Athletes Beyond Bartow: Updates on local collegiate athletes across the nation
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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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.
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