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February 18, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Cartersville Lady Canes picked up a solid road victory Tuesday night, defeating the Heritage-Catoosa Lady Generals 3-1 in a non-region showdown at Heritage High School in Ringgold. Junior forward Helen Leaming set the tone early, netting the game's opening goal 30 minutes into the first half to give Cartersville a 1-0 lead and valuable momentum on the visitors' side. The Lady Generals (2-1) responded before halftime, equalizing to send both teams into the break knotted at 1-1. Cartersville regained control in the second half when Leaming struck again, this time 20 minutes in, to reclaim the lead at 2-1. Her brace proved pivotal in swinging the match back in the Lady Canes' favor. Senior Mallory Nicklas then put the game away late, tallying the insurance goal to seal the 3-1 final score. The Lady Canes evened their season record to 2-2 with the win and will look to build on the momentum next Wednesday, February 25, when they travel to Rome to face Model High School. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CARTERSVILLE BOYS 3, HERITAGE-CATOOSA 2 The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes boys soccer team earned a gritty 3-2 road victory over the Heritage-Catoosa Generals in a highly physical non-region matchup Tuesday night at Heritage High School in Ringgold. The contest featured intense battles throughout, with both sides trading momentum in a back-and-forth thriller. Heritage struck first against the run of play, scoring in the 14th minute to take a 1-0 lead. Cartersville responded quickly, however, as Rhett Jacobs intercepted a pass in the attacking third and unleashed a powerful 25-yard shot that took a slight deflection, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and leveling the score at 1-1. The teams entered halftime tied. The Hurricanes came out strong in the second half, with Jacobs striking again in the 51st minute. He headed home a corner kick that the Heritage goalie misjudged, giving Cartersville a 2-1 advantage. The Generals fought back, equalizing in the 63rd minute with a stunning volley off a cross to make it 2-2. Cartersville regained the lead for good in the 73rd minute when Joy Toure was brought down in the box, earning a penalty kick. Brayden Alonso stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to put the Hurricanes ahead 3-2. The Canes then held on in the last seven minutes to win a back-and-forth contest. The loss dropped the Generals to 1-2 on the season. Cartersville improved to 3-1 and will visit Model on Wednesday, February 25.

February 17, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Damir McBride knocks down two of his 14 points as the Eagles defeated Sugar Hill Christian on Tuesday, 73-54. The Excel Christian Academy boys basketball team defeated Sugar Hill Christian 73-54 on Tuesday at Gordon State College in Barnesville to advance to the GAPPS Class A state championship game. The Eagles will now try to defend the Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools (GAPPS) Class A state title they won last season.  Excel led 15-14 after a tight first quarter and held a 33-24 advantage at halftime. The Eagles took control in the third quarter, building a 24-point lead at 59-35 and holding on for a 19-point victory. Jamari Gatson led ECA with 16 points. Damir McBride and Mason McKinney contributed 14 points, and Mier Bell added 10 points. The Stallions were led in scoring by Colton Britt with 21 points. Gabriel Espin finished with 11 points, and Tyler Veugeler added 10. Excel Christian (22-6) will play Promise Preparatory Academy of Dawsonville for the state championship on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Gordon State College. Promise Prep (19-5) defeated Praise Academy of Lithia Springs in the semifinals on Tuesday, 68-58. Jamari Gatson (32) and Mason McKinney (1) combined for 30 points on Tuesday as Excel Christian Academy advanced to the GAPPS Class A state championship game. PHOTOS: Kohl Williams. CASS GIRLS 61, CEDARTOWN 41 The Cass Lady Colonels secured a berth in the Class AAAA state tournament with a 61-41 win over Cedartown on Tuesday night in the Region 7-AAAA quarterfinals at Cartersville High School. Cass led 28-20 at the intermission and maintained a 41-31 edge through three quarters. The Lady Colonels pulled away in the early part of the fourth quarter and secured a 20-point win. Cadie Paez led Cass with 18 points. Yvonne Ellison followed with 15. Alyssa McDaniel scored 11 points, and Anizah Taylor added 10 points. Hadlee Robinson paced the Bulldogs with 18 points. Kenzlei Boozer scored 12, and Myrikal Pace added 11 for Cedartown. Cedartown’s season ended with a 9-16 record. The Lady Colonels (12-12) will play tournament host Cartersville on Thursday at 4 p.m. NORTHWEST WHITFIELD 69, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 46 The Adairsville boys had their 2025-26 season come to a close on Tuesday night with a 69-46 loss at Northwest Whitfield.  The host Bruins led 23-14 after one quarter and 37-22 at halftime en route to a 23-point victory. Beau Bailey and Kyle Cummings led Northwest Whitfield with 16 and 10 points, respectively. Chris Moore scored 10 for the Tigers. Elijah Pearson finished with nine points. Brooks Rutledge, Dredyn Bautista, and Lucas Poarch each contributed eight points. Northwest Whitfield (16-8) advanced to play Heritage-Catoosa in the Region 7-AAA tournament semifinals on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Adairsville had its season end with a 5-22 mark. DALTON 56, CASS BOYS 46 The Cass boys had their season end on Tuesday night with a 56-46 Region 7-AAAA quarterfinal round loss to Dalton at Cartersville High School.  The two teams had split regular-season games, but the Catamounts led at the end of each quarter on Tuesday and will advance to the state playoffs. Dalton led 17-9 after one quarter, 27-22 at halftime, and 41-31 through three quarters en route to the 10-point victory. Aaron Storey led Dalton with 18 points. Carmelo Weaver added eight. Cam’ron Beauford scored 20 points to pace the Colonels. Derrick Sams tossed in 15, and Isaiah Moreno added seven points. Dalton improved to 14-12 and will play in the tournament semifinals on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. against Hiram. The season ended for Cass with an 8-17 record.

