Search Results

March 11, 2025 Melvin Velasquez scored the Colonels' game-winning goal in overtime. The Cass High School boys’ soccer team needed overtime on Tuesday night but secured a dramatic 3-2 win over visiting Hiram to remain unbeaten in the Region 7-AAAA standings. The Hornets struck first, converting a penalty kick seven minutes into the match. The lead held through halftime, but Cass responded quickly after the break.  Four minutes into the second half, Chris Mederos buried a free kick to level the score at 1-1. Just two minutes later, Anthony Diaz put Cass ahead off an assist from Saul Villela. Hiram found the equalizer with 25 minutes remaining, and despite chances on both sides, the match remained deadlocked through the end of regulation and the first overtime period. With just two minutes left in the second overtime, Melvin Velasquez delivered the decisive moment, converting from the penalty spot to secure the victory for Cass. The loss dropped Hiram to 5-3 overall and 0-2 in region play. Cass (5-3, 3-0) prepares to host county-rival Woodland on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 4, CALHOUN 0 The Lady Tigers bounced back from their only loss of the season last Friday night at home to Northwest Whitfield to shutout visiting Calhoun on Tuesday night, 4-0. “We passed the ball really well tonight, “ said Adairsville assistant coach Amanda Jones. “We won more balls out of the air than we previously have, and our defensive line played well in front of keeper Chikondi Banda, who had some impressive stops.” Adairsville scored in the 10th minute with an Ella Edwards goal off an assist from Jacksyn Elrod. Addi Jerauld had the Tigers’ second goal in the 36th minute off a feed from Alexa Damer. Braylynn Martin scored to give the Lady Tigers a 3-0 advantage in the 60th minute unassisted, and Samantha Gough added the final Adairsville goal three minutes later on her carry. The loss dropped Calhoun to 3-6 overall and 0-2 in Region 7-AAA. Adairsville (6-1, 1-1) visits LaFayette for a region match on Friday at 5 p.m. ALLATOONA 9, WOODLAND GIRLS 0 On Tuesday night, the Woodland girls lost a Region 7-4A home match to the Allatoona Lady Buccaneers, 9-0. Allatoona (7-1, 3-0) led 6-0 at halftime en route to their victory. Woodland (2-5, 1-2) plays at Cass on Friday in a 5:30 p.m. kickoff. DALTON 8, CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 2 The Lady Canes battled Dalton to a 1-1 halftime score, but the visiting Lady Catamounts outscored Cartersville 7-1 in the second half for a Region 7-4A win Tuesday night. “The girls fought hard and played well,” said Cartersville coach Mary Beth Popham. Dalton improved to 5-2 overall and 3-0 in region games. The Lady Canes (1-5, 1-2) play at Cedartown on Friday at 5:30 p.m. ALLATOONA 2, WOODLAND BOYS 0 Pedro Montalvo and Jaime Lozano combined for 10 saves in the Wildcats’ net, but Allatoona scored goals in the 44th and 76th minutes Tuesday night to win at Woodland, 2-0. The Buccaneers improved to 7-1 overall and 3-0 in Region 7-AAAA. Woodland (2-5, 0-3) returns to the pitch at Cass on Friday for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. DALTON 7, CARTERSVILLE BOYS 0 The visiting Dalton Catamounts won 7-0 Tuesday night at Cartersville and remain unbeaten in 2025. Dalton improved to 8-0 on the season and 3-0 in Region 7-AAAA. Cartersville (1-4, 0-2) will travel to Cedartown on Friday at 7:30 p.m. for another region contest. CALHOUN 5, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 0 The visiting Yellow Jackets built a 3-0 lead by halftime and won at Adairsville on Tuesday night, 5-0. Adairsville goalkeeper Charlie Potter was credited with 30 saves. Calhoun improved to 4-4 overall and 2-0 in Region 7-4A. The Tigers (3-4, 0-2) travel to LaFayette on Friday for a 7 p.m. kickoff. CASS GIRLS 2, HIRAM 1 The Cass Lady Colonels defeated region-foe Hiram on Tuesday at Cochran Stadium for their first victory of the 2025 season. Ryland Piatt scored both goals for the Lady Colonels in the first half -- one goal by a penalty kick. Cass goalkeeper Layla Allgood recorded six saves. The loss dropped Hiram to 0-7 overall and 0-2 in Region 7-AAAA. Cass (1-6, 1-2) hosts Woodland on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

March 11, 2025 On Tuesday, the Cartersville Purple Hurricanes and the Woodland Wildcats enjoyed productive nights at the plate in high-scoring performances. Cartersville took a big early lead at home against Cass and closed out their region matchup in five innings. Woodland scored in every inning except the second in the Wildcats' six-inning region win at Southeast Whitfield. In Ellijay, Adairsville came up short in the first game of their series with Gilmer County. CARTERSVILLE 12, CASS 1 Andrew Purdy The Hurricanes started quickly on Tuesday, putting the visiting Cass Colonels away early, winning 12-1 in five innings at Richard Bell Field. Cartersville scored two runs in the bottom of the first on sacrifice flies by Cole Crawford and Julez Pratt. They added three more runs in the second inning on RBI singles by Andrew Purdy and Tristan McKibben, plus another sacrifice fly by Brayden Logan. Pratt homered to lead off the Cartersville third inning, and the