February 5, 2025 The Woodland, Cartersville, and Cass boys' basketball teams won Region 7-4A games Tuesday night and await their seeding for the region tournament at Allatoona next week. Meanwhile, at Adairsville, the Tigers dropped a region tilt with Calhoun. WOODLAND BOYS 54, SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD 27 Bryson Van Tonder paced Woodland with 17 points Tuesday night in a 54-27 win at Southeast Whitfield. The Wildcats closed out the regular season schedule Tuesday night at Southeast Whitfield with a 54-27 victory in Dalton. Woodland led 23-14 at halftime and expanded the lead in the second half. The Wildcats were up 36-16 at the end of the third quarter. Bryson Van Tonder scored 17 points to lead the Wildcats’ scoring column. Caiden Moore followed with 16 points. Isaiah Livsey and Carmello Morris added six and five points, respectively. Brayden Johnson scored 12 points for Southeast Whitfield (0-23, 0-13). Next for Woodland (6-19, 2-12) is an opening-round game in the Region 7-4A Tournament. Allatoona will host the tournament. CARTERSVILLE BOYS 60, CEDARTOWN 42 Kyron McClendon The Hurricanes locked up the No. 3 seed in next week’s Region 7-4A tournament Tuesday night with a 60-42 home win over Cedartown. Cartersville led 29-19 at the intermission and pushed the lead to 50-28 by the end of the third quarter en route to an 18-point victory at the Storm Center. Nas Bennett scored 12 points with eight rebounds and three assists in the Canes’ win. Wyatt Thomason finished with 11 points and nine rebounds. Kaden Baldwin scored 10 points, and Kyron McClendon added nine for the Hurricanes. Zane Diamond Pasley scored 14 points for Cedartown (13-12, 6-8). The Canes (14-10, 9-4) will wrap up regular season play Wednesday at Southeast Whitfield in a 6:30 p.m. tip. CASS BOYS 59, HIRAM 51 The Colonels led at the end of each period Tuesday night and held off a fourth-quarter charge by host Hiram for a 59-51 Region 7-4A road win. Cass led 14-10 after the opening eight minutes, 34-22 at halftime, and 43-33 at the end of the third quarter. Xavier Lowe and Jason Brown scored 17 points to lead the Colonels. Dylan Miller added 13 points in the victory. Dino Loyd was the top scorer for the Hornets with 16 points. AJ Williams finished with 10 and King Wilcox nine points for Hiram (9-15, 7-7). Cass (10-14, 6-8) awaits seeding for the Region 7-4A tournament that begins next week at Allatoona High School. CALHOUN 72, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 64 A hot-shooting third quarter helped lift visiting Calhoun in a 72-64 win Tuesday night at Adairsville in a battle of Region 7-AAA leaders. The Yellow Jackets led 31-22 at halftime and extended their advantage to 53-37 by the end of the third period. Adairsville cut the Calhoun lead to five points in the final quarter but couldn’t quite chase down the Yellow Jackets. Trace Hawkins led Calhoun with 21 points. Jace Johnson scored 16, and Jaxon Moore had 14 points. Tre Winters led the Adairsville scoring column with 23 points. Ben Abernathy and Xavious Nalls added 15 points for the Tigers. Calhoun improved to 15-3 overall and 9-1 in region play. Adairsville (14-9, 9-2) plays a non-region game Thursday at Darlington (7:30 p.m.) and completes region play Friday night at LaFayette (8:30 p.m.)

February 3, 2025 The Excel Christian Academy girls basketball team suffered a 61-27 non-region loss Monday night at Gordon Central in Calhoun. The host Lady Warriors led 35-17 by halftime and added to their advantage in the second half. Kinsleigh Massengil and Mashell McFadden led Gordon Central in scoring with 14 and 12 points, respectively. Chae Vieira scored 16 points for the Lady Eagles. Carolina Otalora added four. Gordon Central improved to 5-18. Excel Christian (4-15, 0-4) plays Oakwood Christian Academy Tuesday evening in the first round of the GAPPS Region 1-IA tournament hosted by Unity Christian in Rome.

