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January 28, 2026 Excel Christian Academy celebrated its senior players on Wednesday night with home wins over The Stonehaven School. EXCEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY GIRLS 54, THE STONEHAVEN SCHOOL 11 The Excel Christian Lady Eagles made it four wins in their last six games on Wednesday night with a 54-11 home victory over The Stonehaven School of Marietta.  Excel Christian led 10-1 after one quarter, 20-3 at the intermission, and extended it to 40-5 through three quarters. Sienna Hix led the Lady Eagles with 20 points. Carolina Olatora and Chloe Jinks also reached double figures with 14 and 12 points, respectively. Anna Gentry led The Stonehaven School (0-12, 0-5) with six points. The Excel girls (5-10, 3-3) complete regular season play on Tuesday at Prasie Academy in Powder Springs. EXCEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY BOYS 80, THE STONEHAVEN SCHOOL 60 The Excel Christian Academy boys celebrated their senior class on Wednesday night with an 80-60 home win over The Stonehaven School in region play. The Eagles led 25-7 after one quarter and were never threatened. Mason McKinney led all scorers with 28 points for ECA. Christian Viera followed with 14, and Karden Wingard added 10 points for the Eagles.  Asher Dollar led The Stonehaven School with 16 points. Peter Smit scored 15, and Emmanuel Vernon added 13 for the Knights (0-12, 0-5). Excel Christian (18-6, 6-0) hosts Hills Academy on Saturday at 2 p.m. and welcomes Holy Ground Baptist Academy on Monday for a 7:30 p.m. tip.

January 28, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Local high school basketball teams returned to action on Tuesday night with the Cartersville High teams completing regular-season sweeps of the Cass girls and boys. The Adairsville Lady Tigers also earned a non-region win at Ringgold. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 74, CASS 47 Sophomore Blakely Morris recorded a double-double on Tuesday at Cass in the Lady Canes' win. The Lady Canes continued their strong run in Region 7-AAAA play with a convincing 74-47 road victory at Cass on Tuesday evening. Cartersville led 22-14 after one quarter and built on the lead in each period. The Lady Canes led 45-30 at halftime and 55-39 through three quarters. Trinity Montgomery led the balanced Cartersville attack with 22 points, adding four rebounds and four assists. Kaytlin Arnold poured in 18 points and disrupted Cass with four steals. Zoe McCurry contributed 16 points, four steals, and four assists, while Blakely Morris grabbed 22 rebounds to go with 10 points and four assists. Sophomore Trinity Montgomery scored a game-high 22 points on Tuesday vs. Cass. Cadie Paez and Yvonne Ellison paced Cass, each scoring 13 points. Anizah Taylor added 10 points for the Lady Colonels. The Lady Colonels (8-11, 7-3) host Cedartown on Thursday at 6 p.m. Cartersville returns to the Storm Center on Friday to host Hiram at 6 p.m. (Focused on the Field photos.) CARTERSVILLE BOYS 76, CASS 41 Xavier Lowe poured in 21 points in the Canes' 76-41 win Tuesday at Cass. The Purple Hurricanes continued their unbeaten run through Region 7-AAAA on Tuesday night with a convincing road win at Cass. Cartersville doubled the Colonels’ first-half production to lead 42-21 at the intermission and rolled in the second half for a 35-point victory. Xavier Lowe led the way for the Canes with a game-high 21 points. Grayson Warmack added 13 points, while Kyron McClendon and Wyatt Thomason each contributed 10 points. Isaiah Moreno paced the Colonels with 10 points. Cartersville (17-3, 10-0) welcomes Hiram on Friday. Cass (5-14, 4-6) entertains Cedartown on Thursday. ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 57, RINGGOLD 49 The Adairsville girls held on in the second half for a non-region win at Ringgold on Tuesday evening, 57-49. Adairsville trailed 17-11 after the opening eight minutes, but rallied for a one-point lead at halftime, 27-26. Adairsville outscored Ringgold 11-6 in the third period, then held on for an eight-point win. Savannah Viktora and Lily Roberts led Adairsville with 15 and 13 points, respectively. Ava Moriakis paced Ringgold (11-8) with 22 points. Jersey Rae Loy added 18. The Adairsville girls (9-13) return to Region 7-AAA action and host Ridgeland on Friday at 6 p.m. RINGGOLD 69, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 55 The Ringgold Tigers defeated the Adairsville Tigers in a non-region tilt at Ringgold on Tuesday night, 69-55. Ringgold led 38-24 at halftime and held a 54-37 advantage leading into the final period. Trevor Jones scored a game-high 30 points for Ringgold (12-7). Asher Goodwin contributed 13 points, and Trent Bender added 12 for the host