February 16, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com This week's update, for the week ending February 15, includes contributions from more than 50 local athletes. MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL MASON BARNETT — Oakland Athletics (RHP, 5th-yr. pro; Auburn; Cartersville HS) … reported to the A’s spring training in Arizona with the other pitchers and catchers on February 11, where he will compete for a spot in Oakland’s rotation. Cactus League games begin this week at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Arizona. Reports indicate that Barnett has worked in the off-season to return to his original, now atypical, high-over-the-top arm slot. This “old-school” delivery has a higher release point for his pitches and differs from the MLB average. Last season, his arm slot shifted to a more typical angle, which may have affected his end-of-season success. Barnett made five MLB starts in late 2025 with a 6.85 ERA over 22-⅓ innings. LOGAN MARTIN — San Francisco Giants organization (RHP; 4th-yr. pro; Kentucky; Cartersville HS) … list recently as a top-50 prospect in the Giants’ minor league system, he was acquired from the Kansas City Royals’ organization in November 2025. Martin posted an 8-4 record and a 3.45 ERA over 22 starts at High-A and is currently assigned to the Giants’ High-A affiliate, the Eugene Emeralds. ANTHONY SEIGLER — Boston Red Sox organization (INF/2B; 9th-yr. pro; Cartersville HS) … was traded from the Milwaukee Brewers’ organization to the Red Sox organization on February 9. He spent most of 2025 with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, but appeared in 34 games with the MLB Brewers. Seigler is on the 40-man roster following the trade and has big-league camp access. He has been taking batting practice and participating in workouts at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers. BASKETBALL TAFF BRADLEY — Huntingdon College (So., Cartersville HS) … made her sixth appearance of the season and had one rebound in the Hawks’ 76-54 loss last Friday at Maryville College (TN). Huntingdon College (11-12, 8-6 Collegiate Conference of the South) completes regular season play this week at Belhaven University (MS) on Tuesday and at Agnes Scott College (GA) on Friday. NA’YEL CAMPER — Reinhardt University (So., Cartersville HS) … contributed two rebounds in Eagles’ wins February 11 at Columbia International University (SC) and last Saturday over visiting University of Pikeville (KY). Reinhardt visits Milligan University (TN) on Monday, Brenau University (GA) on Wednesday, and Bluefield University (VA) on Saturday. SE’NAI CAMPER — Montreat College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … in three games last week, Camper totaled 13 points, nine rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one blocked shot in home games wins over Truett-McConnell University and Bluefield University (VA), and a loss to Tennessee Weseyan University, The Cavaliers visit Bryan College (TN) on Wednesday and play at the University of Pikeville on Saturday. JA’KA’YAH DRAUGHN — Brewton Parker Christian University (So., Cartersville HS) … scored 33 points with four rebounds, six assists, and one steal as the Barons won 85-72 at Abraham Baldwin Agrecultural College and lost at Thomas University (GA) 61-54. Brewton Parker hosts Point University on Saturday. ANSLEY GRIFFIN — North Carolina Wesleyan University (So., Cartersville HS) … contributed two assists and one steal in two games last week as the Battlin’ Bishops lost at Greensboro College (NC) on February 11 and at home over Mary Baldwin University (VA). NCWU hosts Methodist University on Tuesday and visits Brevard College on Saturday afternoon. ZION HAYES — Vincennes University (So., Cass HS) … scored 12 points, grabbeed five rebounds, and added one assist this past Saturday in an 86-51 home win over Rend Lake College. The Trailblazers (17-7) host the University of Cincinnati-Clermont (OH) on Friday. ZYON HEATH — LaGrange College (So., Woodland HS) … had one rebound and four assists this past Saturday in a 91-88 win at Covenant College. The Panthers (12-10, 4-6 Collegiate Conference of the South) visits Piedmont University on Tuesday night, hosts Warren Wilson College (NC) on Thursday, and travels to Asbury University (KY) on Saturday. HALEY JOHNSON — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … totaled four points, four rebounds, and one steal in wins on February 11 at Columbia International University (SC) and at home this past Saturday over the University of Pikeville (KY). The Eagles travel to Milligan University (TN) on Monday, visit Brenau University (GA) on Wednesday, and play at Bluefield University (VA) on Saturday. KEARA McDANIEL — Toccoa Falls College (Sr., Cass HS) … scored eight points and added six assists, four rebounds, and two steals on February 10 in a 92-56 loss at Paine College. The Screaming Eagles also suffered a loss last week at Alice Lloyd College. Toccoa Falls (9-17) welcomes Welch College (TN) on Monday and visits Bob Jones University (SC) on Saturday. T.J. PRINTUP — Tusculum University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … in home wins over Mars Hill University and Newberry College last week, Printup totaled 28 points, 14 rebounds, seven steals, two assists, and two blocks. The Pioneers host the University of Virginia-Wise on Wednesday before traveling to Lenoir-Rhyne University (NC) on Saturday. MEGAN SCHULTZ — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (So., Woodland HS) … in three games last week, Schultz totaled six points, nine rebounds, 12 assists, and two steals as the Fillies beat Point University (GA) at home, but lost at Trinity Baptist College-Jacksonville, and at home to Brewton Parker Christian University. ABAC (6-18, 3-11 Southern States Athletic Conference) completes the regular-season schedule on the road this week at Blue Mountain Christian University on Monday and at Life University on Saturday. LONDAISHA SMITH — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … scored 10 points and had nine rebounds, three steals, and two assists in a 65-49 win at Columbia International University (SC) on February 11. Smith added 13 points with 11 rebounds, three steals, and one assist in an 81-61 home win this past Saturday over the University of Pikeville (KY). The Eagles (19-5, 16-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visit Milligan University (TN) on Monday, Brenau University (GA) on