February 3, 2025 This week’s update includes contributions made by 39 local athletes from Bartow County across the country in collegiate wrestling, basketball, tennis, gymnastics, indoor track and field, softball, and baseball. The updates are for the week ending February 2. WRESTLING COLTON BISHOP — Reinhardt University (Sr., Woodland HS) … went 2-2 in the 125 pound division at the Newberry University (SC) Open. Reinhardt will compete in the Life University Duals on Friday in Marietta. KYLE GOLLHOFER — University of Northern Iowa (Sr., Woodland HS) … went 3-1 with his only loss to teammate Bowen Downey in the 125-pound division and placed third at the Loras Open in Dubuque, Iowa this past Saturday. The Panthers have a road dual at North Dakota State University on Saturday. CALEB HENSON — Virginia Tech (Jr., Woodland HS) … the No. 1-ranked 149-pound wrestler in the nation won a 19-5 major decision as the 10th-ranked Hokies defeated visiting Virgnia last Friday, 36-3. Virginia Tech travels to Stanford for an ACC dual on Friday night. BRYCE KRESHO — Franklin & Marshall College (Jr., Cass HS) … won both of his bouts by major decision this past Sunday at 141 pounds, but the Diplomats suffered team losses at Long Island University and Hofstra University. Kresho won 9-1 in a 27-11 loss at LIU and won 11-0 in a 23-13 loss at Hofstra. The Diplomats host Drexel University on Friday and participate in the Messiah Open in Grantham, Pennsylvania on Saturday. EAIDEN NEAL — Reinhardt University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … went 1-2 in his 133 pound bouts at the Newberry University (SC) Open. Reinhardt will participate in the Life University Duals on Friday in Marietta. HAYDEN SANTORA — Reinhardt University (Fr., Woodland HS) … finished 2-2 in his 157 pound bouts at the Newberry University (SC) Open. Reinhardt will compete in the Life University Duals on Friday in Marietta. JAXON SMITH — University of Maryland (R-Jr., Woodland HS) … in a 34-9 home loss to No. 2 Iowa, Smith lost his 184 pound bout to 5th-ranked Gabe Arnold by tiebreaker, 2-1. The Terrapins host Rutgers on Friday and visit Penn State on Sunday. JABRIL WILLIAMS — Midway University (Grad Student, Cartersville HS) … lost his 165-pound bout by a narrow 13-11 decision last Friday in a 28-15 team loss at Lindsey Wilson College (KY). Next for Midway is the Mid-South Conference Championships on February 15 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. BASKETBALL Braxton Benham BRAXTON BENHAM — Berry College (Sr., Cass HS) … scored a career high 42 points this past Sunday in the Vikings’ 78-72 overtime win over visiting Rhodes College. Benham added six steals, five assists, and three rebounds in the conference win. Last Friday he scored 17 points with six rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a 73-42 home win over Hendrix College (AR). Berry (14-7, 7-1 Southern Athletic Association) has won seven straight and plays Friday at Sewanee - University of the South (TN) and Sunday at Centre College (KY). The Vikings are currently tied with Sewanee for first place in the conference. Centre is in third place. NA’YEL CAMPER — Reinhardt University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … totaled six points with eight rebounds and two assists in two wins last week over Kentucky Christian University. The Eagles won 69-37 at home on January 27 and 90-78 in overtime this past Saturday at KCU. Reinhardt (17-5, 13-3 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts Johnson University (TN) on Wednesday and Union Commonwealth University (KY) on Saturday afternoon. CLAIRE DAVIS — Kennesaw State University (Jr., Cass HS) … in brief playing time at Liberty University last Thursday, Davis collected two rebounds during a 74-39 loss. The Owls also lost over the weekend at Florida International University, 65-64. KSU (8-12, 3-6 Conference USA) visits Western Kentucky on Thursday and Middle Tennessee on Saturday. JA’KA’YAH DRAUGHN — Chattanooga State CC (So., Cartersville HS) … totaled 15 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and three steals as the Tigers went 2-1 last week. Chattanooga State had home wins over Milligan University JV and Cleveland State CC but lost Saturday at Jackson State CC. The Tigers (14-8, 9-4 Tennessee Community College Athletic Association) host Pellissippi State CC on Wednesday and visit Southwest Tennessee CC on Saturday. ANSLEY GRIFFIN — North Carolina Wesleyan (Fr., Cartersville HS) … in brief minutes during two home wins last Wednesday over Meredith College and Greensboro College, Griffin totaled three points, three rebounds, one steal, and one assist. The Battlin’ Bishops (11-7, 8-3 Appalachian Athletic Conference) play at Methodist University on Tuesday and host Salem University on Saturday. ZION HAYES — Weatherford College (Fr., Cass HS) … totaled 15 points with nine rebounds, one steal, and one blocked shot in home wins last week over Cisco College and Ranger College. The Coyotes (12-8, 5-3 North Texas Junior College Conference) host Southwestern Assemblies of God University on Tuesday and visit Collin County CC on Saturday. KEARA McDANIEL — Toccoa Falls College (Jr., Cass HS) … scored 14 points and had three assists, three steals, and one rebound in the Screamin’ Eagles’ 71-56 home win January 28 over Bob Jones University (SC). Toccoa Falls College (9-9) hosts Welch College on Monday night before visiting Paine College (GA) and Southeastern Baptist College (MS) on Wednesday and Saturday. TJ PRINTUP — Tusculum University (So., Adairsville HS) … totaled 15 points and 13 rebounds in losses last week at Limestone University and Catawba College. Printup also had four assists and two steals. The Pioneers (4-17, 4-13 South Atlantic Conference) host Emory & Henry College and Wingate University on Wednesday and Saturday. MEGAN SCHULTZ — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (Fr., Woodland HS) … in losses last week at Loyola University-New Orleans and William Carey University (MS), she totaled five points and three rebounds. The Fillies (5-16, 0-10 Southern States Athletic Conference) visit Middle Georgia State University on Monday, February 10. Londaisha Smith LONDAISHA SMITH — St. Andrews University (Sr., Cass HS) … totaled 37 points, 11 steals, ten rebounds, and three assists in losses last week to Columbia International University (SC) at home and at Tennessee Wesleyan University.  The Knights (9-14, 5-11 Appalachian Athletic Conference) host Columbia College (SC) on Wednesday and Truett-McConnell University on Saturday. ALISSA WINTERS — Truett-McConnell University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … the Bears had one win in three home games last week and Winters totaled 16 points, four steals, three assists, and three rebounds. Truett-McConnell beat Kentucky Christian University, but lost to Brenau University and Johnson University (TN). The Bears (10-12, 7-9 Appalachian Athletic Conference) host Tennessee Wesleyan University on Wednesday and play at St. Andrews University (NC) on Saturday. TENNIS Emily Bush EMILY BUSH — University of North Georgia (Jr., Cartersville HS) … won her Line 5 singles match 6-2, 6-3 this past Sunday as the 6th-ranked Nighthawks won at Lincoln Memorial University 5-2. UNG (1-0) hosts Young Harris College on Tuesday, Erskine College on Saturday, and Carson-Newman University on Sunday. EMILY SURCEY — Samford University (Sr., Cass HS) … won her Line 1 singles match 6-0, 6-2 and won 6-0 at Line 2 doubles with partner Grace Keller as the Bulldogs beat visiting Alabama State Friday. Samford (4-1) visits Lipscomb University on Friday and hosts Belmont University on Saturday. GYMNASTICS ABIGAIL BUNCH — Rhode Island College (Jr., Cass HS) … finished 21st with a score of 7.900 on the uneven bars and was 22nd with a 9.125 on balance beam as the Anchorwomen finished first at the Springfield College (MA) quad meet this past Sunday. The meet also included Ithaca College (NY) and Ursinus College (PA). Rhode Island College will compete in a quad meet on Sunday at the University of Bridgeport (CT) that will include Springfield College and Wilberforce University (OH). TRACK AND FIELD NOAH BAER — Baldwin Wallace University (So., Woodland HS) … placed third in the pole vault by clearing 13-05.25 this past Friday as the Yellow Jackets hosted and won the five-team Taraschke Classic with Case Western University, Allegheny College, Ohio Wesleyan, and Oberlin College. Baldwin Wallace will split the team to participate in the Dan Kinsey Invitational and the Jud Logan Light Giver Open on Friday and Saturday at Oberlin and Ashland. JUNE DeLAUDER — Reinhardt University (Fr., Cass HS) … placed 14th with a 10.45 finish in the 55 meter hurdles this past Saturday at the Sewanee Tiger Indoor Open in Sewanee, Tennessee. Next for the Eagles is the Appalachian Athletic Conference Indoor Championships February 10-11 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Eric Toviave ERIC TOVIAVE — Belmont University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … was a member of the Bruins’ 12th place 4x400 meter relay team (3:18.22) this past weekend at the PNC Lenny Lyles Invitational in Louisville, Kentucky. He also finished 23rd (8.55) in the 60 meter hurdles and was 28th (51.09) in the 400 meter. Belmont will participate on February 14-15 at the Vanderbilt University Music City Challenge. SOFTBALL KYLIE ARNOLD — Shorter University (So., Cartersville HS) … a transfer from West Alabama, Arnold went 0-for-5 in two home starts and losses to Mars Hill University. The Hawks (0-2) will play in the Charger Chillout on Friday and Saturday in Albertville, Alabama. Shorter is scheduled to play Trevecca Nazarene University, University of Montevallo, Mississippi College, and Delta State University. HAYLEE DISHMON — Georgia Highlands College (So., Cass HS) … went 2-for-6, scored one run, and had one stolen base in the Chargers’ two wins this past weekend over visiting Gadsden State CC. GHC (2-0) hosts a doubleheader with Coastal Alabama-North on Tuesday, visits Gadsden State on Thursday for two games, and hosts USC-Salkehatchie for a doubleheader on Friday. PEYTON DORN — Brewton-Parker College (Fr., Woodland HS) … pitched the final three innings with no decision this past Saturday in a 13-5 home loss to Columbia College (SC). Dorn faced 15 batters and