Tigers. Lucas Poarch posted 16 points for Adairsville. Brooks Rutledge added 11. Adairsville (2-20) hosts Ridgeland on Friday. ALLATOONA 53, WOODLAND GIRLS 32 The Lady Buccaneers evened their Region 7-AAAA mark with a 53-32 home win over the Woodland Lady Cats on Tuesday, 53-32. Allatoona (8-12, 5-5) led Woodland 20-7 at the intermission and exploded for a 42-14 lead by the end of the third period. Sophie Macurak led the Lady Bucs with 18 points. Brooke Rothrauff and Riley Lumpkin each added nine points for Allatoona. Destiny Jackson produced a double-double for the Lady Cats with 20 points and 13 rebounds as the Woodland girls dropped their 16th straight. “Destiny had another solid game, but credit also goes to Bailey Gerstner and Angel Palmore for their outstanding defense,” commented Woodland head coach Whitney Wissing. Woodland (3-18, 0-10) travels to Dalton on Friday for a 6 p.m. tip. ALLATOONA 78, WOODLAND BOYS 43 The Woodland Wildcats lost a Region 7-AAAA contest at Allatoona on Tuesday, 78-43.  The host Buccaneers led 24-20 after one quarter; 45-24 at halftime; and 68-32 through three quarters en route to a 35-point victory. Allatoona improved to 13-7 overall and 7-3 in region play, solidifying the Bucs’ hold on third place in the region. Carter Turnbow led Allatoona with 18 points. Julien Joachim followed with 15 points. Andre Dupree and Mike Watson contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively. Amir Heath led the Wildcats with 10 points. Canden Davis and Landon Dougherty each added eight points. Woodland (8-13, 1-9) plays at Dalton on Friday night. THE KING’S ACADEMY 79, EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 63 The Excel Christian Academy boys dropped a 79-63 non-region decision at The King’s Academy of GIAA on Tuesday night in Woodstock. The Eagles trailed 43-27 at halftime, but narrowed their deficit to 50-49 by the end of the third quarter. The host Knights regained control over the final eight minutes and garnered a 16-point win. Brooks Thrasher led The King’s Academy (15-7) with 23 points. Tony LoPresti scored 17. Cole Bennett contributed 16 points, and Roger Wilson added 15. Mason McKinney scored 23 points to lead ECA. Jamari Gatson added 12 in the Eagles’ loss. Excel Christian (17-6, 5-0) returns to GAPPS region play on Wednesday with a home game against The Stonehaven School. The Eagles also host Hills Academy of Conyers on Saturday afternoon.

January 27, 2026 Region basketball standings for local high school teams, including their schedules for the week. LINK -- The Bartow Sports Zone Podcast does a regular update -- have a listen -- https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/bartowsportszone/episodes/2026-01-24T15_37_56-08_00 LOCAL REGION BASKETBALL STANDINGS (through Monday, January 26) BOYS GAPPS Region 1 IA Sub A Region All Games This week Excel Christian Academy 5-0 17-5 KING'S ACADEMY / STONEHAVEN / HILLS ACADEMY Praise Academy 4-2 14-5 at Strong Rock / COVENANT / at Victory Baptist Oakwood Christian 1-4 2-18 at Unity / STONEHAVEN The Stonehaven School 0-4 0-11 at Excel / at Oakwood GIRLS GAPPS Region 1 IA Sub-A Region All Games This week Oakwood Christian 5-0 10-8 at Unity / STONEHAVEN Praise Academy 3-3 7-13 STRONG ROCK / HOLY GROUND / at Victory Baptist Excel Christian Academy 2-3 4-10 STONEHAVEN The Stonehaven School 0-4 0-10 at Oakwood BOYS GHSA Region 7-AAAA Region All Games This week Cartersville 9-0 16-3 at Cass / HIRAM Hiram 8-1 12-8 CEDARTOWN / at Cartersville Allatoona 6-3 12-7 at Woodland / SE WHITFIELD Dalton 5-4 11-8 at SE Whitfield / WOODLAND Cass 4-5 5-13 CARTERSVILLE / CEDARTOWN Cedartown 3-6 7-12 at Hiram / at Cass Woodland 1-8 8-12 ALLATOONA / at Dalton SE Whitfield 0-8 0-18 at Dalton / at Allatoona GIRLS GHSA Region 7-AAAA Region All Games This week Dalton 8-1 16-3 at SE Whtfield / WOODLAND Cartersville 8-1 15-4 at Cass / HIRAM Cass 7-2 8-10 CARTERSVILLE / CEDARTOWN Hiram 5-4 7-10 CEDARTOWN / at Cartersville Allatoona 4-5 7-12 at Woodland / SE WHITFIELD Cedartown 3-6 6-12 at Hiram / at Cass SE Whitfield 1-8 2-16 at Dalton / at Allatoona Woodland 0-9 3-17 ALLATOONA / at Dalton BOYS GHSA Region 7-AAA Region All Games This week Calhoun 7-0 14-2 at Heritage / at NW Whitfield Heritage-Catoosa 7-1 13-5 CALHOUN / LAFAYETTE LaFayette 4-3 13-6 GILMER / at Heritage NW Whitfield 4-3 11-7 RIDGELAND / CALHOUN Gilmer 3-5 7-13 at LaFayette / MURRAY CO. Ridgeland 1-7 8-12 at NW Whitfield / at Adairsville Adairsville 1-8 2-19 RINGGOLD / RIDGELAND GIRLS GHSA Region 7-AAA Region All Games This Week Gilmer 7-1 13-7 LAFAYETTE / MURRAY CO. Heritage-Catoosa 6-2 16-4 CALHOUN / LAFAYETTE Ridgeland 5-3 16-3 NW WHITFIELD / at Adairsville NW Whitfield 4-3 12-7 at Ridgeland / COLLEGEDALE ACADEMY / CALHOUN Adairsville 3-6 8-13 at Ringgold / RIDGELAND LaFayette 2-5 16-5 at Gilmer / at Heritage-Catoosa Calhoun 0-7 3-16 at Heritage / at NW Whitfield