Wednesday, and Bluefield University (VA) on Saturday afternoon. WRESTLING KRIECG ROE — Lindsey Wilson College (Fr., Cass HS) … went 2-2 in his 174-pound bouts and placed fifth at the Mid-South Conference Championships this past weekend in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Blue Raiders finished fourth as a team. GYMNASTICS ABIGAIL BUNCH — Rhode Island College (Sr., Cass HS) … scored a 9.500 on the uneven bars and a 9.550 on balance beam as the Anchorwomen defeated Springfield College (MA) 190.475 to 182.375 this past Saturday at the Murray Center in Providence. Rhode Island College heads to Brookville, New York on Friday to compete with the University of Bridgeport (CT), the University of New Hampshire, and host Long Island University (NY). TENNIS EMILY BUSH — University of North Georgia (Sr., Cartersville HS) …  paired with Linn Goerdes to win 6-3 at Line 2 doubles as the Nighthawks blanked Erskine College 7-0 this past Saturday in Due West, South Carolina. UNG (2-0) hosts Auburn University-Montgomery on Monday and participates in the ITA Indoor Championships Friday through Sunday in Indianapolis. TRACK AND FIELD BEN ABERNATHY — Reinhardt University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … placed 10th (41-06) in the triple jump at the Samford Bulldog Open this past Saturday in Birmingham. The Eagles compete in the Appalachian Athletic Conference Indoor Championships this weekend in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. JUNE DeLAUDER — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … finished 22nd (10.56) in the 60-meter hurdles at the Samford Bulldog Open this past Saturday in Birmingham. The Eagles compete in the Appalachian Athletic Conference Indoor Championships this weekend in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. ANDY FORSYTH — Berry College (So., Woodland HS) … placed second (1:55.65) in the 800-meters this past Saturday at the Samford Bulldog Open. The Vikings compete next at the Southern Athletic Association Indoor Championships on February 27-28 in Danville, Kentucky. TYLER JONES — University of West Georgia (Jr., Woodland HS) … finished 11th (16:04.24) in the 5000-meter run this past weekend at the Tryon International Mid-Winter Invitational in Mill Spring, North Carolina. Up next for the Wolves is the Atlantic Sun Conference Indoor Championships in Louisville, Kentucky on February 27-28. BARRETT STEPP — Augusta University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … placed 32nd (2:08.33) in the 800-meters this past weekend at the Tryon Mid-Winter Invitational in Mill Spring, North Carolina. Augusta competes at the Peach Belt Conference Indoor Championship in Gainesville, Florida on February 23. DANIELLE THAYER — Augusta University (So., Woodland HS) … finished 13th (11:04.13) in the 3000-meter run this past weekend at the Tryon Mid-Winter Invitational in Mill Spring, North Carolina. Augusta competes at the Peach Belt Conference Indoor Championship in Gainesville, Florida on February 23. ZACHARY WIGGINS — University of West Georgia (So., Woodland HS) … won his heat, but placed 11th (8.71) in the 60-meter hurdles preliminaries at the Tryon Mid-Winter Invitational in Mill Spring, North Carolina. The Wolves will compete at the Atlantic Sun Conference Indoor Championships in Louisville, Kentucky on February 27-28. GOLF ANDREW LUTJENS — Georgia College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … shot 75-79-77 and tied for 53rd individually as the Bobcats placed 17th of 18 teams at the Lincoln Memorial University Spring Kickoff Intercollegiate held at St. Johns Golf & Country Club in St. Augustine, Florida on February 8-9. St. Mary’s (TX) won the tournament, followed by the University of North Georgia and Catawba College (NC). Georgia College plays at the Oldfield Classic in Okatie, South Carolina, on February 23-24. BRODY TIDWELL — Georgia State University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … fired rounds of 67-78-74 and tied for 39th on February 9-10 as the Panthers finished 12th of 14 teams at the Lake Jovita Invitational hosted by Ball State University in Dade City, Florida at Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club. Xavier won the tournament, followed by Butler and UConn. Georgia State will play in the TPC Dorado Beach Colliegiate on February 22-24 in Puerto Rico. SOFTBALL KILEY ARNOLD — Shorter University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … entered as a pinch runner and scored a run in the Hawks' 6-5 loss to Kentucky Wesleyan this past Saturday in Huntsville. Shorter was 0-6 for the week with two losses each to Middle Georgia State University, Alabama-Huntsville, and Kentucky Wesleyan. The Hawks (3-9) host Carson-Newman University  for two games on Wednesday and welcome Columbus State University on Friday and Saturday for a three-game series. JORDAN BISHOP — Virginia Tech (Fr., Cartersville HS) … was utilized as a pinch runner last Saturday in the fifth inniing of an 11-3 win over Villanova. For the week, the Hokies went 2-2 with wins over Villanova and losses to Michigan State and host UNC-Charlotte at the Queen City Classic. Virginia Tech (7-2) will face Seton Hall twice, Georgia twice, and Utah State once in the Georgia Classic on Friday through Sunday in Athens. JORDAN CLAY — Shorter University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … made her first collegiate appearance on February 10 in a 1-⅔ innings start at home against Middle Georgia State University. Clay allowed six runs (five earned) on four hits, three walks, and one hit by pitch. She was the pitcher of record in a 10-2 loss. The Hawks went 0-6 for the week with two losses each to Middle Georgia, Alabama-Huntsville, and Kentucky Wesleyan College. Shorter (3-9) hosts Carson-Newman University for two games on Wednesday before welcoming Columbus State University for three games on Friday and Saturday. HAYLEE DISHMON — Berry College (Jr., Cass HS) … was utilized as a pinch runner and scored a run in a 5-0 home win this past Saturday over Maryville College (TN). The Vikings (2-0)  visit Covenant College for a doubleheader on Thursday and play two games on Saturday at LaGrange College. TAYLOR EVANS — Southern Wesleyan University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … made a pinch hitting appearance this past Saturday at Lander University and grounded out to short in a 4-1 Warriors win. Southern Wesleyan (5-4) hosts a doubleheader with Lincoln Memorial