allowed four runs (one earned) on three hits and three walks. The Barons (2-1-1) will play in the Columbia Coca-Cola Classic on Friday and Saturday. SADYE JOHNSON — University of North Georgia (Sr., Adairsville HS) … made a start against West Alabama and had a plate appearance against Union University last weekend as the Nighthawks went 3-1 at the Gulf Shores Invitational. The loss was to West Alabama and the wins were over Florida Tech, Barry University, and Union. Johnson was 0-for-4 at the plate. UNG (3-1) hosts the Mizuno Invitational this weekend and will play Lake Erie College and the University of West Florida. Rachael Lee RACHAEL LEE — Valdosta State University (Jr., Cass HS) … a JUCO transfer from Gulf Coast State CC, Lee started the first five games of the season for the Blazers and hit a grand slam home run in her second plate appearrance of the year against Spring Hill College. Valdosta State went 2-3 at the Gulf Shores Invitational with wins over Spring Hill and Florida Tech. The losses were to 24th-ranked Oklahoma Christian, Lubbock Christian, and 9th-ranked Rogers State. Lee was 5-for-18 at the plate with a double, a home run, four RBI, one walk, one hit by pitch, and one stolen base. The Blazers play doubleheaders Friday through Sunday at Florida Southern College, University of Tampa, and Saint Leo University. AVA PERKINS — Lee University (So., Cartersville HS) … made two starts at second base and went 3-for-7 in three home games this past weekend against Emmanuel University (GA). Perkins scored one run and had two RBI as the Flames won two of the three games. Lee (2-1) plays a doubleheader at Carson-Newman University on Wednesday and hosts a three game series with Cedarville University (OH) on Friday and Saturday. BASEBALL Drew Billings DREW BILLINGS — Trinity Baptist College (Jr., Woodland HS) … earned three saves last week as the Eagles won a pair of one-run home games over Florida National College and a one-run game at Paine College. Billings tossed three innings across the three appearances and allowed two earned runs on two hits with two walks and three strikeouts. Trinity (4-1) hosts a three game series with Bob Jones University on Friday and Saturday. HARRISON CHILDERS — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (So., Cartersville) … went 1-for-8 with one walk in three starts at second base this past weekend. The Stallions split games with Johnson University (TN) and beat Point University. ABAC (2-1) hosts a three game series with Spartanburg Methodist College on Friday and Saturday. MICAH EARWOOD — Southeastern University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … a transfer from Georgia State University, Earwood pitched a scoreless eighth inning last Thursday in the Fire’s 6-1 home win over the University of British Columbia. SEU defeated four ranked opponents last week while hosting the East/West Challenge. The Fire (4-0) host the University of British Columbia again on Wednesday and Thursday before entertaining the University of Saint Francis (IN) for a doubleheader on Saturday. GEOFFREY GORE — Bevill State CC (So., Cartersville HS) … recorded four outs in the seventh and eighth innings this past Saturday in a relief appearance at Northwest Mississippi CC. The Bears lost 14-4. Gore was charged with one earned run on no hits but one walk. He fanned two. Bevill State (0-2) visits Meridian CC on Wednesday and Calhoun CC on Friday for doubleheaders. COLT McKIBBEN — Lee University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … entered in the third inning and worked 2-⅔ innings this past Sunday in a 15-4 home loss to Emmanuel Unniversity (GA). The southpaw allowed two earned runs on three hits and three walks. He recored one strikeout and received no decision. Lee (1-2) hosts Lincoln Memorial University on Wednesday and a three game series with Hillsdale College on Saturday and Sunday. Luke Miller LUKE MILLER — Columbus State University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … started in left field in two of the Cougars’ three games last weekend at the University of West Alabama. He went 3-for-9 at the plate with one walk and two runs scored. He also stole one base. CSU (2-1) will play Lenoir-Rhyne University on Friday at Young Harris College. The Cougars will then face the host Mountain Lions on Saturday and Sunday. PRESTON WELCHEL — Cumberland University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … went 4-for-9 including one homer, one double, four walks, one hit by pitch, and six RBI as the Phoenix won three of four home games this past weekend with Indiana University Kokomo. Cumberland (3-1) hosts the University of Northwestern Ohio in a four game series this weekend. SAWYER WILSON — Columbus State University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … entered in the fourth inning and worked 3-⅔ innings this past Saturday in a 13-6 loss at the University of West Alabama. Wilson yielded one earned run on three hits with no walks. He struck out four of 14 batters faced. The Cougars (2-1) will play Lenoir-Rhyne University on Friday at Young Harris College before facing the host Mountain Lions on Saturday and Sunday.

