samford Invitational in Birmingham, AL Feb. 12-13. SAMANTHA PATTERSON — Jacksonville State University (Soph., Cartersville HS) . . . placed 10th in the pole vault with a height of 10 feet, 9 inches at the SIU Invitational in Carbondale, IL Feb. 6. The next meet for JSU is Feb. 12-13 at the Samford Invitational in Birmingham. TENNIS PEYTON GOLLHOFER — Ball State University (Cartersville, GA; Laurel Springs Academy) . . won at No. 1 doubles 6-4 with partner Audrey Berger vs. Detroit Mercy Feb. 6. The Cardinals improved to 3-1 on the season with wins over Mercy and Valparaiso on the day. Gollhofer also won her singles match at the No. 3 line vs. Mercy, 6-3, 6-2. Ball State hosts Southern Illinois (Feb. 13) and Western Kentucky (Feb. 14). BASEBALL CLIFTON DEMPSEY — Maryville College (Soph., Cartersville HS) . . . saw action in a pair of games with one plate appearance. The Scots won one of three at Rhodes College in Memphis and host Augsburg in a four-game series Feb. 12-13. BO EDWARDS — Univ. of North Georgia (Jr., Adairsville HS) . . . started one of the Nighthawks’ first five games at DH. He went 1-for-4 with a double in a 4-3 win over Valdosta State Jan. 30. UNG (4-1) hosts Kentucky Wesleyan in a three-game series Feb. 13-14. BRANDON ETHERIDGE — Georgia Highlands CC (Soph., Cass HS) . . . went 5-for-14 with three walks, three runs scored, an RBI and a stolen base in Georgia Highlands’ four-game series sweep of Surry Community College over the weekend at LakePoint. GHC (4-0) hosts Chattanooga State CC in a DH Feb. 11, followed by a three game series with Walters State CC Feb. 12 and 13 at LakePoint. HARRISON HATFIELD — Shorter University (Soph, Cartersville HS) . . . one plate appearance in the Hawks first three games. The Hawks dropped two of three to Spring Hill College. Shorter will host Carson-Newman College Feb. 10 and Lemoyne-Owen College in a three-game series Feb. 12-13. BRADLEY HOOD — Georgia Highlands CC (Soph., Cass HS) . . . needed only one pitch in his only relief appearance during the Surry (NC) series. In a 10-0 victory, Hood was called on with two outs and two runners aboard and escaped the jam. GHC (4-0) hosts Chattanooga State CC in a DH Feb. 11, followed by a three game series with Walters State CC Feb. 12 and 13 at LakePoint. SEAN McDERMOTT — Cleveland State CC (Fr., Adairsville HS) . . . in his first college baseball series, McDermott started all three games at first base and batted in the cleanup spot as Cleveland State took two of three games from Roane State. He went 2-for-10 with a pair of RBI and two walks in the series. CSCC plays a three game series at Gordon State College Feb. 12-13. HUNTER OSBORN — Reinhardt University (Soph., Cartersville HS) . . . collected a win as Reinhardt’s opening day starter against Calumet-St. Joseph. He struck out seven and allowed only one hit in five shutout innings. The Eagles won 3-0. Reinhardt (4-0) travels to Ave Maria University (FL) for a four-game series Feb. 12-14. MASON ROBINSON — Wallace-Dothan CC (Soph., Woodland HS) . . . went hitless with a walk in his team’s season opener against Darton State CC batting cleanup. They play a DH at Abraham Baldwin Feb. 9 and host Andrew College Feb. 10. TYLER WILL — Berry College (Jr., Cartersville HS) . . . Will threw one perfect inning in relief in Berry’s season-opening 8-4 win over Emory & Henry Saturday. Berry swept Emory & Henry in the three-game series. The Vikings host LaGrange College Feb. 10 and travel to Guilford College in Greensboro, NC Feb. 13 for a doubleheader. ASA WILLIAMS — Reinhardt University (Jr., Cartersville HS) . . . started at catcher in two of Reinhardt’s first four wins. He went 2-for-6 with a double and an RBI. The Eagles travel to Ave Maria University (FL) for a four-game series Feb. 12-14. SOFTBALL BETHANY BALLARD — Armstrong State (Jr., Cass HS) . . . has one plate appearance and saw action in a pair of early season games for the Pirates as they have started the year 4-3. ASU plays Barry, Nova Southeastern, Florida Tech, and Lynn Feb. 12-14 at the PBA Sailfish Tournament in