Bartow 10U boys reach finals; Bartow 8U, 12U girls fall in district title games

The Bartow Blue 10U boys basketball all-stars defeated Whitfield County Wednesday night at the LakePoint Champions Center 55-30 to advance to the championship game of the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association District 5 tournament. Jabari Burleson led Bartow in scoring with 16 points. Ja’kez Baldwin followed with 10 points. Bartow 10U will play Smyrna Thursday night at 7 p.m. at the Champions Center for the GRPA District 5 title.

By reaching the district finals, Bartow 10U has secured a berth in the GRPA Class A State Tournament in Griffin on March 1 and 2.

BARTOW 8U, 12U GIRLS FALL IN DISTRICT FINALS The Bartow County Parks and Recreation Department 8U and 12U girls all-star teams both came up short Wednesday night in the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association District 5 championship games at Edwards Park Community Center in Dalton. Both teams lost to host Whitfield County teams with the 8U Bartow team falling 37-8 and the 12U Bartow team losing a 47-25 decision.

In the 8U game, Whitfield raced to a 12-2 lead after one period, led 24-6 at the intermission, and was up 34-8 on their way to a 29-point win. Rakhia Pace scored three points for Bartow 8U. Layla Whitener had two points and Anna Townsend one.

PHOTOS: (L-R) Bartow 8U girls, Bartow 12U girls (click on image for larger view) In the 12U title game, Whitfield led 12-5 after one period, 33-12 at the break, and 39-23 through three quarters on their way to a 22-point victory.

Taff Bradley led Bartow 12U with 12 points. Makenzie Harris and Kelsey Gleason scored four points apiece. Jakya Garnigan and Hayley Dillow added two points each.

Despite Wednesday night’s losses, both Bartow teams advance to the GRPA Class A State Tournament March 1 and 2 as District 5 runners-up.

The 8U girls state tournament begins Friday, March 1 back at Edwards Park in Dalton with preliminary games. The 12U girls state tournament also begins March 1 at Coahulla Creek High School in Dalton. The single-elimination state championship bracket will be held Saturday, March 2 at both locations.