February 3, 2025 Georgia Highlands College baseball swept a doubleheader at Cleveland State CC Sunday to complete a home-and-home series sweep of the Cougars. The Chargers won 11-4 and 5-1 on Sunday afternoon after winning 7-6 at home on Friday.  One of the two games scheduled for last Friday was postponed due to inclement weather. In Sunday’s opener, Cleveland State led 2-1 through six innings, but Georgia Highlands sent 14 men to the plate in the top of the seventh and scored ten runs to take command. In Game 2, GHC pitchers — Heath Whitlock, Braxton Wade, and Kaiden Krack — limited the Cougars to a single run on just four hits. Max Eichenberger (2 IP, 0R, 0H, 1BB) picked up the pitching win in the opening game Sunday in relief of starter Jack Butler (4 IP, 2ER, 4H, 2BB, 2K). Hunter Ward (1 IP, 2ER, 5H, 3K) closed out the seventh inning on the mound for Georgia Highlands. Kenskey Thomas (two doubles, sac fly, RBI) had three hits for the Chargers in the doubleheader. Ryan Martin (home run, double, sac fly, four RBI) also had a three-hit day. Andrew Bishop and Whitlock (home run, four walks, four runs, three RBI) produced two hits in the two games. Grayson Godbee (home run, three RBI), Joe Johnson, Caden Marcos, Emiliano Dominguez, and Caden Marcos (RBI) added one hit. Ali Banks and Tyler Phillips contributed one RBI each. Georgia Highlands (3-0) is scheduled for a home, four-game series with Pellissippi State CC on Friday and Saturday.

February 2, 2025 The Georgia Highlands College men’s basketball team had a four game win streak halted Saturday at South Georgia State CC, 84-67. The Hawks led 40-23 at halftime and matched the Chargers in the second half for a 17-point win. Devon Rainey scored a game-high 31 points to lead South Georgia. Marquin Thompson scored 20 points to pace the Chargers. The Hawks (17-2, 5-0) continue to lead the GCAA. GHC slipped to 12-6 overall and 4-2 in conference action. Georgia Highlands plays at Southern Crescent Tech on Wednesday and visits East Georgia CC on Saturday.

Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com In conjunction with WBHF and Bartow Sports Zone, Elite Stone Supply presents the ELITE ATHLETES OF THE MONTH. Each month, local high schools name an Elite Athlete of the Month from their varsity programs and present the information on their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3FM and AM1450, WBHF in Cartersville. The Cass High School wrestling team entered the 2024-25 Class AAAA State Dual Tournament seeded fourth but emerged as Back-to-Back State Champions.   The Colonels won Class AAAAA in 2024 and the Class AAA title in 2008, giving the Cass program a Duals State Championship in three classifications.  Cass had victories over Cambridge (56-21), Locust Grove (63-11), and No. 1-seed Central-Carroll (37-29) in the first three rounds of the state tournament. Central had won two straight state titles before falling to the Colonels in the semifinals. In the state finals, Cass squared off with cross-town rival Woodland.  The Colonels’ 38-30 championship dual win avenged a narrow loss to the Wildcats two weeks earlier in the region championship. Alana Carnes is the January 2025 Elite Athlete of the Month for Woodland High School. Carnes is a senior three-sport athlete and the daughter of Vanessa and Carey Carnes. Carnes is a point guard for the Lady Cats basketball team. She also played softball and is a member of the track and field team. “Alana is not only our leading scorer, but she also exemplifies leadership on and off the court,” said Woodland girls’ basketball coach Whitney Harris. “She plays the complete game for us. Alana always has a positive attitude, always gives her best, and is a true representative of a Lady Wildcat.” Carnes is a Woodland Scholar-Athlete and National Honor Society member. She plans to continue her education after high school but is undecided about her destination. Lucy Maybern Evans is the January 2025 Elite Athlete of the Month for Cartersville High School. A junior and Cartersville riflery team captain, Evans is currently the No. 1-ranked shooter in GHSA Area 10 and No. 2 in the state. She holds every riflery Cartersville High School record. In addition to her GHSA competitions in riflery, Evans competes through 4-H, USA Shooting, Junior NRA, and the Civilian Marksmanship Program.  