West Palm Beach, FL MALLORY JACKSON — Georgia Highlands CC (Fr., Cartersville HS) . . . Jackson started her first college game in right field for the Chargers who are now 2-3. They swept Roane State Sunday at Hamilton Crossing Park after losing close games to Shelton State CC and Cleveland State (TN) CC. The Chargers hit the road to Texas where they will play University of Texas-Tyler, Colby (TX), Howard (TX), Midland (TX), Coastal Bend (TX), Odessa (TX), and Luna (NM) February 10-14. ASHLEY JORDAN — Georgia Highlands CC (Soph., Woodland HS) . . . a starter in centerfield, she went 5-for-16, scored four runs, and added an RBI as the Chargers went 2-3 in the Borders Battle event at Hamilton Crossing Park. Highlands travels to Texas next where they will play University of Texas-Tyler, Colby (TX), Howard (TX), Midland (TX), Coastal Bend (TX), Odessa (TX), and Luna (NM) February 10-14. KAILAH RAIN — Embry-Riddle University (Soph., Cartersville HS) . . . (photo above) An all-conference and all-region selection last year as a freshman, Rain got off to a good start this season as she went 1-for-4 with a walk, two runs scored and two stolen bases in two wins over Keiser last Friday. Rain started both games in center field and batted second in the lineup. The Eagles host South Carolina Beaufort in a doubleheader Feb. 12 and St. Thomas in a twinbill Feb. 13. LAUREN WOMACK — Georgia Highlands CC (Fr., Cass HS) . . . a starter at shortstop for the Chargers, she was 2-for-12 with three RBI and a double as GHC went 2-3 and hosted the Borders Battle at Hamilton Crossing Park. The Chargers hit the road to Texas where they will play University of Texas-Tyler, Colby (TX), Howard (TX), Midland (TX), Coastal Bend (TX), Odessa (TX), and Luna (NM) February 10-14. Has Athletes Beyond Bartow missed a local collegiate athlete? Please let us know via our Contact page or use the link located on the Athletes Beyond Bartow page of this site.

ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 51, GORDON CENTRAL 46 The Adairsville boys were held scoreless in the first quarter of their Region 6AAA tournament first round game Monday night in Ringgold, but the Tigers poured in 40 points over the next two quarters on their way to a 51-46 victory over Gordon Central. The Tigers trailed 9-0 after one quarter, but cut the deficit to 22-20 by the intermission. Adairsville took a 40-38 lead after three quarters and held off the Warriors in the fourth to advance to Tuesday night’s second round against third-seeded Sonoraville at 8:30pm. Cole Hewitt led Adairsville with 15 points, followed by Ronald Hardin with 12. Cody Henderson scored nine for the Tigers. Hunter Hice totaled seven points, Juan Perez tallied four, with Bryce Holland and Grayson Dailey adding two apiece. Jonathan Nesbitt scored a game-high 23 points to lead Gordon Central. Seth Culpepper scored 15. Gordon Central’s season finished with a 4-21 record. Adairsville is now 8-18.

CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 54, RIDGELAND 53 Trailing by five points heading into the fourth quarter of their opening game of the Region 7AAAA tournament in Dalton, the Lady Canes outscored Ridgeland 18-12 in the final period to advance to the tournament’s second round. Kimora McClinic and Madison McKinney combined for 15 of Cartersville’s 18 points in the final period to lead the comeback charge. McClinic finished the night with 16 points to lead the Lady Canes. McKinney totaled 11 points. The Lady Panthers were led by Sarah Meadows with a game-high 29 points. Destiny Irvin scored 16 points for Ridgeland. For Cartersville, Addie Smith totaled nine points. Monica Motuba scored six, followed by A’maya Davis with five, Genesis Burks four, London Shaw two, and Kaia Bolton added one point. The game was close throughout. Ridgeland led 14-9 after one quarter and the Lady Canes led at halftime, 27-26. Cartersville (6-19) will now face the tournament's No. 3 seed, Heritage-Catoosa, Wednesday night at 7pm back at Southeast Whitfield High School. Ridgeland finished the year with a 7-16 record.