January 25, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com A large number of college events were postponed or canceled this past weekend as a major winter weather system moved across the country.  Some events were completed earlier in the week; this update includes contributions from local athletes with ties to Bartow County. BASKETBALL NA’YEL CAMPER — Reinhardt University (So., Cartersville HS) … scored two points with three rebounds, two steals, and one assist in the Lady Eagles’ 71-34 win on January 21 at Truett-McConnell University. Reinhardt (14-5, 11-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts Johnson University (TN) on Wednesday and travels to Columbia International University (SC) on Saturday. The Lady Eagles are one of three teams (including Bryan College (TN) and Milligan University (TN) with only one conference loss entering the final week of January. SE’NAI CAMPER — Montreat College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … grabbed two rebounds and added one point, one assist, one blocked shot, and one steal in the Lady Cavaliers’ 79-76 overtime loss at Columbia College (SC) last Friday. Montreat  (7-13, 5-9 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visits Milligan University on Wednesday and welcomes Truett McConnell University on Saturday. JA’KA’YAH DRAUGHN — Brewton Parker Christian University (So., Cartersville HS) … totaled 15 points, five rebounds, two steals, and one assist in the Lady Barons’ losses last Thursday at 19th-ranked William Carey University (MS) and Saturday at Loyola University (LA). BPCU (4-16, 3-6 Southern States Athletic Conference) hosts the University of Tennessee Southern on Thursday and Blue Mountain University (MS) on Saturday. HALEY JOHNSON — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … scored 11 points, grabbed four rebounds, and added three steals and one assist in the Lady Eagles’ 71-34 win January 21 at Truett McConnell University. Reinhardt (14-5, 11-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) welcomes Johnson University (TN) on Wednesday and visits Columbia International University (SC) on Saturday. KEARA McDANIEL — Toccoa Falls College (Sr., Cass HS) … totaled 12 points with eight rebounds, two assists, and one blocked shot in home losses January 20 and 21 to Georgia Gwinnett College and Alice Lloyd College (KY). The Screamin’ Eagles (5-13) visit Southeastern Baptist (FL) on Thursday and Pensacola Christian College on Saturday. T.J. PRINTUP — Tusculum University (R-Jr., Adairsville HS) … scored 14 points and collected six rebounds with two steals and one blocked shot last Friday in an 89-75 win at Coker College (SC). He also logged 23 minutes for six rebounds, four assists, and two steals on January 21 in a 78-71 home loss to Emory & Henry College (VA). The Pioneers (8-10, 4-8 South Atlantic Conference) visit Carson-Newman University (TN) on Wednesday and Wingate University (NC) on Saturday.  MEGAN SCHULTZ — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (So., Woodland HS) … did not score, but had six rebounds and one assist last Thursday in an 80-58 loss at the University of Tennessee Southern. The Fillies (5-12, 2-6 Southern States Athletic Conference) host Faulkner University (AL) on Thursday and the University of Mobile (AL) on Saturday. LONDAISHA SMITH — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … scored 15 points with four steals, two rebounds, and one blocked shot in Reinhardt’s 71-34 win on January 21 at Truett McConnell University. The Lady Eagles (14-5, 11-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) are currently in a virtual tie for first place in the conference with Bryan College (TN) and Milligan University (TN). They host Johnson University (TN) on Wednesday and travel to Columbia International University (SC) on Saturday. INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD KENDRICK PRICE — Troy University (So., Cartersville HS) … qualified for the 60 meters semifinal (6.97) with a personal best time last Friday at the Clemson University Orange & Purple Invitational. The Trojans return to Clemson this weekend for the Bob Pollock Invitational. WRESTLING CHAMP HIGDON — Lander University (Jr., Woodland HS) … was listed in the starting lineup at 197 pounds and won all three bouts by forfeit on January 20 and 21 in Emory, Virginia, as the 12th-ranked Bearkats defeated Lincoln Memorial University (TN), Bluefield State University (VA), and Emory & Henry College in duals. Lander also suffered a loss at Life University on Saturday, January 17. The Bearkats host Shorter University on Tuesday and Emmanuel University (GA) on Thursday.