In 2024, Evans placed first in .22 Rimfire at the State 4-H Championship and was the Georgia National team captain. She finished third at the 4-H National Shooting Championship and was first in the Civilian Marksmanship Program competition at 4-H Nationals. She is currently ranked in the Top 50 junior shooters in the U.S. through CMP. “Lucy is an exceptional student-athlete and goes above and beyond to support her teammates,” said Riflery coach Edwin Bonayon. “She leads by example but also guides and motivates other team members. Her remarkable skill level attracts attention — even from competitors — who are naturally drawn to her talent and expertise.” With a 4.6 grade point average, Evans currently ranks third in her class of 345 students. She takes Honors and Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment at Georgia Highlands College. She has also been active in many different school clubs and community organizations. Evans was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at age five but has achieved the highest level of shooting sports while managing her health and academics. She participates in local, state, regional, and national competitions year-round. The daughter of Shane and Angela Evans, she plans to attend a four-year university and compete in NCAA riflery. Kaitlyn Queen is the January 2025 Elite Athlete of the Month for Adairsville High School. A senior Tigers swim team member, Queen competes in distance events. She is the reigning Bartow County champion in the 500-yard freestyle. She also competes in the 200-yard freestyle. “Kaitlyn has been a committed member of the Adairsville High School Swim Team for seven years,” noted Adairsville head coach Miller Barnett. “She works hard in the pool every opportunity she is given and often attends two practices a day. She exemplifies the dedication of personal excellence and perseverance demanded from the sport of swimming.” The daughter of Richard Queen and Holly Kelly, she holds a 3.96 grade point average. Queen is a BETA Club and Magnet Program member and plans to major in Psychology in college. Editors Note: The respective schools and athletic departments supply Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF with photos and bios. Elite Stone Supply Co., LLC is the monthly sponsor. Athletes receive a plaque and recognition during a radio feature on WBHF. #EliteAthletesoftheMonth #Cass #Cartersville #Woodland #Adairsville #highschool

February 1, 2025 The Adairsville High School basketball teams split Region 7-AAA games Saturday at Heritage-Catoosa in Ringgold. The Adairsville boys rallied from behind to claw past the Generals 76-69, but the Lady Tigers lost to the tenth-ranked Lady Generals 51-29. HERITAGE-CATOOSA 51, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 29 Heritage-Catoosa, ranked No. 10 in Class AAA, led at the end of each period Saturday and defeated the visiting Adairsville Lady Tigers, 51-29. Tori Epps led the Lady Generals (18-5, 8-2) with 11 points. Bailee Hollis and Macie Collins scored eight points. Ziyah Hicks scored 10 points for the Lady Tigers. NaXyria Roberts added seven. Adairsville (10-13, 3-7) hosts Calhoun Tuesday at 6 p.m. and closes the regular season Friday at LaFayette at 7 p.m. ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 76, HERITAGE-CATOOSA 69 Tre Winters The Adairsville Tigers survived a hot-shooting night by the Heritage-Catoosa Generals Saturday and escaped with a 76-69 Region 7-AAA road win. Heritage made 13 three-pointers, but the Tigers kept pace with four players reaching double-figures in scoring. The Generals led 20-16 after one quarter and 37-36 at halftime. Adairsville moved ahead in the third period and led 54-51 entering the final quarter. Cayden Lowery and Noah Anotula led the Generals (10-11, 3-7) with 16 and 14 points. Tre Winters led all scorers with 30 points for the Tigers. Xavious Nalls and Ben Abernathy posted 15 points. Barrett Fuller added 12 points for Adairsville. The Tigers (14-8, 9-1) host Calhoun on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Adairsville also plays at Darlington on Thursday (7:30 p.m.) and LaFayette on Friday (8:30 p.m.)