Georgia Highlands softball completed a doubleheader sweep of Roane State Sunday at Hamilton Crossing Park to wrap up play in the Border Battles tournament hosted by the Chargers. Bree Fickes hit her third homerun of the young season, while pitchers Natalie Pederson and Kayla Street each picked up their first wins in the circle as Georgia Highlands won 5-2 and 7-2. Becca Meade recorded a pair of saves Sunday as the Chargers improved to 2-3 in the event. Georgia Highlands departs Wednesday for Texas where they play University of Texas-Tyler, Colby (TX), Howard (TX), Midland (TX), Coastal Bend (TX), Odessa (TX), and Luna (NM) February 10-14.

Region basketball tournaments began last weekend for a few schools, but the remainder of the high school region tournament schedules hit full stride this week. Both teams from Cass and Woodland were eliminated in the fourteen school Region 7AAAAA tournament over the past weekend. Due to the volume of teams involved, that tournament -- hosted by Forsyth Central High School in Cumming -- started last Friday (results/remaining schedule below). Other tournaments, including those for Adairsville, Excel Christian Academy, and Cartersville get started Monday or Tuesday night. The Cartersville girls and the Adairsville boys open play in their respective tournaments Monday night. The Lady Canes meet Ridgeland at 6pm in the opening round of the 7AAAA tournament at Southeast Whitfield High School. The Tigers square off with Gordon Central at 6:30pm at Ringgold High School. The Adairsville girls and both Excel Christian Academy teams begin tournament play Tuesday. The Lady Tigers play the survivor of Monday's game between Murray County and Gordon Central at 7pm at Ringgold. The Excel girls play Walker at 5:30pm and the Excel boys play either Mt. Pisgah or Fellowship Christian at 8:30pm. Mt. Pisgah and Fellowship Christian play Monday. Both Excel games Tuesday are in the Region 6-A tournament hosted by Christian Heritage in Dalton. Cartersville's boys received a bye to the Region 7AAAA semifinals and will be in action Friday and Saturday at Southeast Whitfield High School in Dalton. The Canes are assured of a spot in the Class AAAA tournament, but wins in the tournament improve their state tournament seeding. Each region sends four teams to the state tournament which begins February 16 at school sites. The higher seed hosts state tournament games in the first two rounds. Region 7AAAA BOYS at Southeast Whitfield Tuesday #7 Lafayette vs. #6 Ridgeland, 6 p.m. #8 Gilmer vs. #5 Pickens, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday Winner (#8 Gilmer/#5 Pickens) vs. #4 Southeast Whitfield, 5:30 p.m. Winner (#7 Lafayette/#6 Ridgeland) vs. #3 Heritage-Catoosa, 8:30 p.m. Friday Winner (#7 Lafayette/#6 Ridgeland/#3 Heritage-Catoosa) vs. #2 Northwest, 5:30 p.m. Winner (#8 Gilmer/#5 Pickens/#4 Southeast Whitfield) vs. #1 Cartersville, 8:30 p.m. Saturday Consolation Game, 4:30 p.m. Championship Game, 7:30 p.m. 7AAAA GIRLS At Southeast Whitfield Monday #7 Ridgeland vs. #6 Cartersville, 6 p.m. #8 Lafayette vs. #5 Pickens, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday Winner (#8 Lafayette/#5 Pickens) vs. #4 Southeast Whitfield, 4 p.m. Winner (#7 Ridgeland/#6 Cartersville) vs. #3 Heritage-Catoosa, 7 p.m. Friday Winner (#7 Ridgeland/#6 Cartersville/#3 Heritage-Catoosa) vs. #2 Gilmer, 4 p.m. Winner (#8 Lafayette/#5 Pickens/#4 Southeast Whitfield) vs. Northwest, 7 p.m. Saturday Consolation Game, 3 p.m. Championship Game, 6 p.m. 6-AAA BOYS At Ringgold Monday #9 Gordon Central vs. #8 Adairsville, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday #7 Lakeview-Ft. Oglethorpe vs. #6 Murray Co., 5:30 p.m. Winner (#9 G.Cent/#8 Adairsville) vs. #5 Sonoraville, 8:30 p.m. Thursday Winner (#7 LFO/ #6 Murray) vs. #3 