November 2025 Elite Athletes of the Month
- Staff
- 2 days 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.
Nazaire Fleurine is the November 2025 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Cass High School.
A senior linebacker and wide receiver on the Colonels’ football team, Fleurine was recently named the Region 7-4A Defensive Player of the Year. In earning the honor, he put together one of the state’s most impressive defensive seasons with 61-½ tackles, including 30 solo, 10-½ for loss, two sacks, four interceptions, four pass break-ups, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, two defensive touchdowns, and one safety.
“Naz embodies the spirit of this award with excellence, consistency, and character,” noted Cass assistant athletic director Bobby Hughes. “Beyond the numbers, he’s a leader, a worker, and an example every program hopes to have. The way he carries himself and pushes others around him makes him special.”
Emma Grace Gilbert is the November Elite Athlete of the Month for Adairsville High School.
The daughter of Brad and Allison Gilbert, Emma Grace is a senior and three-year member of the Tigers’ competition and sideline cheer team.
“Emma Grace has led with skill, mentorship, and consistently has a positive attitude both on and off the mat,” said Adairsville cheerleading coach Katie Forsyth. “She pours into our younger athletes and serves as an outstanding role model. She brings a rare level of mental toughness, allowing her to excel in high-pressure moments and anchor the team when it matters most.”
The Woodland High School Elite Athlete of the Month for November is Joel McSwain.
A senior captain and third-year member of the Tigers’ swimming team, he is the son of Christie Duvall.
McSwain swims all strokes, but his primary focus is on long distance.
“Joel has been a valued member of our team for the past three years,” said coach Rebecca Beard-Arndt. “In that time, he has distinguished himself not only through his athletic performance but also through his growth as a leader. Where he once looked to others for guidance, he has now become the example his teammates strive to follow. I look forward to watching his continued development this season and seeing how his energy and commitment elevate the entire team.”
McSwain is an Honor Roll student, and he started his own company this past summer called “Jumpin' Joel’s Inflatables.”
Nate Russell is the Cartersville High School Elite Athlete of the Month for November 2025.
A senior member of the Canes’ football and baseball teams, he is the son of Erik and Caroline Russell. He is the starting quarterback on the football team and a starting pitcher on the baseball team.
Russell has enjoyed a fantastic senior campaign as the starting signal-caller for the 12-0 Purple Hurricanes, leading into Thanksgiving weekend’s state quarterfinal matchup with the Kell Longhorns in Marietta.
He has completed 124 of 163 pass attempts in 2025 (.761%) for 2,575 yards and 36 touchdowns, despite playing in only 28 of 48 quarters. He has also thrown only one interception this season.
"Nate is a fantastic competitor, teammate, and young man. His leadership and maturity have been instrumental in our success this season and throughout his career. Whether he is on the mound or taking a snap, Nate has proven that he is an elite competitor who consistently wins big games. Most of all, I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to coach Nate and see his growth as a leader on our team and in our school,” commented Canes’ quarterback coach Brent Rickman.
After graduation, Russell will attend Georgia Southern University on a baseball scholarship.
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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