University on Saturday. MEGAN GREGORY — Indiana University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … pitched one inning, issued one walk, but faced the minimum in a Hoosiers’ 23-0 win over Portland State last Thursday in Tempe, Arizona. Indiana went 3-2 at the Littlewood Invitational. The other wins were over Pacific University and Nevada, with losses to 22nd-ranked Arizona State and Nevada. Indiana (7-3) plays in the University of South Florida Tournament on Friday through Monday and will face Colgate, Saint Joseph’s, Marist, Boston College, and the host Bulls in Tampa, Florida. AVA PERKINS — Lander University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … started five of six games last week for the Bearkats and was 3-for-15 at the plate, including one double, and one walk. Lander split two games at North Greenville University and at home with Young Harris College. They added a Friday win over Emory & Henry College (VA) and a loss on Saturday to Southern Wesleyan University. Lander (5-3) travels to Wingate University (NC) on Wednesday for two games and hosts Newberry College for a doubleheader on Saturday. ALEXIS WOODS — Tennessee State University (Jr., Cass HS) … the Tigers’ leadoff hitter and second baseman went 4-for-11 with one RBI in three home losses last Friday and Saturday to Butler University (IN). TSU (0-3) plays Bowling Green University (OH) and the host Buccaneers on Saturday and Sunday at the East Tennessee State Tournament in Johnson City, Tennessee. BASEBALL CAMERON ADAMS — Shorter University (R-Fr., Excel Christian Academy) … appeared in two home game losses last weekend to Belmont Abbey College (NC). He entered to play second base and went 0-for-3 in plate appearances. The Hawks (5-3) visit Augusta University on Tuesday before beginning Conference Carolinas action on Friday and Saturday in a three-game series at Francis Marion University (SC). DREW BILLINGS — Trinity College of Jacksonville (Sr., Woodland HS) … pitched 2-⅔ innings of relief last Friday and was charged with the loss as the Eagles fell to Baptist University (FL) in eight innings, 10-9. Billings allowed three runs (one earned) on two hits and one walk. He fanned five. Trinity dropped two of three games with Baptist University last weekend. The Eagles (4-5, 4-2 National Christian College D2) play four games in Arlington, Texas on Thursday through Saturday at the NCCAA D2 Invitational. CURT BONNER — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … went 5-for-11 at the plate in three home starts this past weekend against Millikin University (IL) as the Panthers won one game in the series. Bonner was hit by a pitch twice, walked once, had one triple, and drove in three runs. LaGrange (4-2) visits Emory University on Tuesday and will host Adrian College (MI), Endicott College (MA), and Mississippi University for Women at the LaGrange Classic on Friday through Sunday. CALEB DANIEL — Georgia Tech (So., Cartersville HS) … made two home starts last weekend against Bowling Green University and went 3-for-7 with two home runs, one double, one walk, one hit by pitch, and seven RBI. The 2nd-ranked Yellow Jackets outscored the Falcons 50-11 in the three-game series. Georgia Tech (3-0) visits Georgia Southern on Tuesday, before hosting a four-game weekend series with Stony Brook University (NY). GAVIN DYSON -- LaGrange College (Fr., Excel Christian Academy) ... was one of seven pitchers utilized by the Panthers last Saturday in a 9-5 loss to Millikin University (IL). Dyson faced eleven batters and allowed three runs (one earned) on four hits and one hit batter in 1-2/3 innings. LaGrange (4-2) visits Emory University on Tuesday and will host Adrian College (MI), Endicott College (MA), and Mississippi University for Women at the LaGrange Classic on Friday through Sunday. MICAH EARWOOD — Southeastern University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … made two pitching appearances last weekend and picked up one win as the Fire swept a four-game series at the University of Mobile (AL). Earwood entered in the eighth inning and went 2-⅓ scoreless innings for his win. He walked two (one intentionally) and struck out two. Earlier in the weekend, he closed out the final two outs of the seventh inning with strikeouts and the Fire went on to win 4-3 in nine innings. Southeastern (9-3) hosts Marian University (IN) for four games on Friday and Saturday. EASTIN ELLIOTT — Covenant College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … the Scots’ outfielder went 1-for-11 with one walk and one RBI last Friday and Saturday in three wins over Greenville University (IL). Covenant (3-0) welcomes Wheaton College (IL) for four games on Friday and Saturday. COLIN EATON — East Tennessee State University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … struck out three and tossed two scoreless innings last Saturday to close out a 7-2 home win over Marist University (NY). The Buccaneers (3-0) swept Marist on their opening weekend and will visit Virginia Tech on Tuesday before hosting Sacred Heart University (CT) for three games on Friday through Sunday. RYAN FARR — Kentucky Christian University (So., Adairsville HS) … made a relief appearance covering 1-⅓ innings last Saturday with no decision in an eventual 6-4 home loss to Goshen College (IN). Farr allowed three earned runs on three hits and one walk with four strikeouts, facing nine batters. The Knights (1-3) welcome Rochester Christian University (MI) for four games on Friday and Saturday. AIDAN LARKIN — Georgia Highlands College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … in two starts at Cleveland State CC and four at home against Lincoln Trail College, Larkin was 8-for-16 with one home run, five doubles, six walks, and seven RBI across the six games. The Chargers (12-4) host USC Salkehatchie on Monday and welcome Wabash Valley College (IL), Macomb CC (MI), and Catawba Valley CC (SC) this weekend for the GHC Invitational. SAM MELTON — Guilford College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … in an appearance at Brevard College (NC) and a home start against Lycoming College (PA), Melton was 1-for-3 at the plate with one walk. The Quakers (1-3) host North Carolina Wesleyan University on Wednesday afternoon and a doubleheader with Bob Jones University (SC) on Saturday. LUKE MILLER — Columbus State University (So., Cartersville HS) … in one home game win over Albany State University on February 11 and a doubleheader split with