February 1, 2025 The Cass High School wrestling team won the Region 7-AAAA Traditional championship Saturday hosted by Cartersville High School. The Colonels had thirteen wrestlers advance to next weekend’s State Sectionals at Harris County and finished with 261.5 points.  Woodland placed second with 241.5 points and also had thirteen individuals to advance.  Dalton finished in third place, and Cartersville placed fourth, with seven individuals advancing to the State Sectionals.  Adairsville finished sixth in the team standings at the Region 7-AAA Traditional tournament at LaFayette High School. Gilmer edged host LaFayette by 1-½ points to win the team title.  Individuals advancing for Adairsville will compete next weekend at Chestatee High School. Individuals advancing by school:  (Weight class / Region finish / tournament record) CASS (13) 106 — 1st — Hayden Trimm (2-0) 113 — 1st — Gavin Walker (2-0) 120 — 1st — Hunter Barrett (3-0) 144 — 1st — Aidan Piatt (3-0) 175 — 1st — Mason Tompkins (2-0) 190 — 1st — Kirecg Roe (2-0) 132 — 2nd — Luka Jensen (2-1) 138 — 2nd — Rowdy Duck (2-1) 150 — 2nd — David Jewell (2-1) 157 — 3rd — Ethan Harrington (3-1) 165 — 3rd — Logan Crisp (3-1) 215 — 3rd — Codey Dean (3-1) 285 — 4th — John Abernathy (2-2) WOODLAND (13) 126 — 1st — Adrian Zapata (3-0) 138 — 1st — Dylan Couey (3-0) 157 — 1st — Paul Lanier (2-0) 165 — 1st — Zachary Wallace (2-0) 215 — 1st — John Gill (3-0) 175 — 2nd — Melvin Ramos (2-1) 190 — 2nd — Owen Jones (2-1) 106 — 3rd — Nick Weathersbee (3-1) 132 — 3rd — Nathan Cates (3-1) 285 — 3rd — Will Thomas (3-1) 113 — 4th — Bryton Glenn (2-2) 120 — 4th — Noah Cates (2-2) 150 — 4th — Skylar Pizzutiello (2-2) CARTERSVILLE (7) 150 — 1st — Talan Nix (3-0) 113 — 2nd — Jair Flores (2-1) 157 — 2nd — Cole Henson (2-1) 126 — 3rd — Grant Adams (3-1) 144 — 4th — Grey Williams (2-2) 165 — 4th — Peter Cepeda (2-2) 175 — 4th — Palarreus Richards (2-2) ADAIRSVILLE (3) 285 — 1st — Jett Johnson (2-0) 138 — 3rd — Madden Boyce (1-2) 215 — 3rd — Hayden Bailey (3-1)

February 1, 2025 Excel Christian Academy had two wrestlers place at the Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools (GAPPS) State Tournament held at King's Ridge Christian Academy in Alpharetta. Gabe Gossett, an eighth grader, finished second in the 190-pound division this season after placing third last year as a seventh grader. Sophomore Russell Jones placed fourth in his weight class.

February 1, 2025 Georgia Highlands College softball opened the 2025 season at home Saturday under new head coach Tanner Robertson and swept a doubleheader with Gadsden State CC. The Chargers won 11-7 and 9-3. Gadsden State led the first game 4-3 in the middle of the third inning before Georgia Highlands scored eight runs to take control. The Cardinals added three more runs across the fourth and fifth frames but got no closer. Hayden Joyner (3 IP, 6R, 4ER, 6H, 3BB, 1K) and Grace Kendrick (4 IP, 1ER, 3H, 1BB, 1K) split the pitching duties in the opener. Ahmani Green (HR, four RBI) and Mary Catherine Kimball (two RBI) had two hits in the first game. Cayden Warren (double, RBI) and Haylee Dishmon added one hit. Faith Gauthier (sacrifice fly) and Emma Darrow drove in one run for the Chargers. In Game 2, Georgia Highlands came from behind again. The Cardinals led 3-0 in the middle of the third inning, but the Chargers tied the game in the bottom of the frame and added six more runs across their final three offensive frames. Hannah Mounce tossed a complete game in the circle for Georgia Highlands. She scattered eight hits and a walk, allowing two earned runs. Mounce fanned one. Darrow went 3-for-3 with a walk and scored three runs at the top of the Chargers’ order. Green followed with two hits, including a double and three RBIs. Warren also had two hits, including a double and one RBI. Emmalee Freeman (sac fly, RBI), Dishmon, and Gauthier added one hit. Georgia Highlands (2-0) hosts a doubleheader with Coastal Alabama-North on Tuesday at 1 p.m.