January 23, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Cartersville girls and boys basketball teams swept visiting Allatoona on Friday night at The Storm Center, and the Excel Christian Academy boys defeated Arlington Christian. CARTERSVILLE BOYS 76, ALLATOONA 46 Four Canes scored in double digits Friday night as the Cartersville boys blasted the visiting Allatoona Buccaneers, 76-46. The Purple Hurricanes led 31-12 at the end of the first quarter, 54-20 at halftime, and 71-30 en route to a 30-point Region 7-AAAA win. Nas Bennett scored 17 points with eight rebounds and two assists. Xavier Lowe also had 17 points with two assists. Kyron McClendon finished with 13 points, seven assists, and four boards. Wyatt Thomason contributed 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists, and Grayson Warmack totaled six rebounds while adding four points. Carter Turnbow led Allatoona (12-7, 6-3) with 20 points. Cartersville (16-3, 9-0) visits Cass on Tuesday. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 64, ALLATOONA 27 The Lady Canes outscored the visiting Lady Bucs 29-4 in the third quarter on Friday night and took control for a 64-27 Region 7-AAAA victory. Zoe McCurry and Kaytlin Arnold led the Lady Canes with 24 and 23 points, respectively. Allatoona (7-12, 4-5) got 14 points from Addie Gray. The Cartersville girls (15-4, 8-1) play at Cass on Tuesday at 6 p.m. EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 82, ARLINGTON CHRISTIAN 72 The Excel Christian Academy boys avenged an earlier loss by defeating visiting Arlington Christian 82-72 on Friday night in Emerson. Arlington Christian edged Excel Christian 60-55 back on January 16 in Fairburn. Mason McKinney poured in 24 points to lead ECA. Karden Wingard scored 13 points. Damir McBride contributed 12, and Aston Chappell scored 10 points for Excel. Chezi Essel led Arlington Christian (11-7) with 24 points. Tylon Adams followed with 22. Excel Christian (17-5, 5-1 GAPPS Region 1-IA) hosts The Stonehaven School on Monday at 7:30 p.m. and visits The King’s Academy on Tuesday at 7:45 p.m. NORTHWEST WHITFIELD 55, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 40 The host Bruins built a 23-8 advantage in the first quarter on Friday and defeated the visiting Adairsville Tigers, 55-40. Corbin Bates led Northwest Whitfield (11-7, 4-3) with 14 points. Abil Lyons produced 13 points, and Kyle Cumming had 10 for the Bruins. Lucas Poarch scored a game-high 19 points for the Tigers. Dre Bautista added nine. The Tigers (2-19, 1-8) travel to Ringgold on Tuesday. NORTHWEST WHITFIELD 39, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 24 The host Lady Bruins improved to 12-7 on the season and 4-3 in Region 7-AAA with a 15-point win over Adairsville on Friday night. Adairsville (8-13, 3-6) plays at Ringgold on Tuesday in a 6 p.m. start.

January 23, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Members of medley relay teams for Cartersville and Woodland in action on Thursday in Adairsville. The Woodland swim team won a local dual meet on Thursday at the Adairsville natatorium, defeating Cartersville. Woodland won the combined team scores 250-183. Woodland topped Cartersville in the girls’ division, while the Cartersville boys edged the Wildcats by two points. Cass had one swimmer compete in the meet, but did not participate as a team. For Cartersville, Will Galland and Grayson Paradis improved their 50-yard freestyle state qualifying times. Both also qualified for the 500-yard freestyle with their Thursday night times. Additionally, the Canes’ 400-yard relay team, consisting of Galland, Paradis, Luke Gibson, and Nate Rives, qualified for the GHSA state meet. EVENT WINNERS ON THURSDAY: Boys —Cartersville 200-yard medley relay — Nate Rives, Grayson Paradis, Will Garland, Luke Gibson — 1:54.66 — Joel McSwain, Woodland, 200-yard freestyle — 2:10.52 — Will Galland, Cartersville, 50-yard freestyle — 22.31 — Nate Rives, Cartersville, 100-yard freestyle — 55.88 — Will Galland, Cartersville, 500-yard freestyle — 5:12.71 — Woodland 200-yard freestyle relay — Jac Williams, Kaleb Dennis, Joel McSwain, Grant Davenport — 1:42.02 — Hayden Alexander, Woodland, 100-yard breaststroke — 1:13.43 — Cartersville 400-yard freestyle relay — Will Galland, Luke Gibson, Nate Rives, Grayson Paradis — 3:43.39 Girls — Woodland 200-yard medley relay — Madysen Grano, Peighton Young, Emily Guin, Kailyn Black — 2:06.60 — Kimberlin Smith, Woodland, 200-yard freestyle — 2:48.29 — Brooklyn Bechtold, Woodland, 200-yard individual medley — 3:27.83 — Anniston Duckett, Cass, 50-yard freestyle — 27.15 — Sofia Burns,, Cartersville, 100-yard butterfly — 1:14.40 — Anniston Duckett, Cass, 100-yard freestyle — 1:00.01 — Woodland 200-yard freestyle relay — Madysen Grano, Kimberlin Smith, Kailyn Black, Emily Guin — 1:52.25 — Madysen Grano, Woodland, 100-yard backstroke — 1:13.81 — Sofia Burns, Cartersville, 100-yard breaststroke — 1:17.30 — Woodland 400-yard freestyle relay — Madysen Grano, Kimberlin Smith, Kailyn Black, Emily Guin — 4:24.54