Hurricanes added six more runs on six walks and three singles. Cass salvaged a run in the top of the fifth on Chase Tatum’s solo home run. Dustin Wallin had the other Cass base hit later in the fifth inning. McKibben (three RBI), Pratt (two RBI), and Purdy (two RBI) led the Canes with two hits. Logan (RBI), Crawford (three RBI), Nolan Elrod, and David Vargas contributed one hit. Cameron Cochran added one RBI. Hunter Lovett (2 IP, 5ER, 6H, 0BB, 1K) started on the mound for Cass and was charged with the loss. Jay Sheldon (0.1 IP, 5ER, 1H, 4BB, 1K), Landon Lamb (0.0 IP, 2ER, 3H, 2BB), and Nic Wright (1.2 IP, 0R, 0H, 0BB, 4K) pitched in relief. Purdy (3 IP, 0R, 0H, 0BB, 4K) made the pitching start for Cartersville and collected the win. Logan Shrewsbury (2 IP, 1ER, 2H, 1BB, 6K) wrapped up the final two innings on the mound. Cartersville (6-7, 2-2) visits Cass (7-5, 2-2) for a doubleheader on Friday starting at 5 p.m. to conclude the region series. WOODLAND 11, SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD 0 The Woodland bats peppered host Southeast Whitfield with 15 hits, including six extra-base hits Tuesday night in an 11-0 Region 7-4A win in Dalton. Meanwhile, Wildcats’ pitchers Jake Clowers (5 IP, 0R, 2H, 2BB, 3K) and Kallen Reynolds (1 IP, 0R, 0H, 0BB, 1K) combined to shutout the Raiders. Lucas Baker (double, three RBI) and Conner Lujan (triple, double) had three hits to pace the Woodland offense. Jonathan Ryan (RBI) and Preston Sorrells finished with two hits. Zaylen Cochran (double, RBI), Grant Tidwell (RBI), Clowers (double, RBI), Jacob Tatum, and Ben Turcotte (double) added one hit. Woodland (7-4, 2-2) hosts a non-region game with Dominion Christian on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and will complete the series with Southeast Whitfield (4-9, 1-3) with a 5 p.m. doubleheader on Friday. GILMER 4, ADAIRSVILLE 1 All the runs scored in the game occurred in the fourth inning Tuesday night in Ellijay as the Gilmer Bobcats stopped the Adairsville Tigers 4-1 in a Region 7-AAA contest. The series will continue Wednesday at Adairsville and conclude on Friday back in Ellijay. Jarrett Scott doubled to lead off the Tigers’ fourth inning, moved to third on a single by Isaac Burnett, and scored on a one-out double by Braxton Ryan. Gilmer used four singles, a walk, and a double to plate their four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Kaiden Coker (3.2 IP, 4ER, 5H, 0BB, 5K) made the pitching start for Adairsville and was the pitcher of record. McCayden Hufstetler (2.1 IP, 0R, 0H, 2BB, 5K) allowed just two walks while retiring the final seven outs for the Tigers — five by strikeout. Scott and Ryan (RBI) had two hits for Adairsville. Burnett and Peyton Bowen added one hit for the Tigers. Wednesday’s second game of the series will be a 5:30 p.m. start.

March 11, 2025 The Woodland High School tennis teams lost Reigon 7-4A matches Tuesday evening to visiting Cedartown. CEDARTOWN 3, WOODLAND GIRLS 2 Singles Line 1 — Diana Librado lost 0-6, 4-6 Line 2 — Ellie Holt lost 1-6, 0-6 Line 3 — Sarah Smith lost 1-6, 1-6 Doubles Line 1 — Caleigh Williams/Ryleigh Hawley won 6-2, 6-1 Line 2 — Ella Bridges/Katie Anne Jones won by forfeit CEDARTOWN 5, WOODLAND BOYS 0 Singles Line 1 — Hawke Johnson lost 0-6, 0-6 Line 2 — Kristof Reyes lost 1-6, 0-6 Line 3 — Woodland forfeit Doubles Line 1 — Cooper Slygh/John Dollar lost 2-6, 2-6 Line 2 — Christian Hudson/Mason Roberson lost 2-6, 0-6 Woodland plays Cartersville on Wednesday at Dellinger Park.

March 11, 2025 by Clifton Puckett, GHC Sports Information Director The slogan is "Survive and advance," and that's exactly what the Georgia Highlands College men's basketball team did Tuesday night in Americus. GHC won the conference quarterfinal matchup, 71-69. The Chargers found themselves trailing in the second half for the third straight game. Making matters worse, the team's leading scorer, Marquin Thompson (South Gwinnett HS), exited after the opening play with an injury, spending the remainder of the night on the bench with his arm in a sling. Early offensive struggles compounded GHC's woes, as the Chargers' three-point attempts refused to fall, and shots across the board misfired during the game's opening minutes. Yet the Chargers found a way to survive and advance. Georgia Highlands clawed back, finally taking its first lead nearly midway through the second half. From there, the teams swapped leads in a tense back-and-forth battle that went down to the wire. Cameron Baldwin (Allatoona HS) stepped up in a big way, pacing the Chargers with 16 points and nine rebounds. Jay'Quan Nelson (Alexander HS) and Jah'kim Payne (Alexander HS) also delivered key contributions, each scoring in double figures to help GHC secure the win. Next for the Chargers are the GCAA semifinals in Waycross this Friday and Saturday. GHC will face a familiar foe in South Georgia State, the tournament's No. 1 seed, at 8 p.m. Friday. The Chargers split their regular season series with South Georgia State, East Georgia State, and Gordon State, winning all their home games against those teams. With a trip to the finals on the line, the Chargers will look to channel their resilience and keep their postseason run alive.