North Murray, 5:30 p.m. Winner (#9 G. Cent / #8 Adairsville / #5 Sonoraville) vs. #4 Ringgold, 8:30 p.m. Friday #2 Coahulla Creek vs. Winner (LFO/Murray/North Murray), 5:30 p.m. #1 Calhoun vs. Winner (G.Cent./Aville/Sonoraville/Ringgold), 8:30 p.m. Saturday Consolation, 4:30 p.m. Championship, 7:30 p.m. 6-AAA GIRLS At Ringgold Monday #9 Murray County vs. #8 Gordon Central, 5 p.m. Tuesday #6 Lakeview vs. #7 Coahulla Creek, 4 p.m. Winner (#9 Murray County/#8 Gordon Central, 5 p.m.) vs. #5 Adairsville, 7 p.m. Thursday Winner (#6 Lakeview/#7 Coahulla Creek) vs. #3 Sonoraville, 4 p.m. Winner (#9 Murray County/#8 Gordon Central/#5 Adairsville) vs. #4 North Murray, 7 p.m. Friday Winner (#6 Lakeview/#7 Coahulla Creek vs. #3 Sonoraville) vs. #2 Calhoun, 4 p.m. Winner (#9 Murray County/#8 Gordon Central/#5 Adairsville vs. #4 North Murray) vs. #1 Ringgold, 7 p.m. Saturday Consolation Game, 3 p.m. Championship Game, 6 p.m. Region 6-A GIRLS At Christian Heritage Monday #5 Trion vs. #4 Mt. Pisgah, 4 p.m. #5 Whitefield Academy vs. #4 Christian Heritage, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday #6/7 Mt. Zion-Carroll vs. #3 Pinecrest Academy, 4 p.m. #6/7 Walker vs. #3 Excel Christian, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Winner (#5 Trion vs. #4 Mt. Pisgah) vs. #1 Mt. Paran, 4 p.m. Winner (#6/7 Mt. Zion-Carroll vs. #3 Pinecrest Academy) vs. #2 North Cobb Christian, 4 p.m. Winner (#5 Whitefield Academy/#4 Christian Heritage) vs. #1 St. Francis, 5:30 p.m. Winner (#6/7 Walker/#3 Excel Christian) vs. #2 Fellowship Christian, 8:30 p.m. Friday Winner (#6/7 Mt. Zion-Carroll/#3 Pinecrest Academy vs. #2 North Cobb Christian vs. Winner (#5 Whitefield Academy/#4 Christian Heritage vs. #1 St. Francis) 4:00 p.m. Winner (#5 Trion/#4 Mt. Pisgah vs. #1 Mt. Paran) vs. Winner (#6/7 Walker/#3 Excel Christian vs. #2 Fellowship Christian), 5:30 p.m. Saturday Championship Game, 2 p.m. Region 6-A BOYS At Christian Heritage Monday #5 Trion vs. #4 King’s Ridge, 7 p.m. #5 Pinecrest Academy vs. #4 Mt. Zion-Carroll, 8:30 p.m. Tuesday #6/7 Mt. Pisgah/Fellowship Christian vs. #3 Excel Christian, 8:30 p.m. #6/7 Mt. Paran vs. #3 Walker Thursday Winner (#5 Trion/#4 King’s Ridge) vs. #1 North Cobb Christian, 4 p.m. Winner (#5 Pinecrest Academy/#4 Mt. Zion-Carroll) vs. #1 St. Francis, 5:30 p.m. Winner (#6/7 Mt. Paran/#3 Walker) vs. #2 Christian Heritage Winner (#6/7 Mt. Pisgah/Fellowship Christian vs. #3 Excel Christian) vs. #2 Whitefield Academy, 8:30 p.m. Friday Winner (#5 Trion/#4 King’s Ridge vs. #1 North Cobb Christian) vs. Winner (#6/7 Mt. Pisgah/Fellowship Christian vs. #3 Excel Christian vs. #2 Whitefield Academy, 7 p.m. Winner (#5 Pinecrest Academy/#4 Mt. Zion-Carroll vs. #1 St. Francis vs. Winner (#6/7 Mt. Paran/#3 Walker vs. #2 Christian Heritage), 8:30 p.m. Saturday Championship Game, 3:30 p.m. 7-AAAAA BOYS At Forsyth Central Friday, Feb. 5 #6B North Springs 49, #7A Woodland-Cartersville 22 #6A Cass 61, #7B Cambridge 51 Saturday, Feb. 6 #4B Forsyth Central 59, #5A River Ridge 39 #6B North Springs 66, #3A Creekview 57 #5B North Atlanta 51, #4A Rome 44 #3B Kell 65, #6A Cass 61 (2 OT) Wednesday #1A Sequoyah vs. #4B Forsyth Central, 4 p.m. #2B Sprayberry vs. #6B North Springs, 5:30 p.m. #1B Riverwood vs. #5B North Atlanta, 7 p.m. #2A Dalton vs. #3B Kell, 8:30 p.m. Friday Semifinal: #1A Sequoyah/#4B Forsyth Central winner vs. #2B Sprayberry/#6B North Springs winner, 5:30 p.m. Semifinal: #1B Riverwood/#5B North Atlanta winner vs. #2A Dalton/#3B Kell winner, 8:30 p.m. Saturday Third-place game, 4:30 p.m. Championship game: 8 p.m. 7-AAAAA GIRLS At Forsyth Central Friday, Feb. 5 #6B Cambridge 42, #7A Woodland-Cartersville 33 #6A Cass 53, #7B North Atlanta 44 Saturday, Feb. 6 #4B North Springs 47, #5A Dalton 50 #3A Rome 51, #6B Cambridge 48 #4A River Ridge 57, #5B Riverwood 45 #3B Forsyth Central 47, #6A Cass 41 Tuesday #1A Creekview vs. #4B North Springs, 4 p.m. #2B Sprayberry vs. #3A Rome, 5:30 p.m. #1B Kell vs. #4A River Ridge, 7 p.m. #2A Sequoyah vs. #3B Forsyth Central, 8:30 p.m. Friday Semifinal: #1A Creekview/#4B North Springs winner vs. #2B Sprayberry/#3A Rome winner, 4 p.m. Semifinal: #1B Kell/#4A River Ridge winner vs. #2A Sequoyah/#3B Forsyth Central winner, 7 p.m. Saturday Third-place game, 3 p.m. Championship game: 6 p.m.