January 23, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com With inclement weather threatening the weekend, two local high schools moved basketball games from Friday to Thursday evening. Both Cass teams won easily at Southeast Whitfield, but the Woodland teams dropped home games to Hiram. CASS GIRLS 60, SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD 18 The Lady Colonels had three players reach double-figure scoring on Thursday night at Southeast Whitfield in a one-sided Region 7-AAAA win, 60-18. Cadie Paez led Cass with 21 points, followed by Nakayla Evans and Anizah Taylor with 14 and 10 points, respectively. The Lady Colonels led 28-4 at halftime and held a 52-11 lead at the end of the third quarter. Chyann Blevins led the Lady Raiders (2-16, 1-8) with nine points. Cass (8-9, 7-2) hosts Cartersville on Tuesday at 6 p.m. CASS BOYS 70, SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD 25 The Colonels outscored the host Raiders 18-0 in the second quarter on Thursday evening and cruised to a 70-25 region victory at Southeast Whitfield. Cass led 32-10 at the intermission and 52-20 through three quarters. Isaiah Moreno led the Colonels with 15 points. Derrick Sams pitched in nine. Cameron Beauford, Zoe Fultz, and Ontario Crenshaw each added eight points for Cass. BJ Johnson scored 11 points for Southeast Whitfield (0-18, 0-9). Cass (5-13, 4-5) welcomes Cartersville on Tuesday night. HIRAM 76, WOODLAND GIRLS 31 The visiting Lady Hornets built a 40-13 lead in the first half and won at Woodland on Thursday evening, 76-31. Brittain Payne scored 22 points for Hiram, and Taylor Gaddis added 18 as the Lady Hornets improved to 7-10 overall and 5-4 in Region 7-AAAA. Freshman Destiny Jackson paced the Lady Cats with a double-double. Jackson scored 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Classmate Angel Palmore added seven points for Woodland. The Lady Wildcats (3-17, 0-9) travel to Allatoona on Tuesday for a 6 p.m. start. HIRAM 67, WOODLAND BOYS 53 The visiting Hornets maintained their second-place position in Region 7-AAAA on Thursday night with a 67-53 win at Woodland. Hiram (12-8, 8-1) led 38-20 at the intermission and 51-32 through three quarters. Jordan Smith led the Hornets with 16 points. AJ Williams contributed 15 points, and Quin Jackson added 12. Canden Davis and Amir Heath led Woodland with 10 points each. Caiden Moore and Clayton McArdle added nine and eight points, respectively. Woodland (8-12, 1-8) visits Allatoona on Tuesday night.

January 22, 2026 The Cass swim team finished second in combined scores on Tuesday as the Colonels hosted a five-team meet at the Adairsville pool. Pickens won the combined scores competition with 218 points. Cass was runner-up with 187, followed by Model (133), Armuchee (28), and Pepperell (6). The Cass girls had the best total with 116, followed by Model (77), Pickens (61), and Armuchee (28). Pickens (157) won the boys’ competition, followed by Cass (71), Model (56), and Pepperell (6). Event winners for Cass: — Girls 200-yard medley relay — Krishma Acharya, Carson Brannon, Anniston Duckett, Adyson Doolittle — 2:20.88 — Girls 200-yard freestyle relay — Carson Brannon, Krishma Acharya, Adyson Doolittle, Anniston Duckett — 2:04.41 — Anniston Duckett — 50-yard freestyle — 27.06 — Anniston Duckett — 100-yard freestyle — 59.80 — Krishma Acharya — 100-yard backstroke — 1:18.38 The next meet for Cass will be on Tuesday against Cartersville at the Adairsville facility.

January 19, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com This week’s Athletes Beyond Bartow edition includes updates on two dozen local contributors with their collegiate programs in wrestling, basketball, gymnastics, and indoor track and field. This update is for the week ending January 18. WRESTLING COLTON BISHOP — Reinhardt University (Sr., Woodland HS) … won his 125-pound bout this past Friday as the Eagles beat visiting Montreat College (NC) 46-4 on Reinhardt’s Senior Night.  The Eagles travel to Marshall, Missouri, this weekend for the Missouri Valley Invitational. LEE CAMP — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … won his 133-pound bout by a 15-0 technical fall as the Eagles beat visiting Andrew College (GA) 43-6 last Thursday. Next for RU is the Missouri Valley Invitational this weekend in Marshall, Missouri. BRYCE KRESHO — Franklin & Marshall College (Sr., Cass HS) … won an 8-1 decision at 141 pounds, but the Diplomats lost 23-14 this past Sunday at Binghamton University (NY). Franklin & Marshall travels to Fairfield, Connecticut, on Saturday to challenge Sacred Heart University. CADEN McCRARY —  Reinhardt University (Sr.,  Woodland) … won a 2-1 decision against his Andrew College opponent and a 12-1 major decision against his Montreat College (NC) opponent last Thursday and Friday in the 141-pound weight class as the Eagles won both matches. Reinhardt heads to Marshall, Missouri, this Friday and Saturday for the Missouri Valley Invitational. LIAM NEAL —  Reinhardt University (So., Cartersville HS) … in an extra bout last Thursday, Neal defeated his 133-pound Andrew College (GA) opponent by technical fall. RU competes this weekend at the Missouri Valley Invitational. HAYDEN SANTORA — Reinhardt University (So., Woodland HS) … won both of his bouts at 165 pounds last Thursday and Friday. He won a 3-0 decision against his Andrew College (GA) opponent and claimed a 16-0 technical fall win against his Montreat College opponent. RU won both team matches. The Eagles travel to Marshall, Missouri, this weekend for the Missouri Valley Invitational. ANETRA WITHERSPOON — Life University (So., Cartersville HS) … lost her bout by technical fall in the 207-pound class this past Sunday as the Runnin’ Eagles lost at the University of the Cumberlands (KY). The Life women travel to Fort Wayne, Indiana, this weekend for the Warrior Open. BASKETBALL NA’YEL CAMPER — Reinhardt University (So., Cartersville HS) … had five points and two steals this past Saturday in a 79-46 home win over Montreat College (NC). She also had two rebounds, one assist, and three steals in a 62-33 home win over Union Commonwealth University (KY) on January 14. The Lady Eagles (13-5, 10-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visit Truett McConnell University on Wednesday and