March 10, 2025 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com This report includes an overview and updates on more than 50 local professional and collegiate athletes, highlighting their contributions and performances during the week ending March 9. CHINA CBA — PRO BASKETBALL ASHTON HAGANS — Xinjiang Flying Tigers (5th yr. pro; Cartersville native; University of Kentucky; Newton HS) … in wins last week over Ningbo and Jiangsu, Hagans came off the Flying Tigers’ bench to total two points, seven assists, five steals, and two rebounds. Xinjiang (26-10) is in third place in the 20-team league. This week, the Tigers have games against Guangdong, Shenzhen, Fujian, and Guangzhou. The regular season resumed last week following a month-long break. The 48-game regular season schedule continues through March 31. MLB SPRING TRAINING MASON BARNETT — Oakland Athletics organization (3rd-yr. pro; Auburn; Cartersville HS) … made a 3-⅔ innings start and picked up the pitching win this past Saturday in an 8-1 win over the Colorado Rockies. Barnett scattered three hits and one walk while striking out three. Oakland has started the Cactus League schedule with a 10-6 record.  ANTHONY SEIGLER — Milwaukee Brewers organization (8th-yr. pro; Cartersville HS) … went 1-for-2 with a double and two walks and was hit by a pitch on March 6 in a 10-0 win over the Oakland Athletics. Seigler also had one at-bat in an 8-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox. The Brewers have started Cactus League play with a 6-9 record. TENNIS EMILY BUSH — University of North Georgia (Jr., Cartersville HS) … teamed with Renata Morales to win their Line 3 doubles set 6-1, but the Nighthawks lost 4-3 to Lee University in the opening match of the Scenic City Spring Break Showcase in Chattanooga. The No. 2 Nighthawks also lost to 25th-ranked Catawba College 4-1 on Sunday. UNG faces Lees-McRae College on Monday and Belmont Abbey on Tuesday to complete the Scenic City Showcase and will host the University of West Florida on Sunday. Bryce Van Order BRYCE VAN ORDER — Piedmont University (Grad student, Woodland HS) … won his Line 3 singles match last Friday in a 4-3 home team win over Pfeiffer University. His opponent retired trailing 5-0 in the second set. Van Order had lost the first set 2-6. Later on Friday, he won a Line 2 singles match when his Huntingdon College opponent retired. Van Order was leading 6-3, 5-2. Piedmont defeated the Hawks 7-0. This past Sunday at the Orlando USTA Spring Break Invitational, Van Order lost a Line 3 singles match 3-6, 2-6 in the Lions’ 7-0 loss to 5th-ranked Case Western Reserve but bounced back to win a Line 1 singles point 7-6, 6-4 as Piedmont beat Wittenberg College 6-1. The Lions (6-4) continue play in Orlando through Wednesday, facing King’s College (PA), Wheaton College (IL), Millsaps College (MS), and Carthage College (WI). GYMNASTICS ABIGAIL BUNCH — Rhode Island College (Jr., Cass HS) … tied for 14th with a 9.400 on the uneven bars at the 2025 National Collegiate Gymnastics Association East Regional. Bunch also tied for 30th (9.300) on the balance beam. The Anchorwomen finished fifth of seven teams in the regional championship, which host SUNY-Brockport won. TRACK AND FIELD HAYDEN CAGLE — Berry College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … finished 11th in the shot put (41-1.75) and 15th in the hammer throw (105-9.00) last Saturday at the Victor Ice Breaker Duals in Rome. The Vikings will compete next at the Emory University Spring Break Classic in Atlanta on March 21-22. ANDY FORSYTH — Berry College (Fr., Woodland HS) … ran to a 10th place finish in the 5000 meters (16:09.89) this past Saturday at the Victor Ice Breaker Duals. The next meet for the Vikings is the Emory University Spring Break Classic on March 21-22. Kaitlyn Godwin KAITLYN GODWIN — University of North Florida (Fr., Cass HS) … ran fourth in the 100-meter dash (12.29) and fifth in the 200-meter dash (25.33) at the River City Relays in Jacksonville. The Ospreys will compete in the University of Central Florida Black & Gold Invitational on March 21-22. Danielle Thayer DANIELLE THAYER — Augusta University (So., Woodland HS) … placed seventh (5:16.91) in the 1500 meter run at the March 1 Southern Wesleyan University Invitational. This past weekend, she ran eighth (19:13.18) in the 5000-meter run and was third in the 3000-meter steeplechase (12:20.17) at the Columbia International University Invitational, where Augusta finished second behind North Greenville University in a 13-team meet. Next for the Jaguars is the Emory University Invitational in Atlanta on March 21-22. GOLF BUCK BRUMLOW — University of Georgia (Sr., Cartersville HS) …  shot 78-70-73 (5-over-par) and finished tied for 21st individually at the Southern Highlands Collegiate hosted by UNLV at Southern Highlands Golf Club in Las Vegas. Auburn won the tournament by 10 shots over UNLV, with New Mexico third and 16 shots back. The Bulldogs struggled to a 15th-place finish. Georgia will play next at the Linger Longer Invitational in Greensboro, Georgia, March 16-18. BLANE DAVIS — Georgia College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … carded rounds of 80-78-81 and tied for 99th individually March 3-4 at the Lander University Classic held at Patriot Golf Club at Grand Harbor in Greenwood, South Carolina. The Bobcats placed 11th of 19 teams. Georgia College will play in the Southeastern Collegiate on Monday and Tuesday at Kinderlou Forest Golf Club in Valdosta. Brody Tidwell BRODY TIDWELL — Georgia State University (So., Cartersville HS) … fired rounds of 73-78-73 and was 13th as an individual at the 15-team Daytona Beach Intercollegiate on March 3-4 held at LPGA International. Troy University won the tournament — 18 shots ahead of host Stetson University. The Panthers finished eighth. Georgia State plays Monday and Tuesday in the Surf Club Invitational in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. WRESTLING ANGEL BANDA — Reinhardt University (Sr., Adairsville HS) … finished eighth last week in the 125-pound weight class at the Park City, Kansas NAIA National Championships.  