Elite Athletes of the Month for April 2017
Elite Stone Supply, in conjunction with WBHF and Bartow Sports Zone, presents the ELITE ATHLETES OF THE MONTH.
Each month, all five local high schools are provided opportunity to name an Elite Athlete of the Month and present the information on their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3FM and AM1450, WBHF in Cartersville.
Recipients for April 2017:
Avery Cornett -- Cass High School
Megan Smith -- Adairsville High School
Karson Norris -- Woodland High School
Matthew Slocum -- Cartersville High School
Kyree Tucker -- Excel Christian Academy
The April Elite Athlete of the Month for Cass High School is Avery Cornett.
A senior and Line 1 singles player on the Colonels’ tennis team, Cornett has been the top Cass singles player for each of his four seasons.
He is a leader both on and off the court for his team and completed this season with an impressive 14-2 mark.
The son of Eric and Angie Cornett, Avery is also the 2017 Mr. CHS, a Beta Club member, and a member of the National Honor Society.
Cornett’s leadership and hard work helped lead the Colonels to a trip to the Class AAAAA Sweet Sixteen this season.
He is committed to play his future tennis at Berry College.
Megan Smith is the Adairsville High School Elite Athlete of the Month for April.
Smith is a member of the swim and volleyball teams, as well as the Line 3 singles player for the Lady Tigers’ tennis team.
The daughter of Missy Bagwell and Scott Smith, she finished 4-2 in region tennis matches in her freshman season and capped the year with a win against Murray County in the region tournament.
Smith has a 4.0 grade point average and is a member of the mock trial team.
The April Elite Athlete of the Month representing Woodland High School is Karson Norris.
A junior on the Lady Cats’ track and field team, Norris competed this season in the 100M Hurdles, 300M Hurdles, Pole Vault, and was on the 400M Relay Team.
The daughter of Brandy Forstie, Roger Forstie, and Bryan Norris, she won Bartow County Championship titles in both hurdles events and pole vault. She also won the Region 7-AAAAA championship in the pole vault.
“Karson has put a massive offseason effort in this last year and her accomplishments this season speak for themselves. We are looking forward to seeing her progress going into her senior year,” said Lady Cats’ coach Matthew Landolt
Matthew Slocum is the April Elite Athlete of the Month for Cartersville High School.
Slocum is a junior and the son of Drs. Beth and Terry Slocum.
Playing the Line 2 singles position on the Hurricanes’ tennis team, Slocum has compiled a 15-2 season record this Spring.
“Matthew is a leader both academically and athletically,” said Cartersville tennis coach Melissa Moore. “He is supportive of his teammates and gives 100 percent at every turn. He’s a pleasure to teach and coach and he is always striving to do his best. In my opinion, he is a true leader and an uplifting young man.”
Slocum is an AP scholar and leader on the academic and robotics teams. He was named to the Region 5-AAAA academic all-star team.
The April Elite Athlete of the Month for Excel Christian Academy is Kyree Tucker.
He is the son of Kelly and Andre Tucker and is a senior at ECA. He is a multisport athlete for the Eagles where his is a member of the basketball, cross country, and soccer teams.
“Kyree always goes out of his way to help others,” said coach Kenn Baker. “He is a positive influence on the young students at Excel. He has spent countless hours working with younger players and athletes in our program. He is dependable, well-mannered, respectful, and is a credit to his parents and the school,” Baker continued.
Tucker was a standout player for the Excel basketball team despite a difficult season. He was recognized by the Northwest Georgia Tip-Off Club as the Player of the Year for the Eagles.
His favorite subject is History. Tucker says he finds it intriguing and interesting, plus he enjoys the class discussions and information sessions that take place in class.
His hobbies include hanging out with friends, playing basketball, attending church, and spending time with his family.
Tucker is a member of the Church at Liberty Square where he is an active participant in youth activities.
His future plans include attending college and pursuing a major in sports broadcasting.
Editors Note: Photos and bios are supplied to Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF by the respective schools and their athletic departments. Elite Stone Supply, LLC is the monthly sponsor. Athletes receive a plaque along with recognition during a radio feature on WBHF.