Flagler College (FL) last Saturday, Miller was 3-for-13 with one home run, two walks, four RBI, scored two runs, and stole one base. The Cougars (2-7, 1-2 Peach Belt Conference) welcome Claflin University (SC) for a three-game series on Friday and Saturday. JULEZ PRATT — Wabash Valley College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … appeared in both one-sided home wins last Saturday over Jackson State CC. Pratt was 0-for-1 with one walk and scored one run. Wabash Valley (8-3) will face Macomb CC (MI), Catawba Valley CC (SC), and Georgia Highlands College twice this weekend in Cartersville at the GHC Invitational. AYDIN RAY — USC Lancaster (So., Woodland HS) … appearing in three of four home game wins over Clark State College last weekend, Ray was 4-for-8 with one walk, one sacrifice fly, and three RBI. The Lancers (6-5) hosts Robeson CC (NC) on Wednesday and USC Salkehatchie for three games on Saturday and Sunday. DREW ROTHSCHILD — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … in four home wins last week — on over Thomas University and three over Spartanburg Methodist College (SC) — Rothschild was 4-for-11, including three walks, one double, one sac fly, six RBI, and scored three runs. The Stallions (11-3) host the University of Fort Lauderdale and John Melvin University (LA) on Friday and Saturday. LOGAN SHREWSBURY — Columbus State University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … made two home relief appearances last week for the Cougars. He worked 3-⅓ innings on February 11 against Albany State University, allowing one earned run on two hits, four walks, and one hit batter. He struck out one. Against Flagler College (FL) on Saturday, he worked one inning, yielding no runs on one hit with one strikeout. CSU (2-7, 1-2 Peach Belt Conference) hosts Claflin University (SC) for a three-game series on Friday and Saturday. HANK SMITH — University of West Georgia (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … made two starts and appeared in three games last weekend at home against Central Michigan University as the Wolves won one of four games. Smith went 1-for-7 at the plate with one RBI and one run scored. West Georgia (1-3) visits Kennesaw State University on Tuesday and plays a three-game weekend series at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. DAVIS WILLIAMS — University of West Georgia (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … made two one-inning relief appearances this past weekend against visiting Central Michigan University and did not give up a run or a hit, while striking out four. He did not receive a pitching decision in either appearance. The Wolves (1-3) travel to Kennesaw State University on Tuesday and visit the University of Arkansas-Little Rock for a three-game series on Friday through Sunday. SAWYER WILSON — Columbus State University (So., Cartersville HS) … made a one-inning start with no decision this past Saturday as the Cougars utilized eight pitchers in a 6-5 home win over Flagler College (FL). Wilson allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits, one hit batter, and one walk. Columbus State (2-7, 1-2 Peach Belt Conference) welcomes Claflin University (SC) for a three-game series on Friday and Saturday.

February 17, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Cass Colonels routed winless Southeast Whitfield on Monday night at Cartersville High School to advance in the Region 7-AAAA Tournament, but the other local teams in region tournament action on Monday were not as fortunate. CASS BOYS 74, SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD 35 The Colonels advanced to the second round of the Region 7-AAAA Tournament at Cartersville High School with an opening round 74-35 win over Southeast Whitfield. Cass took control of the contest in the second quarter by outscoring the Raiders 25-0 for a 41-10 lead at halftime. Jalen Walker led three Colonels in double-figures with 14 points. Cam’ron Beauford finished with 11 points, and Deion Powell with 10 points. Ontario Crenshaw added eight points for Cass. Brayden Johnson posted 15 points for Southeast Whitfield (0-26), and Luke Ampaugh contributed 12. Cass (8-16) will play 4th-seeded Dalton on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. in the quarterfinals. NORTHWEST WHITFIELD 52, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 50  (OT) The Adairsville Lady Tigers endured a heartbreaking 52-50 overtime defeat against Northwest Whitfield on Monday night at Ridgeland High School, resulting in their elimination from the Region 7-AAA tournament. The Bruins led 20-16 af halftime and 36-32 through three quarters before Adairsville tied the game at 48-all and sent it to overtime.  The Bruins edged the Tigers 4-2 in the extra four minutes. Kelbrie Flowers led Northwest with 14 points. Miah Triana, who scored the only field goal of overtime for either team, finished with nine points for the Bruins. Lily Roberts scored 16 points for Adairsville, followed by Alivia Joslin with 14 and Rihanna Crittenden with eight. Northwest Whitfield advanced to play No. 1 seed Heritage-Catoosa at Calhoun on Wednesday at 4 p.m. in the semifinals. The season ended for Adairsville with an 11-15 record. CEDARTOWN 72, WOODLAND BOYS 62 The Wildcats trailed Cedartown 18-8 at the end of the first quarter on Monday night at Cartersville High School and could not catch the Bulldogs in a 72-62 first-round loss in the Region 7-AAAA Tournament. Woodland trailed by eight at halftime, and Cedartown's lead was nine points through three quarters. Davion Smith led Cedartown with 21 points. Kenan Price scored 16. JP Price contributed 14 points, and Coleton Prather added 11 for the Bulldogs. Landon Dougherty led Woodland with 17 points. Canden Davis pitched in 15. Clayton McArdle totaled 9 points, and Amir Heath and Solomon James each added eight. Cedartown (10-15) advanced to play 3rd-seeded Allatoona on Tuesday in the quarterfinals. Woodland’s season ends with a 9-17 mark. HIRAM 48, WOODLAND GIRLS 13 In the opening round of the Region 7-AAAA girls’ tournament at Cartersville High School, 5th-seeded Hiram eliminated the Woodland Lady Cats, 48-13. Brittain Payne and Adriana Howell scored 15 and 14 points, respectively, for the Hornets. Destiny Jackson scored 10 points for Woodland. The Hiram girls (9-14) advanced to play 4th-seeded Allatoona on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at The Storm Center. Woodland’s season ended with a 4-22 record.