LEE CAMP — Reinhardt University (Fr., Cass HS) … finished with a 2-2 record last week in the 125-pound weight class at the Park City, Kansas NAIA National Championships. Caleb Henson enters the NCAA Division I Championships as the top-ranked wrestler in the 149-pound weight class. CALEB HENSON — Virginia Tech (Jr., Woodland HS) …  won the 149-pound weight class at the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship, and the Hokies also won the team title. Henson, ranked No. 1 nationally, defeated Lachlan McNeil of North Carolina in sudden victory in the championship bout. The NCAA Division I Men’s Wrestling Championship will be held in Philadelphia on March 20-22. BRYCE KRESHO — Franklin & Marshall College (Jr., Cass HS) … finished fourth in the 141-pound weight class of the Eastern Incollegiate Wrestling Association Championship as the Diplomats placed tenth of 12 teams. Lehigh University won the conference title by 21 points over Drexel University. JAXON SMITH — University of Maryland (R-Jr., Woodland HS) … went 3-2 and finished fourth in the 184-pound weight class at the Big Ten Championships this past weekend in Evanston, Illinois. Penn State won the conference title. The Terrapins finished eighth. The NCAA Division I Men’s Wrestling Championship will be held in Philadelphia on March 20-22. Smith is ranked No. 8 nationally in his weight class. TYLER-XAVIER McKNIGHT — Davidson College (So., Cass HS) … went 1-2 and was fourth in this past weekend's 149-pound weight class of the Southern Conference Championship. The Wildcats finished eighth in the tournament that Appalachian State University won. BASKETBALL Braxton Benham BRAXTON BENHAM — Berry College (Sr., Cass HS) … led the Vikings with 21 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Still, Berry was eliminated this past Saturday in the second round of the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament by Emory University in Atlanta. Benham scored 24 points in the first round with 10 assists and six rebounds during an 80-77 win over Guilford College. The Vikings finished the season with a 20-9 record. Benham averaged 22.2 points and 5.3 rebounds in 29 games during his senior season. He totaled 166 assists and 57 steals with 13 blocked shots. He scored 1,424 points in his career with 442 rebounds. CLAIRE DAVIS — Kennesaw State University (Jr., Cass HS) … made an appearance with no stat line this past Saturday in a 63-55 home win over Jacksonville State University. The Owls (12-17, 7-11) play UTEP in the first round of the Conference USA Tournament on Tuesday afternoon in Huntsville. JA’KA’YAH DRAUGHN — Chattanooga State CC (So., Cartersville HS) … scored 11 points and grabbed three rebounds in the Tigers’ 59-47 win this past Saturday in the opening round of the TCCAA/District VII Tournament in Memphis. Chattanooga State (20-10) plays Columbia State CC in the semifinals on Monday afternoon. The tournament finals are slated for Tuesday. ZION HAYES — Weatherford College (Fr., Cass HS) … scored three points with four rebounds, one assist, and one steal in the Coyotes’ 71-62 win on March 5 at Ranger College. Weatherford (19-10) awaits seeding for the NJCAA Region V tournament in Waco, Texas, Thursday through Saturday. SOFTBALL KILEY ARNOLD — Shorter University (So., Cartersville HS) … the Lady Hawks’ infielder went 1-for-7 and was hit by a pitch in two losses at Lee University on March 5, and a home doubleheader split with North Greenville University this past Saturday. Shorter (4-15, 1-1 Conference Carolinas) hosts Emmanuel University on Wednesday and Erskine College on Saturday. HALEY DISHMON — Georgia Highlands College (So., Cass HS) … went 3-for-5, including one double, one run scored, and two stolen bases as the Chargers won two games Saturday at USC Union. GHC (19-5) has a doubleheader at Chattanooga State CC on Wednesday and will host Gordon State for two games on Saturday. PEYTON DORN — Brewton-Parker College (Fr., Woodland HS) … made a pitching start this past Saturday and was the pitcher of record in a 9-4 loss to Aquinas College (MI) at the Cocoa Beach, Florida, Space Coast Tournament. Dorn went 4-⅔ innings in the circle, allowing six runs (five earned) on six hits and two walks. She struck out one. As a hitter, she was 1-for-2 with one RBI and scored one run. The Barons (9-10-1, 4-2 Southern States Athletic Conference) host a conference doubleheader with Middle Georgia State University on Saturday. MEGAN GREGORY — Campbell University (So., Adairsville HS) … improved her pitching record to 3-1 and earned a save in one start and one relief appearance this past weekend at home against UNC Wilmington. Gregory went five innings and allowed two earned runs on two hits and four walks as the Fighting Camels beat the Seahawks 15-2 last Saturday. On Sunday, she took over the final three innings in the circle and allowed one earned run on one hit and two walks while earning a save. Campbell (15-7, 3-0) plays a three-game series at North Carolina A&T on Friday through Sunday. Ansley Hight ANSLEY HIGHT — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … went 3-for-13 with one walk, one double, two home runs, and six RBI in four games last week — home doubleheaders with Johnson University (TN) and Bryan College (TN). The Eagles went 1-3 in those games. Reinhardt (9-7, 6-4 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visits Columbia International University (SC) for two games on Thursday. ALYSSA JARRETT — Piedmont University (So., Adairsville HS) … saw action in eight games last week for the Lions, who went 5-3 for the week. They had two wins over Buena Vista University (IA) and one over Muskingum University (OH), Methodist University (NC), and Averett University (VA). The losses were to Rowan College (NJ), the University of Lynchburg (VA), and William Peace University (NC). Jarrett started six of the eight games and was 1-for-13 at the plate with three walks and one run scored. She was also hit by one pitch. The Lions (9-9) will host Asbury University (KY) for two games on Friday. SADYE JOHNSON — University of North Georgia (Sr., Adairsville HS) ,.. made a pinch-hitting appearance and entered defensively at catcher this past Sunday in a 10-2 home win over Lander University. UNG (19-4, 6-0) will play Union University (TN) in a doubleheader on Wednesday in Birmingham before hosting a three-game conference series with Georgia Southwestern University on Friday and Saturday. ERYN LEE — Reinhardt University (Jr., Cass HS) … went 4-for-15 with one double, one RBI, and scored three runs in home doubleheaders against Johnson University (TN) and Bryan College (TN). The Eagles went 1-3 with the win last Saturday against Bryan. Reinhardt (9-7, 6-4 Appalachian Athletic Conference) makes the trip to Columbia International University (SC) for two games on Thursday. RACHAEL LEE — Valdosta State University (Jr., Cass HS) … walked three times, was hit by a pitch, scored three runs, and had a sacrifice but was officially 0-for-6 at the plate in three starts at home last weekend during a Gulf South Conference series sweep of the 22nd-ranked University of West Alabama. The Blazers (11-11, 7-4) play three games on Saturday and Sunday at Delta State University. AVA PERKINS — Lee University (So., Cartersville HS) … the Flames swept a home doubleheader with Shorter University on March 5 and won two of three with Union University (TN) this past weekend. Perkins was 5-for-12 in the five games with two home runs, one double, two walks, three runs scored, seven RBI, and two stolen bases. Lee (14-9, 4-7 Gulf South Conference) has a doubleheader at King University (TN) on Wednesday and will host a three-game conference series with Mississippi College on Friday and Saturday. ALEXIS WOODS — Tennessee State University (So., Cass HS) … went 2-for-9 as the Tigers won two of three games this past weekend at Tennessee Tech. She added one RBI with a sacrifice fly, walked once, scored two runs, and had one sacrifice hit in the series. TSU (10-7, 2-1 Ohio Valley Conference) hosts Bucknell on Wednesday for a doubleheader