Georgia Highlands took the lead with a three-run sixth inning Sunday on their way to a 7-2 victory over Surry CC (NC) at LakePoint in Emerson. The win completed a season opening, four-game weekend series sweep of Surry by the Chargers. Seth Little drove in the go-ahead run for the Chargers in the sixth inning. After Andrew Cooley singled, Little doubled, scoring Cooley. Devin Bilardello racked up three RBIs on three hits for the Chargers. He singled in the fourth inning and doubled in the sixth and seventh innings. Sean Wilson got the win for Georgia Highlands. He tossed three innings of shutout ball, struck out two, walked one and allowed two hits. Colby Taylor held Surry hitless over 1 and 2/3 innings, allowed no earned runs, with no walks and a strikeout. Surry took an early 2-0 lead in the fourth inning. The visitors scored runs on a sacrifice fly by Cory Smith and an RBI triple by James Davis. Highlands never surrendered the lead after the sixth inning. The runs piled on thanks to an RBI double by Bilardello and an RBI single by Cooley. The Chargers tacked on another four runs in the seventh. Bilardello doubled, bringing home Daniel Gooden and Zach McCrum to start the inning. That was followed up by Cooley's single, bringing home Tristan Roberts. Georgia Highlands (4-0) will host Chattanooga State in a doubleheader Thursday (Feb. 11) that starts at 3pm. The Chargers then host Walters State (TN) in a three-game series Friday and Saturday at LakePoint. Friday’s game is at 6pm. Saturday’s doubleheader is scheduled for 1pm.

EXCEL CHRISTIAN GIRLS 46, CHRISTIAN HERITAGE 23 Anna Lane Hattaway led the Lady Eagles with 17 points as Excel improved its season record to 12-13. They finished 6-4 in region play. Lindsey Mauldin scored eight points for ECA, followed by Whitney Harris and Rylie Boston with seven each. Kalli Beth Scheff totaled six points and Brighton McCollum three. Excel plays next in the Region 6-A tournament. CHRISTIAN HERITAGE BOYS 77, EXCEL CHRISTIAN 66 The Eagles finished the regular season with a 12-13 record overall and 6-4 in Region 6A heading into next week’s region tournament. Excel fell behind 40-25 by halftime and failed to recover. Darius Thrower scored 19 points for the Eagles. Chris Hale added 14 and Latrel Jones 13. FORSYTH CENTRAL GIRLS 47, CASS 41 The Lady Colonels’ season came to an end Saturday night with a narrow loss to Forsyth Central at the Region 7AAAAA tournament. Cass led 10-1 after the first quarter and 19-6 at halftime, but the Lady Bulldogs came roaring back to tie the game at 26 heading into the final eight minutes. The leading scorer for the Lady Colonels was Esmeralda Thomas with 14 points, followed by Jana Morning seven points, Payton Stoddard and Lexie Wallraven both contributed six points each. Cass finished the season with a 13-13 record. KELL BOYS 65, CASS 61 (2 OT) It took two overtimes, but the Kell Longhorns ended the Colonels' 2015-16 season Saturday night at the Region 7AAAAA tournament in Cumming. C.J. Bennett led the Cass offense with 15 points, followed by Jake Collum 12 points, Mike Sims 11 points, and Ashton Burley finished with 9 points. Kell was led by Nick Treanor with 15 points, Jonah Patton and Caelon Ball both scored 11 points. Cass finished the season with a 10-15 record.