February 17, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Georgia Highlands Chargers baseball team swept a home doubleheader with USC Salkehatchie on Monday, winning 14-1 and 19-5 at Cdr. Robert Bentley USN (Ret) Baseball Field. The Chargers scored ten runs in the second inning of the opener and outhit the Indians eleven to four. Alex Karst and Wyatt Gatlin homered for GHC. Carson Page and Andrew Bishop each had two hits.  Braxton Wade collected the Game 1 pitching win for Georgia Highlands. He allowed just one earned run on three hits and one walk in four innings. Wade fanned three. In Game 2, the Chargers exploded for eight runs in the bottom of the first and cruised to their seventh-straight win. They out-hit the Indians 16 to 2. Four pitchers worked short stints for Georgia Highlands, including Karst, Dozier Swain, Reed Thursby, and Calvin Koo.  Gatlin had three hits and three RBI to lead the Chargers’ bats. Five others had two hits, including Harper Davenport (three RBI), Caden Marcos (two RBI), Bishop (two RBI), Hayden Miller (RBI), and Aidan Larkin (RBI). The two losses dropped the Indians to 2-13 on the season. Georgia Highlands (14-4) welcomes Wabash Valley College (IL), Macomb CC (MI), and Catawba Valley CC (SC) for the Chargers Invitational on Friday through Sunday.

February 17, 2026 The Adairsville Tigers scored nine runs over the final two innings on Monday and defeated visiting Woodland-Stockbridge, 12-2, in six innings. The Tigers scored two in the bottom of the fifth to lead 5-2, then exploded for seven runs in the sixth to abbreviate the game and hand Woodland-Stockbridge (3-1) its first loss. Adairsville outhit the Wolfpack eight to five, but Woodland-Stockbridge committed nine errors, including three in the final frame. McCayden Hufstetler (4 IP, 2ER, 4H, 2BB, 5K) made the Tigers’ pitching start and picked up the win. Hudson Parr (2 IP, 0R, 1H, 0BB, 4K) tossed two shutout innings. Harrison Cole (home run, double, two RBI) had two hits for Adairsville. Brody Varner (double, two RBI), Tyler Parker (home run, two RBI), Parr (double, two RBI), Braden Slocum (two RBI), Kaden Coker, and Bryson Weave each added one hit. Adairsville (3-1) hosts Cass on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and Darlington on Saturday at 11:30 a.m.

February 15, 2026 Photo credit: Nick Johnson The Cartersville High School track and field team began its 2026 season on Saturday by participating in the 12-team Allatoona High School All-Comers Meet in Acworth. The Cartersville boys scored 128 points to finish second, only one-half point behind host Allatoona. Cherokee (123.50), Heritage-Conyers (86.50), and North Paulding (73.50) rounded out the top five. The Lady Canes (67) tied for fifth behind North Paulding (111.50), Allatoona (105.50), Etowah (104), and North Cobb (78). River Ridge also finished with 67 points. The Canes and Lady Canes had several top-five performances. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 1st — Laney Saunders — Pole vault — 10-0 2nd — Carder Brock — Discus — 116-9 3rd — Emily Moore — 100-meter dash — 12:54 3rd — 4x200 meter relay — Novella Berlus, Callie Hastings, Hadley Davis, Leyla Booth —  1:59.37 4th — Laniyah Barton — 100-meter dash — 12.60 5th — Laney Saunders — 100-meter hurdles — 18.34 5th — 4x100 meter relay — Laney Saunders, Jordan Fitch, Callie Hastings, Hadley Davis — 55.48 5th — 4x800 meter relay — Sydney Burris, Kylie Ham, Adalin Empie, Genevieve Alessandro — 11:09.13 5th — Callie Hastings — Long jump — 14-7.5 5th — Carder Brock — Shot put — 33-11 CARTERSVILLE BOYS 1st — Thomas Smith — 300-meter hurdles — 41.47 1st — 4x100 meter relay — Bryson Everett, Madoxx Davis, Kaiden Kent, Tripp Chatmon — 42.39 1st — 4x200 meter relay — Bryson Everett, Madoxx Davis, Kaiden Kent, Actavious Thompson — 1:28.15 1st — Thoreau Lipscomb — Discus — 151-6 1st — Thoreau Lipscomb — Shot put — 53-10.5 2nd — 4x800 meter relay — Ethan Empie, Ben Russell, Carson Robinson, Tripp Chitwood —8:33.68 2nd — Kenneth Wilkey — High jump — 6-2 2nd — Actavious Thompson — Triple jump — 41-10 3rd — Madoxx Davis — 100-meter dash — 11.00 3rd — Brayden Doss — 200-meter dash — 23.24 3rd — Ethan Empie — 1600-meter run — 4:37.69 3rd — Henry Abernathy — Discus — 128-5 4th — 4x400 meter relay — Braylon Hill, Hayden Empie, Henry Abernathy, Noah Kearney —3:42.23 4th — Caden McMullin — Discus — 121-4 5th — Kaiden Kent — 200-meter dash — 23.35 Cartersville will host the Purple Hurricane Invitational on February 28. WOODLAND TRACK & FIELD COMPETES AT HILLGROVE SPRINT CARNIVAL Members of the Woodland track and field team participated on Saturday in the 2026 Hillgrove High School Sprint Carnival with 13 other schools in Powder Springs. Rowen Lee finished second in the 400-meter dash with a time of 51.62. Rylee Maxwell of the Lady Cats placed fourth in the 800-meter run in 2:40.92, and Jonathan Ringwell was fifth in the boys’ 800 meters in 2:13.02. Woodland is scheduled to participate in the Purple Hurricane Invitational at Cartersville High School on February 28.

