Athletes Beyond Bartow: Barnett and Seigler make MLB Cactus League appearances
March 3, 2025
Former Cartersville High School Purple Hurricanes Mason Barnett and Anthony Seigler made Spring Training appearances last week with the Oakland Athletics and Milwaukee Brewers.
This week's edition also includes updates on local athletes in college tennis, indoor track and field, basketball, softball, and baseball.
MLB SPRING TRAINING
MASON BARNETT — Oakland Athletics (3rd-yr. pro; Auburn; Cartersville HS) … a Spring Training invitee, Barnett, has now made two relief appearances for the A’s. On February 22, he walked two and struck out one in a scoreless eighth inning during a 10-3 loss to the San Diego Padres. On February 26, the 24-year-old righty allowed two earned runs on four hits and one walk while pitching the eighth and ninth innings of an 8-5 win over the Seattle Mariners. The Athletics were 5-3 through their first week of Cactus League action.
ANTHONY SEIGLER — Milwaukee Brewers (8th-yr. pro; Cartersville HS) … after signing with the Brewers’ organization in November and being assigned to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, Seigler has made three appearances in Spring Training games as a second baseman with the Brewers. He is 1-for-5 with one walk. His base hit was a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Milwaukee was 4-5 through the first nine games of Cactus League play.
TENNIS
SYDNEY COPPOLA — Berry College (So., Cass HS) … won her Line 4 singles 6-0, 6-1 and paired with teammate Charlee Eidson to win 6-0 at Line 2 doubles February 24 as the Vikings blanked Covenant College at the Rome Tennis Center. Berry also lost a 5-2 home decision to Cumberland University (TN) this past Friday. The Vikings head to Hilton Head, South Carolina, for matches against Western Illinois, Gettysburg College, Dickinson College, and George Mason University on March 9-14.
EMILY SURCEY — Samford University (Sr., Cass HS) … lost a lengthy Line 1 singles match 6-4, 1-6, 3-6 in the Bulldogs’ 4-3 team victory at Western Kentucky on February 26. Surcey and Line 1 doubles partner Sara Erenda were trailing 6-5 in a set that went unfinished when the team outcome had been determined. This past Friday at home, she lost her Line 1 singles match 4-6, 0-6 and was leading 5-2 with Erenda at Line 1 doubles, but that set also went unfinished in a 4-2 team loss to Troy University. Samford plays at the University of North Alabama on Friday.
BRYCE VAN ORDER — Piedmont University (Grad student, Woodland HS) … won his Line 2 singles match 6-3, 1-6, 1-0 (10-8) as the Lions won 6-1 at Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi. During the week, Piedmont also recorded a 7-0 home win over Truett McConnell University. The Lions host Pfeiffer University (NC) and Huntingdon College (AL) on Friday and will play six matches in the Orlando Spring Break Invitational on March 9-12.
INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD
ANDY FORSYTH — Berry College (Fr., Woodland HS) … earned all-conference honors with a second-place finish in the 800 meters (1:59.89) at the Southern Athletic Association Indoor Championships. He was also on Berry’s second-place distance medley team (10:27.99) and third-place 4x400 meter relay team (3:30.47). The Vikings finished second in the conference behind host Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. The NCAA Division III Indoor Championships are March 14-15 in Rochester, New York.
ERIC TOVIAVE — Belmont University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … ran 11th in the 60-meter hurdles preliminaries this past Sunday at the Missouri Valley Indoor Championships in Chicago. The 2025 outdoor season begins for the Bruins on March 21-22 in Atlanta at Georgia Tech.
JOE WOMACK — Furman University (Fr., Cartersville resident, Darlington HS) … finished 13th in the 400 meters (52.55) at the Southern Conference Indoor Championships this past weekend at VMI in Lexington, Virginia. The Paladins begin the outdoor season on March 22 at High Point University.
BASKETBALL
BRAXTON BENHAM — Berry College (Sr., Cass HS) … helped lead the tournament host Vikings to a second straight Southern Athletic Association conference title with 20 points in an 84-65 semifinal win over Oglethorpe University, and 11 points in an 83-65 championship game win over Centre College. Benham added 12 assists, eight rebounds, two steals, and one blocked shot in the two tournament wins. Berry (19-8) will learn its NCAA D-III National Championship Tournament assignment on Monday afternoon.
NA’YEL CAMPER — Reinhardt University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … totaled four rebounds, two assists, and one blocked shot in two games at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament in Kingsport, Tennessee last Thursday and Friday. The Eagles defeated Bryan College 64-52 in the quarterfinals before falling 88-69 to Tennessee Wesleyan University in the semifinals. Reinhardt finished the season with a 22-8 record.
CLAIRE DAVIS — Kennesaw State University (Jr., Cass HS) … totaled two rebounds and one steal in appearances last week against visiting Florida International University and Liberty University. KSU beat FIU 53-50 and lost to Liberty 71-69. The Owls (11-17) host Jacksonville State University on Saturday.
JA’KA’YAH DRAUGHN — Chattanooga State CC (So., Cartersville HS) … totaled 14 points with 11 assists, seven rebounds, and three steals in a 51-39 win at Roane State CC and a 65-60 home win over Columbia State CC last Wednesday and Saturday. Chattanooga State begins the TCCAA post-season tournament with a 19-10 record.