Mitch Burger (Douglasville/Alexander) had two extra base hits, helping the Georgia Highlands Chargers to a 5-1 victory over Surry on Saturday (Feb. 6) at LakePoint in Game Two of a twinbill. He doubled in the second inning and homered in the fifth inning. Jack McClure(Syracuse, NY/F-M) racked up six strikeouts in the Chargers win. McClure allowed one earned run on three hits and no walks over four innings. GHC was sparked by Burger and Clint Tonnini, who teamed up for three hits and four RBIs. Dylan Forbes couldn't get it done on the rubber for Surry , taking a loss. He lasted just five innings, walked two, struck out none, and allowed five runs. The Chargers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second. Highlands' threat began with a double by Burger. An error then moved Burger from second to third. Georgia Highlands went up for good in the third, scoring two runs on an RBI double by Trenton Nutter (Snellville/South Gwinett) and a sacrifice fly by Burger. The Chargers scored one run in the fourth inning, and then followed it up with one more in the fifth. In the fourth, GHC scored on a solo home run by Tonnini (Woodstock/Etowah). In Game One, the Georgia Highlands Chargers jumped out to an early lead on Surry and captured a 10-0 victory. The game was decided quickly as the Chargers exerted their will early with five runs in the first three innings. A fielder's choice, an RBI single by Evan Mask, a two-run triple by Devin Bilardello, and an RBI single by Andrew Cooley during the first inning fueled the Chargers' offense early. Brandon Bell had two extra-base hits for Georgia Highlands. He singled in the first inning and doubled in the fourth and fifth innings. Casey Collins looked sharp on the hill. Surry managed just one hit off of Collins, who allowed no earned runs, walked one and struck out six during his three innings of work. Daniel Gooden got it done on the bump on the way to a win. He tossed 3 2/3 innings of shutout ball. He struck out six, walked five and surrendered one hit. Nick Haithcox ended up on the wrong side of the pitching decision, charged with the loss. He allowed eight runs in 3 2/3 innings, walked one and struck out one. Georgia Highlands built upon its lead with four runs in the fourth. Brandon Etheridge's single got things going, scoring Brandon Bell. That was followed up by Zach McCrum's double, bringing home Brandon Etheridge.

Ten local high school swimmers representing three high schools (Adairsville, Cartersville, and Woodland) competed this weekend at the GHSA State Swimming and Diving Championships at the Georgia Tech Aquatic Center. All of the local swimmers competed in the multi-classification division for schools in Class A through AAAAA. Local results: Rylee Moss (Adairsville) - finished 12th in the 100-yard butterfly (58.22) Rylee Moss (Adairsville) - finished 16th in the 100-yard backstroke (1:00.87) Georgia Rutledge (Cartersville) - 43rd in the 100-yard freestyle (57.78) Dylan Smith (Adairsville) - 55th in the 100-yard butterfly (58.79) Dylan Smith (Adairsville) - 59th in the 100-yard backstroke (1:01.40) Adairsville boys 200-yard freestyle relay team (Dylan Smith, Daniel Sullivan, Johnathon Wilkes, Jake Eberly) - 64th (1:39.59) Adairsville boys 400-yard freestyle relay team (Dylan Smith, Daniel Sullivan, Johnathon Wilkes, Jake Eberly) - 53rd (3:49.03) Woodland girls 200-yard freestyle relay team (Caliope Miron, Ashlyn Smith, Kera Lawhon, Madi Tuplin) - 57th (1:51.78)

High school wrestling is thriving locally and it was once again demonstrated by athletes in the four local programs. Woodland, Cass, Adairsville, and Cartersville have combined to send 31 wrestlers to the state traditional tournament next weekend, February 11-13, in three different classifications and there will be local athletes participating in each of the fourteen weight classes. The top eight finishers at each of the two state sectionals per classification will meet in next weekend’s sixteen-man state tournament bracket. WOODLAND The Woodland Wildcats’ wrestling team will send thirteen wrestlers to the Class AAAAA state tournament. Woodland freshman