February 14, 2026 The Woodland High School wrestling team captured the 2026 Class AAAA GHSA Traditional Wrestling State Championship Saturday, with ten individuals earning top-five spots in their respective weight classes. The Woodland victory completed a season sweep of the two state championship tournaments in Class AAAA. Woodland also won the State Duals Tournament championship, defeating Cass in the finals. Woodland and Cass have dominated their classification in recent years, with one of the local teams winning the State Traditional tournament in six of the last eight seasons. The two programs have also won a State Duals title in seven of the last eight seasons. The Wildcats scored 218-½ points to finish 25-½ points ahead of state runner-up Cass (193) on Saturday. Ola (157) finished third, followed by Jones County (87-½) and Harris County (83-½) in the top five. Woodland’s John Gill won the 215-pound championship to lead the Wildcats, who also had five individuals to finish as state runner-up. Adrian Zapata (126), Noah Cates (138), Dylan Couey (144), Nathan Cates (157), and Owen Jones (190) all placed second. Cayden Bagely (106) finished third. Paul Lanier (175) and Will Thomas (285) had fourth-place finishes, and Skylar Pizzutiello (165) earned a fifth-place spot on the podium. Cass finished as state runner-up a year after winning the title in 2025. The Colonels had three state champions and four state runners-up. Rowdy Duck (138), Luka Jensen (144), and David Jewell (157) each won state titles. Hayden Trimm (120), Ethan Harrington (165), Mason Tompkins (175), and Codey Dean (215) all earned runner-up spots. Brandon Lalbehari (106) placed fifth for the Colonels. Cartersville’s Jair Flores took fourth place in the 113-pound weight class as the Canes’ only state placer. The Traditional Tournament title was the fifth for Woodland, adding to titles in 2003, 2019, 2020, and 2021.  The Wildcats also own six Duals Tournament championships.

February 15, 2026 The Adairsville Tigers opened play in the Region 7-AAA basketball tournament on Saturday afternoon at home with a 67-59 win over Ridgeland. For the 6th-seeded Tigers, it was their third win this season over the 7th-seeded Panthers. Adairsville won at Ridgeland in early January 53-29 and beat the Panthers 62-39 on January 30. No individual stats or details were provided. The season ended for Ridgeland with an 8-18 record. Adairsville (5-21) advanced to play 3rd-seeded Northwest Whitfield on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in Tunnel Hill.

February 14, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Woodland Wildcats won a third-straight game to open the 2026 season on Saturday, taking a 6-4 decision at Kennesaw Mountain. The Wildcats took advantage of a walk, a hit batter, an error, and a passed ball to break open a 4-4 game and scored twice in the top of the seventh inning. Alfredo Romo also had a clutch RBI single in the go-ahead frame. Woodland utilized six pitchers in brief stints during the win. Logan Smith (1.2 IP, 0R, 0H, 1K) collected the pitching win, retiring five outs in the fifth and sixth innings. Grant Tidwell (1 IP, 0R, 2H, 1K) closed out the final inning. Tucker James (2 IP, 1ER, 1H, 1K), Blake Forstie (0.2 IP, 2R, 1ER, 1H, 1BB), Brylon Reynolds (1.1 IP, 0R, 1H, 2K), and Jacob Tatum (0.1 IP, 1ER, 1H, 1K) also toed the rubber for the Wildcats. Sammy Ray (RBI) and Tidwell (double, RBI) each had two hits for Woodland. Romo (RBI), Clayton Wilkes, and Tucker James each added one hit. Preston Sorrells added one RBI. The loss dropped the Mustangs to 2-3 on the season. Woodland (3-0) hosts the Osborne Cardinals on Tuesday at 2 p.m., Woodland-Stockbridge on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., and visits North Cobb on Saturday at 1 p.m. CARTERSVILLE 4, HARRISON 1 The Purple Hurricanes broke open a 1-1 tie with three runs in the bottom of the sixth to defeat the visiting Harrison Hoyas on Saturday afternoon, 4-1, at Richard Bell Field. The Canes led 1-0 with a run in the second inning, but Harrison scored a run in the fifth to knot the score before the decisive Cartersville frame. Cartersville out-hit the Hoyas eight to three. Canes’ pitchers Nolan Elrod (3 IP, 0R, 1H, 1BB, 6K), Cole Crawford (2 IP, 1ER, 1H, 2BB, 2K), and Logan Buchanan (2 IP, 0R, 1H, 2BB, 3K) controlled the Hoyas from the mound. Buchanan was the beneficiary of the three-run sixth to earn the pitching win. DH Tyler Hickman led the Canes’ bats with two hits, including a double and one RBI. Harris Turner (RBI), Cooper Reynolds (RBI), James Manring (double), and Elrod added one hit. Gianni Gandy picked up one RBI with a sacrifice fly. Harrison slipped to 0-2 on the young season. Cartersville (2-0) and ranked No. 2 in Class 4A welcomes Etowah — the No. 1 team in Class 6A  — on Tuesday for a 5:30 p.m. first pitch, before making a southeast Georgia road trip for games at Brunswick, at Glynn Academy, and against Ware County on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. CASS 12, SONORAVILLE 2 The Cass Colonels bounced back from a one-sided loss earlier in the day on Saturday to collect their first win of the 2026 season over Sonoraville, 12-2 in five innings. Cass scored four runs in the bottom of the first inning and added to the margin in each of the following