Athletes Beyond Bartow: MLB Spring Training begins, local college athletes make contributions across the country

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).

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.