January 2026 Elite Athletes of the Month
- Staff
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
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 select an Elite Athlete of the Month from their varsity programs and share the information about their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3 FM and AM 1450, WBHF in Cartersville.
Kaytlin Arnold is the Cartersville High School Elite Athlete of the Month for January 2026.
A senior guard on the Lady Canes basketball team, she is the daughter of Timothy and April Arnold.
“Kaytlin is the ultimate competitor,” noted Cartersville basketball coach Alvah Beasley. “She hates to lose and is a great leader. She works just as hard in the classroom as she does on the court.”
Arnold, one of the team’s top scorers, has helped lead the Lady Canes to a 17-4 record heading into February. She has averaged 16.4 points, four rebounds, and three steals per game.
She has signed with Columbus State University to play basketball and maintains a 4.0 GPA. Arnold is a Beta Club member and has completed eight dual enrollment classes.
The Adairsville High School Elite Athlete of the Month is Andrew Harris.
A junior and standout leader on the Tigers’ swimming team, Harris began his swim career in the seventh grade and is also a dedicated member of the Adairsville Raiders.
Harris has qualified for the GHSA State Championships in the 100-yard butterfly, and he is a member of the Tigers’ 200-yard freestyle relay team that has also qualified for the state meet.
“Andrew’s hard work and commitment continue to set him apart,” said Adairsville swim coach Tyler Branick. “He is a motivated, disciplined leader who leads by example. His teammates look up to him.”
Harris is interested in becoming a Navy diver.
Owen Jones is the January 2026 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Woodland High School.
A senior on the Wildcats’ wrestling team who has already won the state dual championship and the region traditional tournament heading into February. He competes in the 190-pound division.
“Owen has shown up in the biggest moments to help his team,” noted Woodland coach Brett Shedd. “He pinned the returning state runner-up en route to helping us win the state dual title. He always works hard and pushes his teammates to reach new heights.”
He is the son of Chad and Malinda Jones and plans to wrestle at the collegiate level.
Derris Reece is the January 2026 Elite Athlete of the Month for Cass High School.
A starting forward on the Colonels’ basketball team, he is the son of Danica Reece and serves as one of the team’s captains.
Reece is averaging 6.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game heading into February, but also demonstrates true leadership through his impact on people off the court.
“Derris is constantly encouraging others, building connections, and sharing a positive word in the locker room and in our hallways,” said Cass coach Kevin Cunningham. “His work ethic and strong character have helped to make him a great teammate and leader in our program.
Reece is an active member in the school community and maintains a 3.56 GPA.
Editor's 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 WBHF radio feature.
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