and welcomes conference-foe Southern Indiana for a three-game series on Saturday and Sunday. BASEBALL DREW BILLINGS — Trinity Baptist College (Jr., Woodland HS) … was entered to pitch the eighth inning last Friday and was saddled with the pitching loss in a 16-15 loss to Dordt University (IA). Billings allowed two earned runs on one hit and one walk. He recorded one strikeout. The Eagles (14-9) will host Florida Memorial and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College on March 18. CURT BONNER — LaGrange College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … reached base on a hit by pitch but was 0-for-2 in the Panthers’ 5-3 home loss to Marietta College (OH) this past Saturday. LaGrange (8-7) travels to Asbury University (KY) for a three-game series on Thursday and Friday. HARRISON CHILDERS — Abraham Baldwin Agriculural College (So., Cartersville HS) … went 1-for-13 with two RBI in three starts at Loyola University (LA) where the Stallions dropped two of three games. ABAC (15-7, 7-5 Southern States Athletic Conference) plays a three-game conference series at Faulkner University (AL) on Friday and Saturday. CALEB DANIEL — Georgia Tech (Fr., Cartersville HS) … went 4-for-12, including one double, one triple, five RBI, one hit by pitch, and two runs scored as the Yellow Jackets won two of three Atlantic Coast Conference games this past weekend at Virginia Tech. Georgia Tech (13-3, 2-1) hosts Georgia State University on Tuesday and welcomes the University of Pittsburgh for a three-game series on Friday through Sunday. MICAH EARWOOD — Southeastern University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … made a sixth-inning appearance and was charged with three earned runs on no hits and three walks with no decision. He struck out one in a 9-6 win over Dordt University (IA) in Jacksonville. The Fire (21-1) open Sun Conference play in a four-game series at Warner University (FL) on Thursday through Saturday. ELLIOTT EASTIN — Covenant College (R-So., Cartersville HS) … in four games last week he was 1-for-10 with six walks and two RBI. The Scots defeated Eastern Mennonite University and lost three games in a home-and-home series with Emory University. Covenant (9-4) hosts Huntingdon College for a three-game conference series on Friday and Saturday. COLIN EATON — East Tennessee State University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … entered in the ninth inning and pitched three relief innings with no decision in an eventual 7-4 home loss to Pittsburgh last Friday. Eaton allowed one earned run on one hit and three walks. One of the walks was intentional, and he struck out five. ETSU plays at 4th-ranked Georgia on Tuesday and hosts Longwood University (VA) for three games on Friday through Sunday. RYAN FARR — Kentucky Christian University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … retired the final two outs of the fifth inning last Saturday in an 18-4 home loss to the University of Pikeville (KY). Farr allowed one earned run (three runs total) on two hits and one walk. He struck out one. The Crusaders (8-9, 2-7 Appalachian Athletic Conference) host Grace Christian University (MI) for three games on Tuesday and Wednesday before playing a three-game series at Tennessee Wesleyan University on Friday and Saturday. COLT McKIBBEN — Lee University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … made a two-inning start with no decision this past Saturday in an eventual 6-5 win for the Flames over visiting Union University (TN). McKibben allowed five earned runs on three hits, two walks, and two hit batsmen. He struck out three. Lee (11-11, 5-7 Gulf South Conference) visits Carson-Newman University on Tuesday and hosts Mississippi College for three conference games on Friday and Saturday. LUKE MILLER — Columbus State University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … went 4-for-17 with two walks and five RBI in four games last week. The Cougars lost at the University of Montevallo and dropped two of three home games with Flagler College (FL). CSU (9-10, 2-4 Peach Belt Conference) plays at Auburn University Montgomery on Tuesday and visits Lander University (SC) for three games on Friday through Sunday. AYDEN RAY — USC Lancaster (Fr., Woodland HS) … went 1-for-3 in an 8-5 win at Surry CC on March 4 and had an unsuccessful pinch-hitting appearance in a 10-6 loss last Saturday at USC Sumter. The Lancers (9-13, 5-4) play a doubleheader at Francis Marion University JV on Wednesday and host three games with USC Union on Friday and Saturday. TREY SCOTT — Alabama A&M University (Sr., Cass HS) … made a 5-⅔ innings start with no decision last Saturday in a 15-12 home loss to Alcorn State University in eleven innings. Scott allowed nine runs (four earned) on six hits, five walks, and one hit batsman. He struck out five. The Bulldogs (3-12) host Stillman College on Tuesday and Grambling State for three Southwestern Athletic Conference games on Friday through Sunday. HANK SMITH — University of West Georgia (R-So., Cartersville HS) … made three starts at catcher last week — one at home against Samford and two at Florida A&M — and was 2-for-8 at the plate with one walk. The Wolves (8-6) play at 2nd-ranked Tennessee on Tuesday and host Queens University for three Atlantic Sun Conference games on Friday through Sunday. KADEN STEPHENSON — Piedmont University (So., Cartersville HS) … in a home game March 5 with Adrian College (MI) and a game at Methodist University (NC) this past Sunday, Stephenson was 0-for-4 at the plate with one walk, one hit by pitch, and one run scored. The Lions lost both games and finished the week 1-3. Piedmont (9-5) hosts Brevard College on Tuesday, hosts Emory University on Friday, and visits Emory for games on Saturday and Sunday. PRESTON WELCHEL — Cumberland University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … the Phoenix lost at Reinhardt University but won one home game with the University of Michigan-Dearborn and won three against Lourdes University (OH) last week. Welchel was 3-for-14 with five walks, one double, one sac fly, three runs scored, and four RBI. The Phoenix (19-4-1) travel to 2nd-ranked Tennessee Wesleyan University on Tuesday and play a three-game Mid-South Conference series at Lindsey Wilson College (KY) Thursday through Saturday. DAVIS WILLIAMS — University of West Georgia (R-So., Cartersville HS) … made an eighth-inning relief appearance last Saturday in a 7-4 loss at Florida A&M. Williams allowed one hit and had one strikeout. The Wolves (8-6) play at 2nd-ranked Tennessee on Tuesday and host Queens University for three Atlantic Sun Conference games on Friday through Sunday. SAWYER WILSON — Columbus State University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … made a two-inning appearance March 4 in a loss at the University of Montevallo and retired one out in the seventh inning last Friday in a Cougars’ 5-4 home win over Flagler College. CSU (9-10, 2-4 Peach Belt Conference) plays at Auburn University Montgomery on Tuesday and visits Lander University (SC) for three games on Friday through Sunday.