February 1, 2025 All five local high school boys’ basketball teams were in action on Friday night. CARTERSVILLE BOYS 76, WOODLAND 69 Nas Bennett scored 33 points Friday in the Purple Hurricanes' win at Woodland. The Purple Hurricanes pulled out a 76-69 win Friday night at Woodland in a hotly contested Region 7-4A tilt. The host Wildcats started quickly, leading 26-13 after one quarter and 38-36 at halftime. The Canes moved ahead in the third quarter 56-52 and held off Woodland in the final eight minutes for a seven-point win. Nas Bennett scored a season-high 33 points for the Hurricanes. Wyatt Thomason and Kyron McClendon followed with 20 and 18 points, respectively. Bryson Van Tonder scored 24 points for Woodland. Isaiah Livsey contributed 22 points, and Amir Heath added nine for the Wildcats. Woodland (5-19, 1-12) visits Southeast Whitfield on Tuesday. Cartersville (13-10, 8-4) hosts Cedartown on Tuesday night and closes out the region and regular season slate Wednesday at Southeast Whitfield. ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 73, RIDGELAND 33 The Tigers earned a blowout win Friday night at Ridgeland, 73-33. The Adairsville trio of Ben Abernathy, Tre Winters, and Xavious Nalls reached double-digit scoring to lead the way. Abernathy finished with 21 points. Winters scored 16, and Nalls added 15 points. Ridgeland (6-17, 1-10) got nine points each from Jamarcus Lewis and TJ Foster. Adairsville (13-8, 8-1) closes the regular season with four games in seven days. The Tigers visit Heritage-Catoosa on Saturday (7:30 p.m.), host Calhoun on Tuesday (7:30 p.m.), and finish with road games at Darlington on Thursday and LaFayette on Friday. EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 82, COVENANT CHRISTIAN 61 The Eagles added to their lead in all four quarters Friday at Covenant Christian in Cumming during an 82-61 non-region win over the Rams. Carter May scored 23 points for Excel Christian. Jayden Jinks followed with 14 points. Evan Chappell and KP Profit added eight for the Eagles. Bowyen Reid poured in 30 points for the Rams. Asher Bond added 18 for CCA (8-9). Excel Christian (15-8, 4-0) is next week's number one seed in the GAPPS Region 1-DI tournament. The Eagles will play at Unity Christian School in Rome on Thursday against the Oakwood Christian / Unity Christian winner. ALLATOONA 58, CASS BOYS 38 The visiting Allatoona Buccaneers sewed up the top seed for the Region 7-4A tournament with a 58-38 win Friday night at Cass. Allatoona (18-5, 13-0) will also host that tournament from February 10-14. After trailing 17-2 in the first eight minutes and 28-13 at halftime, Cass narrowed the margin to 38-28 by the end of the third quarter but faded in the final period. “I’m proud of our effort,” said Cass coach Kevin Cunningham. “We started slowly, making it tough against a good team like Allatoona. Hopefully, we get another chance to play them. Senior night is always tough.” Dean Soulsby led Allatoona with 18 points. Dre Dupree followed with 13 points. Dylan Miller and Jason Brown scored 14 and 13 points for the Colonels. Cass (9-14, 5-8) completes the region regular season on Tuesday at Hiram at 7:30 p.m.

February 1, 2025 The five local high school girls' basketball teams were all in regular season action Friday night, with region post-season tournaments just around the corner. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 71, WOODLAND 16 Allana Williams All fifteen Lady Canes saw action, and the Cartersville girls won easily at Woodland Friday evening, 71-16, to remain in a first-place tie in the Region 7-4A standings.  Cartersville led 48-3 at halftime and cruised to a road victory. KK Arnold led the Lady Canes’ scoring attack with 13 points. She added five steals and two rebounds. Trinity Montgomery finished with 10 points and two steals. Bayley Stanley contributed 10 points, four rebounds, and four steals. Senai Camper finished with eight points. Alana Carnes Alana Carnes scored eight points for the Lady Cats. Woodland (1-24, 1-12) plays at Southeast Whitfield on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Cartersville (15-8, 11-1) hosts Cedartown on Tuesday at 6 p.m. and wraps up region play on Wednesday at Southeast Whitfield. CASS GIRLS 59, ALLATOONA 44 The Lady Colonels raced to an early 26-9 lead and held a 40-15 advantage at halftime Friday night en route to a 59-44 home win over region foe Allatoona. KK Evans scored 21 points, Darianna Sosa contributed 13, and Cadie Paez finished with nine in the Cass victory. The Lady Bucs (4-17, 1-12) got 18 points from Sophie Macutak and 15 from Ava Glassmeyer. Cass (11-12, 8-5) completes the regular season on Tuesday at Hiram in a 6 p.m. tip. ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 43, RIDGELAND 30 NaXyria Roberts scored 15 points Friday in the Lady Tigers' win at Ridgeland. The Lady Tigers built a 20-9 lead by halftime and eased to a 43-30 win Friday night at Ridgeland. NaXyria Roberts led Adairsville with 15 points. Rihanna Crittenden added nine. Briannah Carson was the top scorer for the Lady Panthers (4-19, 0-11) with nine points. Adairsville (10-12, 3-6) plays at Heritage-Catoosa on Saturday at 6 p.m. and hosts Calhoun on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The Lady Tigers will complete regular season play at LaFayette on Friday. EXCEL CHRISTIAN GIRLS 26, COVENANT CHRISTIAN 15 The Lady Eagles earned their fourth non-region win of the season Friday evening at Covenant Christian in Cumming, 26-15. The Excel girls (4-14, 0-4) play at Gordon Central on Monday at 5:30 p.m. and will play their first-round game in the GAPPS Region 1-DI tournament on Tuesday against Oakwood Christian at Unity Christian School in Rome.