Milligan University (TN) on Saturday. SE’NAI CAMPER — Montreat College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … totaled 17 points, 12 rebounds, three steals, and three assists as the Lady Cavaliers beat visiting Columbia International University 76-62 on January 14 and lost at Reinhardt University this past Saturday. Montreat (6-12, 4-8 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts Johnson University (TN) on Wednesday and visits Columbia College (SC) on Saturday afternoon. JA’KA’YAH DRAUGHN — Brewton Parker Christian University (So., Cartersville HS) … totaled 14 points, five rebounds, and one steal in losses last Thursday and Saturday at  Faulkner University (AL) and the University of Mobile. The Barons (4-14, 3-4 Southern States Athletic Conference) make another western swing this week at William Carey University (MS) and Loyola University (LA) on Thursday and Saturday. ANSLEY GRIFFIN — North Carolina Wesleyan University (So., Cartersville HS) … totaled four points, three steals, and two rebounds in wins on January 14 and this past Saturday over Meredith College (NC) at home and on the road at Salem University (WV). The Battlin’ Bishops (7-8, 5-4 USA South Athletic Conference) host William Peace University (NC) on Tuesday and visit Pfeiffer University (NC) on Saturday.  ZION HAYES — Vincennes University (So., Cass HS) … scored 12 points, grabbed three rebounds, made two steals, and had one assist in the Trailblazers’ 93-21 win last Friday at Trevecca Nazarene University JV in Nashville. Vincennes (11-6) visits Olney Central College (IL) on Wednesday and hosts Wabash Valley College (IL) on Saturday. HALEY JOHNSON — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … totaled six points, two rebounds, and one steal in the Eagles’ home wins January 14 and this past Saturday over Union Commonwealth University (KY) and Montreat College (NC). Reinhardt (13-5, 10-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visits Truett McConnell University on Wednesday and Milligan University (TN) on Saturday. KEARA McDANIEL — Toccoa Falls College (Sr., Cass HS) … scored 24 points with eight rebounds and three assists last Thursday, but the Screamin’ Eagles lost to visiting Pensacola Christian, 88-44. Toccoa Falls (5-11) hosts Alica Lloyd College (KY) on Tuesday, Georgia Gwinnett College on Wednesday, and visits Paine College on Saturday afternoon. T.J. PRINTUP — Tusculum University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … totaled 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds with five steals, four assists, and two blocked shots in losses January 14 at UVA Wise and this past Saturday at home against 21st-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne University (NC). The Pioneers (7-9, 3-7 South Atlantic Conference) welcome Emory & Henry College (VA) on Wednesday and travel to Coker College (SC) on Saturday. MEGAN SCHULTZ — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (So., Woodland HS) … appeared in all three games last week, including one start, as the Fillies lost at College of Coastal Georgia and at home to Loyola University (LA) and William Carey University (MS). Schultz totaled seven points, 11 rebounds, two blocks, and one assist in the three games. ABAC (5-11, 2-5 Southern States Athletic Conference) visit UT-Southern on Thursday and Blue Mountain Christian University (MS) on Saturday. LONDAISHA SMITH — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … in home games on January 14 and this past Saturday, she totaled 21 points, seven rebounds, and two steals as the Lady Eagles beat Union Commonwealth University (KY) 62-33 and Montreat College (NC) 79-46. Reinhardt (13-5, 10-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visits Truett McConnell University on Wednesday and Milligan University (TN) on Saturday. ALISSA WINTERS — Truett McConnell University (So., Adairsville HS) … totaled 11 points, four rebounds, two steals, and two assists in the Bears’ losses at Milligan University (TN) on January 14 and at Georgia Gwinnett College this past Saturday. TMU (4-15, 3-8 Appalachian Athletic Conference) hosts Reinhardt University on Wednesday and travels to Columbia College (SC) on Saturday. GYMNASTICS ABIGAIL BUNCH — Rhode Island College (Sr., Cass HS) … finished sixth on bars (9.350) and tied for 11th on beam (9.375) this past Saturday as the Anchorwomen finished third of four teams at Southern Connecticut State University. The host school won the meet. Springfield College (MA) was runner-up, and Utica University (NY) was fourth. RIC hosts Ithaca College on Sunday in Providence. INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD BEN ABERNATHY — Reinhardt University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … finished 31st (18’10”) in the long jump finals this past Saturday at the Samford Indoor Open in Birmingham. He cleared 5’8.75” in the high jump for a 29th place finish on December 5 at the Birmingham Indoor Icebreaker. The Eagles compete at the Life Polar Meet on Saturday in Marietta. JUNE DELAUDER — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … placed 34th (11.29) in the 60-meter hurdles this past Saturday at the Samford Indoor Open in Birmingham. She also finished 38th (11.37) in the same event on December 5 at the Birmingham Icebreaker. Reinhardt competes this Saturday in Marietta at the Life Polar Meet. TYLER JONES — University of West Georgia (Jr., Woodland HS) … placed 16th (16:10.92) this past Saturday in the 5000 meters at the Samford Indoor Open in Birmingham. The Wolves are scheduled to compete in the Tryon Mid-Winter Collegiate Invitational in North Carolina on February 13-14. WILL