frames, out-hitting the Phoenix ten to one in the contest. Darren Cole (3 IP, 1ER, 1H, 2BB, 4K) made the pitching start for the Colonels and was credited with the win. Noah Rogers (1 IP, 1ER, 0H, 4BB, 1K) and Dustin Wallin (1 IP, 0R, 0H, 1BB, 2K) pitched in relief. Easton Lee (double, three RBI), Wallin (double, two RBI), and Landon Lamb each contributed two hits for Cass. Zach Stiles (triple, RBI), Rogers (RBI), Kasey Jacobs, and Aidan Castaneda (RBI) added one hit. Cole was credited with one RBI. Sonoraville, who routed East Paulding 19-2 earlier in the day, dropped to 2-3 on the season. Cass (1-2) hosts Model on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and visits Adairsville on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. EAST PAULDING 24, CASS 8 East Paulding sent 20 batters to the plate and scored 14 runs in the top of the first inning in the first game of the day and rolled to a 24-8 win over Cass in four innings. The Colonels had five hits by five different players against the Raiders’ pitching, including a double by Aidan Castaneda and singles by Zach Stiles (RBI), Darren Cole, Kasey Jacobs, and Andrew Ray (RBI). Cass pitchers were roughed up for 23 earned runs on 23 hits, but Cole retired three of four batters faced, totaling one scoreless inning on the mound. DARLINGTON 3, ADAIRSVILLE 2 The Adairsville Tigers dropped a narrow 3-2 decision to the visiting Darlington Tigers on Saturday and suffered their first loss of 2026. Both teams posted a first-inning run. Darlington scored in the third to grab a 2-1 lead, but Adairsville tied the score again in the bottom of the fifth. Darlington pushed across the decisive run in the top of the sixth. Kaden Coker (5 IP, 2R, 1ER, 5H, 1BB, 6K) worked five solid innings on the mound in a pitching start for Adairsville. Tyler Parker (1 IP, 1ER, 3H) was the pitcher of record in the sixth and was saddled with the loss. Westin Barfield (1 IP, 0R, 0H, 1BB, 1K) pitched a scoreless seventh inning. Harrison Cole and Barfield each contributed two hits for Adairsville at the top of the batting order. Hudson Parr (RBI) and Evan Hardin added one hit. Coker drove in one run. Darlington improved to 2-0 on the season. Adairsville (2-1) hosts Woodland-Stockbridge on Monday at 5:30 p.m. and Cass on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

February 15, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Georgia Highlands College baseball completed a four-game weekend sweep of visiting Lincoln Trail CC with two more wins on Saturday. The Chargers, who beat the Statesmen 17-0 and 11-4 on Friday, won 14-4 in five innings and 12-1  in six innings on Saturday. David McKechnie (4.2 IP, 4ER, 7H, 1BB, 9K) struck out nine and was the winning pitcher in Saturday’s opener. Sam Clower retired the game’s final out in relief. Matthew Perkins (5 IP, 1ER, 4H, 1BB, 4K) contributed a solid start in Saturday’s second game to earn a pitching victory. Jackson Scali retired all three batters he faced in the final frame. The Chargers hit five home runs in the first game on Saturday and rattled off 20 hits in the doubleheader. Caden Marcos led the GHC offense with a four-hit day that included three RBI. Andrew Bishop and Mason Moore contributed three hits each and plenty of production. Bishop had a homer, a double, and five RBI in the first game. Moore homered in both games, driving in three runs. Harper Davenport (double) and Hayden Miller (RBI) produced two hits on the day. Emilliano Dominguez launched a three-run homer in the opener. Jack Lloyd (double, two RBI), Wyatt Gatlin (solo home run), and Alex Karst added one hit. Lincoln Trail’s season record dropped to 2-6. The Chargers (12-4) host USC Salkehatchie for a doubleheader on Monday at 1 p.m. and will welcome Wabash Valley College (IL), Macomb CC (MI), and Catawba Valley CC (NC) on Friday through Sunday for the Georgia Highlands Classic.

February 14, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Georgia Highlands College softball split two games on Saturday at the Gadsden State Classic. The Chargers lost to the host Cardinals 8-4, but responded in their second game of the day with a 24-3 win over Alpena CC (MI).  Gadsden State scored six runs in the first inning to build an early advantage. The Chargers narrowed the margin to 6-4 with a run in the third and three in the fourth, but the Cardinals put the game away with a two-run sixth inning. The Chargers trailed 2-1 to Alpena through two innings, but blasted the Lumberjacks’ pitching over the next three innings to score five runs in the third, nine in the fourth, and nine more in the fifth inning. GHC totaled 20 hits in the game and took advantage of five Alpena CC errors. Cece Williams earned the pitching win for Georgia Highlands. Alivia Fannin (five RBI) and Williams (RBI) each had five hits in the two games to lead the Chargers’ bats. Athens Hudson had four hits, including a home run, two doubles, and seven RBI in the Alpena game. Gracie Azpetia had four hits on the day with one RBI. Emily Ferro contributed three hits and one RBI in the two games. Emmalee Freeman (double, two RBI) and Emma Darrow (RBI) each added two hits. Georgia Highlands (3-5) welcomes Cleveland State CC for a 1 p.m. doubleheader on Tuesday, and will entertain Gaston College (NC) for two games on Saturday.