March 8, 2025 Melvin Velasquez (shown from last season) scored five goals in the Colonels' 10-0 win Friday at Cartersville. The Cass boys’ soccer team delivered a strong offensive showing in their 10-0 victory over Cartersville Friday night at the Canes’ Weinman Stadium. The scoring began just two minutes into the match when Arath Quintero found the net off an assist from Mason Madrid. Fifteen minutes later, Melvin Velasquez doubled the lead, finishing a setup from Anthony Diaz. The Madrid-Velasquez duo struck again at the 28-minute mark, with Velasquez burying a feed from Madrid for his second goal of the contest. Three minutes later, Hugo Siviria added to the Colonels’ tally, scoring off an assist from Chris Mederos for a 4-0 Cass lead at halftime. There was no scoring in the first 20 minutes of the second half before Velasquez completed his hat trick, again finishing a perfect pass from Madrid. The duo combined again one minute later, giving Cass a 6-0 advantage. Diaz scored off Madrid’s fifth assist of the game five minutes later, and Karter Berdnick scored with a stunning header off a precise cross from Francisco Martinez, which made it 8- 0. Minutes later, Velasquez notched his fifth goal of the night from the penalty spot, and Madrid finished the Cass win with a scoring strike from 25 yards. The loss dropped the Purple Hurricanes to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in Region 7-AAAA. Cartersville will host Dalton on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Cass (4-3, 2-0) will host Hiram on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. NORTHWEST WHITFIELD 3, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 0 The visiting Bruins scored three first-half goals and kept the Tigers off the scoreboard Friday night in a Region 7-AAA match at Adairsville. Northwest Whitfield improved to 6-0 overall and 2-0 in region play with the shutout. Adairsville (3-3, 0-1) will host Calhoun on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in their next region contest. DALTON 5, WOODLAND 0 Woodland goalkeeper Pedro Montalvo finished with 11 saves, but the Dalton Catamounts scored two goals in the first half and finished with three more in the second for a 5-0 Region 7-AAAA road victory. The Dalton first-half goals were in the 25th and 37th minutes. The opening 10 minutes of the second half went scoreless before the Catamounts scored two goals in just over a minute. Dalton added a final score in the game’s 73rd minute. Dalton improved to 7-0 overall and 2-0 in region play. Woodland (2-4, 0-2) hosts Allatoona on Tuesday in a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

March 8, 2025 Actavious Thompson The Cartersville and Woodland track and field teams competed in the 15-team River Ridge High School Invitational on Saturday in Woodstock, and several local athletes earned top performances. Pope won the girls' meet, followed by Cambridge and Roswell. The Cartersville girls were seventh. Allatoona won the boys’ title, followed by Dunwoody, Chattahoochee, and Cartersville in fourth. FIRST PLACE Actavious Thompson, Cartersville, 400 Meter Dash, 50.89 Cartersville Boys, 4x100 Meter Relay (42.71) -- Bryson Everett, Madoxx Davis, Brady Marchese, Tyon Coe The Canes' 4x800 meter relay team finished second Saturday at the River Ridge Invitational. SECOND PLACE Allana Williams, Cartersville, Shot Put, 34-2.5 Will Feuerbach, Cartersville, 800 Meter Run, 2:03.01 Cam’ren Collum, Cartersville, High Jump, 6-4 Cartersville Boys, 4x800 Meter Relay (8:40.20) -- Ethan Empie, Carson Robinson, Tripp Chitwood, Kyle Camper THIRD PLACE Allana Williams, Cartersville, Discus Throw, 106-6 FOURTH PLACE Rowen Lee, Woodland, 400 Meter Dash, 52.23 Bryson Everett, Cartersville, 200 Meter Dash, 22.83 Cartersville Girls 4x400 Meter Relay (4:25.58) -- Addie Burns, Alex Hampton, Kori Mandibaya, Leyla Booth Cartersville's next meet is at Model on Tuesday and Kennesaw Mountain on Wednesday. Woodland’s next meet is on Saturday at the Gordon Central Invitational.

March 8, 2025 The Georgia Highlands College men’s basketball team wrapped up regular season play on Saturday afternoon in Rome with a 93-75 conference win over Southern Crescent Tech. The Chargers trailed the Tigers 39-37 at the intermission but outscored Southern Crescent 56-36 in the second half for an 18-point win. The GHC defense clamped down in the second half, limiting Southern Crescent to only 32 percent from the floor. Jay’Quan Nelson and Cameron Baldwin led the Georgia Highlands scoring column with 18 points. Marquin Thompson scored 17 points off the Chargers’ bench. Jordan Johnson added 10 points. Baldwin also grabbed 12 rebounds for a double-double. Matthew Willis scored 25 points to lead the Tigers. The Chargers finished the regular season with a 17-11 record and were 9-7 in conference play.  Georgia Highlands plays at South Georgia Tech on Tuesday in the quarterfinal round of the GCAA Tournament.

March 8, 2025 Hayden Joyner picked up a pitching win in Game 1 and added a hit in Game 2 of GHC's doubleheader Saturday at USC Union. Georgia Highlands College softball split a doubleheader on Saturday at USC Union. The Chargers won 10-1 and lost an 8-7 extra-inning decision to the Bantams. Hayden Joyner pitched all five innings of the Chargers’ win. She allowed one earned run on four hits and three walks while striking out four. Three GHC pitchers took the circle in Game 2. Maci Andrews (5 IP, 4R, 2ER, 7H, 0BB, 1K) worked the first five innings. Avery Hudson (1.1 IP, 3R, 1ER, 2H, 0BB, 1K) and Grace Kendrick (1.1 IP, 0R, 0H, 0BB, 2K) pitched in relief. Ahmani Green had four hits, including two triples and three RBI, to lead the GHC bats. Haylee Dishmon (double), Mary Catherine Kimball (RBI), and Abbi Hall (RBI) had three hits. Andrews (home run, four RBI) and Faith Gauthier (two RBI) finished with two hits in the doubleheader. Hudson (solo home run), Emmalee Freeman (double, RBI), Raeghan Thompson (three RBI), Warren (RBI), and Joyner added one hit for the Chargers. The doubleheader split left USC Union with a 7-13 record. Georgia Highlands (19-5) has a doubleheader on Thursday at Chattanooga State CC.