PARKER — Columbia College (Fr., Woodland HS) … placed 15th (10:27.05) in the 3000 meter run and 23rd (5:27.15) in the mile at the Finn Pincus Invitational hosted by Roanoke College (VA) this past weekend. Parker was also 10th (10:25.42) in the 3000 meters on January 10 at the University of South Carolina Indoor Gamecock Opener. The Koalas compete next on Sunday at the Superblast Indoor Invitational in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. ZACHARY WIGGINS — University of West Georgia (So., Woodland HS) … placed 45th (53.95) in the 400 meters at the Samford Indoor Open in Birmingham this past Saturday. UWG will participate in the Tryon Mid-Winter Collegiate Invitational in North Carolina on February 13-14. JOSEPH WOMACK — Furman University (So., Cartersville resident, Darlington HS) … finished 21st (49.69) in the 400 meters and 39th (22.89) in the 200 meters this past weekend at the Vanderbilt Indoor Invitational in Nashville. The Paladins will send competitors to the Clemson University Bob Pollock Invitational and the Tryon College Invitational on January 30-31.

January 21, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Cass girls' and boys' basketball teams both won region games at Woodland on Tuesday night. Additionally, the Cartersville and Excel Christian boys' teams remained undefeated in their respective regions. The Canes won at Dalton, and the Eagles won at Oakwood Christian in Chickamauga. CASS GIRLS 58, WOODLAND 8 Nakayla Evans scored 17 points, and Cadie Paez finished with 14 in the Lady Colonels’ win on Tuesday at Woodland. Anizah Taylor contributed nine points, and Yvonne Ellison added eight for Cass. The Lady Colonels led 29-4 at halftime and doubled their margin in the second half. Destiny Jackson scored four points for the Lady Cats. Woodland (3-18, 0-8) hosts Hiram on Friday at 6 p.m. Cass (7-10, 6-2) visits Southeast Whitfield on Friday for a 7 p.m. tip. CASS BOYS 58, WOODLAND 45 The Colonels broke open a tight game by outscoring the host Wildcats 18-2 in the third quarter on Tuesday night en route to a 53-45 Region 7-AAAA win. Following a 12-12 first quarter, Cass carried a 23-22 edge to the locker room at halftime. The Wildcats answered with a 21-8 final period, but the Colonels held on for an eight-point win. Isaiah Moreno led Cass with 16 points. Cam’ron Beauford finished with 15, and Jahil Abdullah-Kortey added six points. Amir Heath posted a game-high 22 points for Woodland, followed by Canden Davis and Landon Dougherty with 10 and seven, respectively. Woodland (8-11, 1-7) hosts Hiram on Friday night. Cass (4-13, 3-5) travels to Dalton to visit Southeast Whitfield on Friday. CARTERSVILLE BOYS 57, DALTON 42 The Purple Hurricanes kept their Region 7-AAAA record unblemished on Tuesday night at Dalton, topping the host Catamounts 57-42. The Canes built a 31-20 advantage by halftime, extended their lead to 45-30 by the end of the third quarter, and matched Dalton in the final frame for a 15-point win. Wyatt Thomason led the Canes with 18 points and nine rebounds. Kyron McClendon contributed 14 points with seven assists and six steals. Nas Bennett produced 12 points with seven boards and three assists. Shakai Taylor collected six rebounds, and Grayson Warmack added five rebounds with four points. Cole Laubscher had seven points for Dalton. Melo Weaver and Aaron Storey added six each for the Catamounts (10-8, 4-4). Cartersville (15-3, 8-0) hosts Allatoona on Friday night. EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 89, OAKWOOD CHRISTIAN 54 The Eagles built a 30-point lead in the first half on Tuesday and won easily at Oakwood Christian in Chickamauga, 89-54. Mier Bell paced ECA with 22 points. Damir McBride produced 16 points, and Mason McKinney added 14 in the Eagles’ GAPPS Region 1-IA win. The loss dropped Oakwood Christian to 2-16 overall and 1-3 in the region. Excel Christian (16-5, 4-0) hosts Arlington Christian on Friday at 7:30 p.m. OAKWOOD CHRISTIAN 53, EXCEL CHRISTIAN GIRLS 21 Oakwood Christian improved to 9-7 on the season and 5-0 in GAPPS Region 1-IA with a 53-21 win over the visiting Excel Christian Lady Eagles on Tuesday night. The loss dropped the Excel girls to 3-10 overall and 2-3 in region play. Excel hosts Academe of the Oaks on Friday at 6 p.m. DALTON 59, CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 27 In a battle of region leaders, the ninth-ranked Dalton girls handed third-ranked Cartersville their first region loss of the season on Tuesday, 59-27. The Lady Catamounts improved to 15-3 overall and 7-1 in Region 7-AAAA. Trinity Montgomery scored nine points and grabbed three rebounds for the Lady Canes. Kaytlin Arnold had eight points and three rebounds. Zoe McCurry added six points and four rebounds.  The Lady Canes (14-4, 7-1) will look to bounce back from their two-game skid on Friday when they host Allatoona at 6 p.m. HERITAGE-CATOOSA 47, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 40 The Lady Tigers stayed within striking range on Tuesday night, but eventually lost at Heritage-Catoosa 47-40. The Lady Generals led 26-18 at halftime and maintained a 36-27 advantage leading into the final eight minutes.  Paisley Collins led Heritage (15-4, 5-2) with 22 points. Alivia Joslin and Rihanna Crittenden led the Lady Tigers with 10 points each. Savannah Viktora chipped in eight. Adairsville (8-12, 3-5) travels to Tunnel Hill to take on Northwest Whitfield on Friday at 7 p.m. HERITAGE-CATOOSA 48, ADAIRSVILLE 43 The host Generals improved to 12-5 overall and 6-1 in Region 7-AAA on Tuesday night with a five-point win over visiting Adairsville. The Tigers (2-18, 1-7) visit Northwest Whitfield on Friday.