Kyle Gollhofer won the sectional title in the 106-pound weight class, Logan Sims captured the 132-pound championship, and Dalton May was champion of the heavyweight division. The Wildcats had four other finalists, Dawson Woods (126-lbs.), Spencer Cooper (145-lbs.), Joseph Jones (160-lbs.), and Raekwan Hicks (182-lbs.). Jahvar Lewis (120-lbs.) and Cody Cochran (152-lbs.) both finished third at sectional. Brett Shedd (195-lbs.) and Hunter Hardin (220-lbs.) were fourth place finishers. Jacob Frye advanced with a fifth place finish at 170 and Jesus Montero (113-lbs.) placed sixth to adance. CASS The Cass wrestling team had eleven members to advance from the state sectionals this weekend to the Class AAAAA state tournament. Hunter Quinn and Tripp Breeden both won their respective weight class sectionals. Quinn won the 138-pound bracket and Breeden captured the sectional title at 195 pounds. “The boys wrestled well and I am pleased we qualified eleven,” beamed Cass head coach D.L. Koontz. “This is just the start of the state tournament though, they now have to wrestle three more grueling days to finish off the journey.” Cass state tournament qualifiers by weight class: 113 - Devin Garrett (7th at sectional) 120-Tyler Pilcher - 4th 126-Cody Mauldin - 9th(alternate) 132-Jordan Mitchell - 5th 138-Hunter Quinn - 1st 145-Jaylen Callahan - 4th 152-Khalil Farmer - 4th 160-C.J. McKnight - 5th 170-Houston Jones - 3rd 182-Chance Scrutchins - 4th 195-Tripp Breeden - 1st 285-Seven Richards - 2nd “We are excited to be returning to the Gwinnett Arena,” said Koontz. “Hopefully our alternate gets called in too.” Quinn, one of two Cass seniors to advance to the state tournament, avenged his loss from the area finals one week earlier. Quinn defeated Brandon Filosi of Cambridge High School 9-6 to win his first state sectional. Breeden, a sophomore, avenged a loss from earlier in the season at the McCallie Invitational by defeating Camden Johnson of Union Grove to win his first state sectional championship. ADAIRSVILLE In Class AAA, Adairsville will have five state tournament participants following sectionals. Daelen Harrison (160-lbs.) won a sectional title, while Salvador Grimaldo (106-lbs.) was a sectional finalist for the Tigers. Brice Burgess (152-lbs.) earned a fifth place finish for Adairsville, and teammates Henry Pabst (7th at 170-lbs.) and Nick Fuller (7th at 195-lbs.) also qualified for the state Class AAA tournament. CARTERSVILLE Robby Earick (126-lbs.) and Johnathan De La Cruz (220-lbs.) placed sixth and fifth, respectively, for Cartersville at their Class AAAA sectional. Koontz said he expects additional excitement this year as the state tournament returns to the Gwinnett Arena in Lawrenceville. “There’s nothing like it.” noted the Colonels’ coach, “you really need to come out and experience for yourself.” The state tournament will begin Thursday afternoon and continue Friday and Saturday with the state finals matches scheduled for 3pm.

ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 55, MURRAY CO. 39 The Lady Tigers took a 23-13 lead by halftime and continued to distance themselves in the second half winning at Murray County Friday night. Adairsville improved to 11-14 on the year while the Lady Indians fell to 3-22. The Lady Tigers will begin the Region 6AAA tournament with an 8-8 mark in region play. MURRAY CO. BOYS 65, ADAIRSVILLE 64 (Overtime) The Tigers rallied in the fourth quarter Friday night at Murray County (9-16, 7-9) to send the game into overtime, but lost their final regular season game of the year by one point. Adairsville (7-18, 3-13) led 26-25 at halftime, but fell behind 45-38 after three quarters before the comeback. The Tigers play next week in the Region 6AAA tournament. CAMBRIDGE GIRLS 42, WOODLAND 31 The Lady Wildcats were eliminated from the Region 7-AAAAA tournament in Cumming Friday with an eleven point loss to Cambridge in the opening round. The Lady Bears led 12-3 after one quarter and 22-16 at halftime before outscoring Woodland 20-15 in the second half. Gabby Bradley led Woodland with 12 points. The Lady Wildcats finished the year with a 5-20 record.