March 8, 2025 Georgia Highlands baseball swept a conference doubleheader on Friday at Andrew College, winning 9-8 and 10-2. The Chargers led 4-1 through two innings in the opener, but the Tigers knotted the score at 4-4 in the bottom of the fourth.  From there, GHC posted three runs in the fifth inning and two in the sixth to take a 9-5 lead. Andrew rallied for three runs in the bottom of the seventh and had the bases loaded when Chargers’ pitcher Braxton Wade escaped the frame with a strikeout. Jackson Greer (2.2 IP, 4R, 3ER, 6H, 3BB, 4K) was credited with the pitching win in relief of starter Andrew Arnold (4 IP, 4ER, 7H, 0BB, 6K). Game 2 was a much easier win for the Chargers. Kaiden Krak (5 IP, 1R, 0ER, 1BB, 8K) was the GHC starting pitcher, and Nickolaus Kane (2 IP, 1ER, 2H, 1BB, 3K) closed the final two innings. Kenskey Thomas had four hits in the doubleheader, including a home run, one double, and four RBI. Ali Banks (three doubles, one RBI), Ryan Martin (home run, double, three RBI), Wyatt Gatlin (home run, five RBI), Andrew Bishop, and Grayson Godbee contributed three hits on the day. Caden Marcos (two RBI) produced two hits, and Joe Johnson (two RBI) added one hit. The losses dropped Andrew College to 20-8 overall and 1-2 in the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association standings. Georgia Highlands (18-4, 2-1) visits Gordon State on Tuesday for a 1 p.m. conference doubleheader.

March 7, 2025 On Friday, the Adairsville Tigers earned an 8-7 win over region-foe Calhoun, while Cartersville, Woodland, and Cass split region doubleheaders. ADAIRSVILLE 8, CALHOUN 7 Harrison Cole drove in a run Friday in the Tigers' victory over Calhoun. It went down to the wire on Friday night at Adairsville, but the Tigers salvaged the third game of their region series with Calhoun with an 8-7 walk-off victory. The lead changed hands five times in the back-and-forth tussle, but a bases-loaded walk by Ethan Long forced in Adairsville’s walk-off run with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning. Calhoun led 1-0 in the top of the first. The Tigers answered with two runs in the bottom of the inning. The Yellow Jackets regained the lead with three runs in the second and one more in the third for a 5-2 lead. Adairsville responded with a five-run fourth inning to build a 7-5 advantage. Calhoun (6-6, 2-1) knotted the score at 7-7 with two runs in the top of the seventh before a leadoff double by Jack Nelson started the bottom of the seventh for the Tigers. His extra-base hit was followed by a hit batsman and two walks to force in the game-winning run. Nelson (6 IP, 5R, 4ER, 6H, 3BB, 11K) made the pitching start for the Tigers and struck out eleven but did not receive a decision. Jarrett Scott (1 IP, 2R, 1ER, 3H) had both a blown save and a pitching win by working the top of the seventh. Scott had two doubles and four RBI to lead the Tigers’ offense. Long (RBI), Harrison Cole (RBI), Peyton Bowen, Isaac Burnett, Braxton Ryan, and Nelson contributed one hit. Adairsville (6-4, 1-2) begins a three-game region series on Tuesday at Gilmer. GAME 1: CEDARTOWN 5, WOODLAND 4 GAME 2: WOODLAND 7, CEDARTOWN 5 Woodland baseball coach Mark Collins The Woodland Wildcats won the second game of Friday night’s Region 7-AAAA doubleheader at Cedartown to salvage one victory in the three-game series. Cedartown won the series' opening game Tuesday at Woodland 5-2 and took the first game on Friday 5-4. In Game 2 on Friday, Woodland scored two runs in the top of the first inning and never trailed, although the game stayed close throughout. The Wildcats added two runs in the third inning to lead 4-1, two in the fifth inning to lead 6-3, and a single run in the top of the seventh for a 7-4 advantage. Austin Daves (6.2 IP, 4R, 2ER, 6H, 3BB, 6K) picked up the pitching win for the Wildcats. He worked into the seventh inning and struck out six. Kallen Reynolds entered with two base runners and two outs in the seventh inning. Reynolds induced a fly out to right field to end the game and was credited with a save. Alfredo Romo (sac fly, RBI) and Conner Lujan (double) had two hits for the Woodland offense. Jake Clowers (sac fly, RBI), Lucas Baker (RBI), Ben Turcotte (RBI), Zaylen Cochran, Tommy Risner (RBI), and Jonathan Ryan added one hit. Preston Sorrells was credited with one RBI. In the first game on Friday, Woodland led 4-3 through 4-½ innings, but the Bulldogs scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, making that 5-4 lead enough for a win. Cedartown’s come-from-behind effort spoiled the pitching performance of Woodland starter Lucas Baker (6 IP, 5R, 0ER, 6H, 0BB, 4K), who did not allow an earned run or a walk in six innings on the mound. In Friday's opening game, Sorrells had three hits, including one double. Clowers added one hit and one RBI. The doubleheader split left Cedartown with a 5-7 overall record and a 2-1 region mark. Woodland (6-4, 1-2) opens a three-game region series with Southeast Whitfield on Tuesday in Dalton. GAME 1: CARTERSVILLE 5, ALLATOONA 3 GAME 2: ALLATOONA 2, CARTERSVILLE 1 Julez Pratt smacked a two-RBI double in the Canes' 5-3 win Friday over Allatoona. The Purple Hurricanes split a doubleheader with visiting Allatoona Friday night at Richard Bell Field. Cartersville won the opening game 5-3, and the Buccaneers took the series finale 2-1. Sixth-ranked Allatoona won the series opener on Tuesday in Acworth, 8-0. In the Canes’ win, Allatoona led 3-1 in the middle of the sixth inning. Cartersville used three hits and two walks to go