January 19, 2026 The Cartersville High basketball teams split games on Monday at the MLK Showcase hosted by Rome High School. CARTERSVILLE BOYS 85, SECTION (AL) 69 Kyron McClendon scored 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds on Monday as Cartersville defeated Section (AL) at the Rome MLK Showcase. The Canes stepped out of region play on Monday afternoon, but extended their current winning streak to five games with an 85-69 win over Section (AL) at the Rome High School MLK Showcase. Cartersville led 31-26 at the end of a furiously paced first quarter and extended its lead from there. The Hurricanes led 55-41 at the intermission and 72-54 by the end of the third period. Kyron McClendon finished with a double-double that included 27 points and 10 rebounds. Wyatt Thomason scored 19 points with six boards. Xavier Lowe pitched in 14 points, and Nas Bennett added eight points and seven rebounds for the Canes.  Jake Cloud scored a game-high 46 points for the Lions (15-7). Cartersville (14-3, 7-0 Region 7-AAAA) travels to region-foe Dalton on Tuesday and hosts Allatoona on Friday. COLLINS HILL 62, CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 55 The Class 4A third-ranked Lady Canes fell to Class 6A Collins Hill on Monday afternoon, 62-55, at the Rome High School MLK Showcase.  The Lady Eagles built a 35-9 first-half lead and held off a second-half rally by Cartersville for a seven-point win. Kaytlin Arnold led Cartersville with 27 points, five steals, and two assists. Trinity Montgomery posted 10 points, three boards, and two assists. Jayda Cothran finished with seven points, three rebounds, and two assists. Collins Hill improved to 14-4 with their victory. Cartersville (14-3, 7-0 Region 7-AAAA) visits ninth-ranked Dalton on Tuesday and welcomes Allatoona on Friday.

January 17, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Woodland defeated county-rival Cass 36-35 on Saturday to win the 2026 GHSA Class 4A Team Dual state championship at Ola High School in McDonough. For the third straight season, Woodland and Cass squared off in the finals of the GHSA State Dual Tournament, but this time it was the Wildcats who edged the Colonels by a single point on Saturday at Ola High School in McDonough, 36-35. Cass had won the state title match in the two previous seasons and had captured three dual titles since 2022. The team dual title is the first for Woodland since winning three-straight in 2019 through 2021, and the program’s sixth dual state title overall. Woodland swept all four matches in the 16-team single-elimination championship bracket. The Wildcats defeated Pace Academy (78-3), Cambridge (60-16), and Harris County (60-18) to reach the title match. The Colonels’ three wins to reach the championship round were over Drew (42-35), Central-Carroll (50-27), and Ola (42-25). Six individual Wildcats were unbeaten in the tournament. Joshua Palmore (132 pounds), Nathan Cates (150/157), and Owen Jones (190) each went 4-0. Cayden Bagley (106) and John Gill (215) finished 3-0. Paul Lanier (175) won his only bout. Nick Weathersbee (113), Adrian Zapata (126), Dylan Couey (144), and Skylar Pizzutiello (165) finished the tournament with 3-1 marks. Noah Cates (138) was 2-1. Brayden Postell (150) split his two bouts, and Will Thomas (285) went 2-2. For Cass, Hayden Trimm (120), Rowdy Duck (138), and Luka Jensen (144) went 4-0 in the tournament. Ethan Harrington (157) was 3-0, and David Jewel (150) won both of his bouts. Mason Tompkins (175), Brandon Lalbehari (106), Gavin Walker (113), and John Abernathy (285) finished 1-1. Ethan Edwards (132) finished 2-2. Justus Fife (126), Collin Armona (150/157), Zach Stiles (190), and Codey Dean (215) each won one of three bouts for the Colonels. The two teams will now turn their focus to the Traditional Tournament portion of their schedules, where Woodland owns state titles in 2003, 2019, 2020, and 2021. Cass has won three Traditional Tournament championships: 2006, 2022, and 2025.