ahead 5-3 in the bottom of the frame. Julez Pratt’s two-RBI double produced the go-ahead runs. Logan Shrewsbury (1 IP, 1ER, 1H, 0BB, 2K) collected the pitching win for Cartersville in relief of starter Nate Russell (5 IP, 2ER, 5H, 1BB, 7K). Andrew Purdy (1 IP, 0R, 2K) retired all three batters he faced in the seventh inning to earn a save. Allatoona hurler Davis Bargeron tossed a gem in the Buccaneers' win of Game 2. He allowed one unearned run on three hits and five walks while striking out nine in seven innings. Cartersville pitchers were almost as strong. Shrewsbury (2 IP, 2ER, 2H, 4BB, 3K) made the start and was charged with the loss. Maddox Frazier (4 IP, 0R, 2H, 1BB, 4K) and Purdy (1 IP, 0R, 1H, 1BB, 3K) pitched scoreless relief. Tristan McKibben had four hits in the doubleheader. Purdy contributed two doubles. Cameron Cochran (double, RBI), Pratt (double, two RBI), and Brayden Logan (two RBI) added one hit on Friday. Allatoona improved to 9-3 overall and 2-1 in Region 7-AAAA. Cartersville (5-7, 1-2), ranked No. 8 in Class AAAA, hosts Cass in the first game of a region series on Tuesday at 5:55 p.m. GAME 1: CASS 8, DALTON 4 GAME 2: DALTON 2, CASS 1 Trenton Elario had a hit in both games of Friday's doubleheader at Dalton. The Cass Colonels split a doubleheader at Dalton on Friday night, winning the first game 8-4 before dropping a 2-1 decision in the series finale. Cass defeated Dalton 8-2 on Tuesday on the Colonels’ home diamond in the series' first game. In the Colonels’ win on Friday, they led 5-0 early and added a single run in the fifth inning with two runs in the sixth to go ahead 8-3. The Catamounts pushed across a run in the home half of the seventh inning, but Cass reliever Dustin Wallin (3 IP, 1ER, 2H, 3BB, 4K) closed out the game and earned a save with a groundout, a pop-out, and a strikeout. Jacob Johnson (4 IP, 3ER, 5H, 3BB, 4K) made the pitching start for Cass in their Friday win.  Landon Lamb (double, RBI) and Nic Wright (double, RBI) had two hits in the opener. Zach Stiles (RBI), Hunter Lovett (RBI), Trenton Elario (RBI), Chase Tatum (double), Taylor Hicks, and Wallin added one hit. Dalton’s 2-1 win in Game 2 came in walk-off fashion. Although all three pitched well, the Catamounts’ hurler Jose Orrelanes outdueled Cass pitchers Tatum and Lovett. Orrelanes allowed one unearned run on three hits and one walk. He struck out 12 in seven innings to earn the pitching victory. Tatum scattered two hits and five walks while fanning four in four innings. Lovett was charged with two unearned runs and the pitching loss. He allowed three hits with no walks and three strikeouts in 2-⅓ innings. Wright, Tatum, and Elario had one hit each for the Colonels. Dalton moved to 6-3 overall and 1-2 in Region 7-AAAA with the doubleheader split. Cass (7-4, 2-1) begins a three-game series at Cartersville on Tuesday at 5:55 p.m.

March 8, 2025 Mary Beth Hackney (shown vs. Allatoona) assisted on one of the Lady Canes' goals Friday in a 5-0 win over visiting Cass. The Cartersville Lady Canes started fast and controlled the action for most of the match Friday night, winning 5-0 at home against Cass at Weinman Stadium. Scout Hullander gave Cartersville a 1-0 lead in the opening minute off an assist from Annabelle Williams. The Hurricanes extended their lead to 2-0 at the intermission when Kiley McMichael finished off a feed from Mary Beth Hackney. In the second half, Hullander fed McMichael in the 52nd minute to make the score 3-0. Six minutes later, Annabelle Williams converted a nice 20-yard free kick into the top corner of the far post for a 4-0 lead. The final goal was an own goal off a Cass defender when Hullander made a lovely cross in front of the Lady Colonels’ net. Cartersville (1-4, 1-1) hosts Dalton on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Cass (0-6, 0-2) will host Hiram on Tuesday. NORTHWEST WHITFIELD 3, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 1 The Adairsville girls’ soccer team began Region 7-AAA play Friday night with a 3-1 home loss to Northwest Whitfield. The Lady Tigers, who won their first five non-region games, trailed 1-0 at halftime and were outshot by the visiting Bruins. Adairsville goalkeeper Chikondi Banda saved 17 shots in the loss. Alexa Damer scored the Lady Tigers’ goal in the 64th minute off an assist from Addi Jerauld. Adairsville assistant coach Amanda Jones commended the play of Samantha Gough. She was credited with making quick decisions and identifying gaps and key players for the Bruins that needed to be shut down. Coach Jones also noted Banda’s play in goal under challenging circumstances.  Northwest Whitfield improved to 4-2 overall and 2-0 in region matches. The Lady Tigers (5-1, 0-1) will host Calhoun on Tuesday for another region contest. DALTON 5, WOODLAND GIRLS 2 Woodland girls’ soccer fell to visiting Dalton Friday night 5-2 in a Region 7-AAAA match. The Woodland Lady Cats opened the scoring in the 27th minute when Bri Carver finished a feed from Sammi Espinosa to lead 1-0. Just over six minutes later, Dalton scored an equalizer, sending the teams to the intermission tied 1-1. Dalton scored two goals in the first eight minutes of the second half to lead 3-1, but Espinosa narrowed the margin to 3-2 in the 49th minute. Dalton answered with two more goals down the stretch. The Catamounts went ahead 4-2 in the 53rd minute and added an insurance goal in the 72nd minute. The Lady Catamounts improved to 4-2 overall and 2-0 in region play. Woodland (2-4, 1-1) will host Allatoona on Tuesday in a 6 p.m. kickoff.