ANSLEY GRIFFIN — North Carolina Wesleyan (Fr., Cartersville HS) … scored two points with four assists, two rebounds, and one steal on February 25 in an 82-41win over Meredith College (NC) at the USA South Conference Tournament in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The Battlin’ Bishops were eliminated in the conference semifinals on February 27 to conclude their season with a 16-9 mark.
ZION HAYES — Weatherford College (Fr., Cass HS) … scored seven points and had two rebounds this past Saturday in a 70-47 Coyotes’ win at Cisco College. She also saw limited action with no stat line in a 59-53 home loss to Grayson College. Weatherford (18-10, 9-6 North Texas Junior College Conference) concludes regular season play on Wednesday at Ranger College.
HALEY JOHNSON — Reinhardt University (Jr., Cass HS) … totaled 12 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one steal in the Eagles two Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament games last Thursday and Friday in Kingsport, Tennessee. Reinhardt beat Bryan College 64-52 in the quarterfinals but lost to Tennessee Wesleyan University in the semifinals 88-69. The Eagles finished the year with a 22-8 record.
KEARA McDANIEL — Toccoa Falls College (Jr., Cass HS) … scored five points with two rebounds, one assist, and one steal in the Screamin’ Eagles 69-64 win in the National Christian College Athletic Association D-II South Region semifinal at Bob Jones University. McDaniel had one rebound in the tournament finals in a 57-41 loss to Pensacola Christian College.
TJ PRINTUP — Tusculum University (So., Adairsville HS) … scored a career-high 24 points with five rebounds, three steals, three blocked shots, and two assists in the Pioneers’ triple-overtime home loss to UVA-Wise last week. He also finished with two points, two steals, three assists, and one rebound in a home loss to Anderson University. Tusculum did not qualify for the conference tournament and finished the season with a 6-22 record.
ALISSA WINTERS — Truett McConnell University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … had three rebounds in the Bears’ Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament opening-round loss to Columbia College, 71-62, in Kingsport, Tennessee. TMU’s season ended with a 12-17 record.
SOFTBALL
KILEY ARNOLD — Shorter University (So., Cartersville HS) … made one start at third base and appeared in both games of a home doubleheader loss on February 24 to Carson-Newman University. She was 0-for-3 at the plate. The Lady Hawks (3-12) visit Lee University for a doubleheader on Wednesday and host North Greenville University in a Conference Carolinas doubleheader on Saturday.
HAYLEE DISHMON — Georgia Highlands College (So., Cass HS) … went 2-for-7 and scored one run in the Chargers’ home doubleheader loss to Chattanooga State last Friday. GHC (18-4) plays a conference doubleheader at Andrew College on Tuesday and visits USC Union for doubleheaders on Friday and Saturday.
MEGAN GREGORY — Campbell University (So., Adairsville HS) … made three pitching appearances last week — one at NC State on February 26 and two last weekend at home against North Carolina Central. Gregory allowed two earned runs on six hits and two walks with one strikeout in 2-⅓ innings at NC State and was charged with the pitching loss. She totaled eight scoreless innings against NC Central on five hits and two walks while fanning ten. She collected the pitching win last Friday. The Camels (12-7) host the University of North Carolina-Wilmington for three Coastal Athletic Association conference games on Friday through Sunday.
ANSLEY HIGHT — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … in eight starts last week, Hight was 10-for-22 at the plate with two home runs, four doubles, three walks, and eight RBI. The Eagles lost two games at Georgia Gwinnett, split games at Montreat College (NC), and swept home doubleheaders with Spartanburg Methodist and Union Commonwealth University (KY). Reinhardt (8-4, 5-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) has a doubleheader at Cumberland University (TN) on Tuesday, hosts Johnson University (TN) for two games on Friday, and entertains Bryan College (TN) on Saturday.
ALYSSA JARRETT — Piedmont University (So., Adairsville HS) … made catching starts against Alma College (MI) on February 24 and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire last Friday. She also appeared in another game against Alma. Jarrett was 2-for-4 at the plate with one walk and three RBI. She added one sacrifice and stole one base. The Lions (4-6) host Buena Vista University (IA) on Wednesday before traveling to Raleigh, North Carolina, for six games at the Diamond Classic on Friday through Sunday.
SADYE JOHNSON — University of North Georgia (Sr., Adairsville HS) … went 1-for-3 in pinch-hitting appearances and wins last week against Miles College at home and at USC Aiken. The 11th-ranked Nighthawks (16-4, 3-0 Peach Belt Conference) host 2nd-ranked Auburn University Montgomery for a doubleheader on Wednesday and Lander University (SC) for three conference games on Saturday and Sunday.
ERYN LEE — Reinhardt University (Jr., Cass HS) … started seven of the Eagles’ eight games last week at second base and was 6-for-13 at the plate. She coaxed one walk, scored four runs, drove in two runs, and stole eight bases in eight attempts. Reinhardt went 5-3 for the week with two losses to Georgia Gwinnett College, one loss to Montreat College (NC), and wins over Spartanburg Methodist, Montreat, and Union Commonwealth University (KY). The Eagles (8-4, 5-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visit Cumberland University (TN) for two games on Tuesday, host Johnson University (TN) in a Friday doubleheader, and host Bryan College (TN) for two games on Saturday.
RACHAEL LEE — Valdosta State University (Jr., Cass HS) … the Blazers’ two-hole hitter and outfielder was 2-for-10 in a three-game Gulf South Conference series this past weekend at the University of Alabama-Huntsville. VSU (8-11, 4-4) won two of three games in the series. The Blazers host the University of West Alabama in a conference series on Saturday and Sunday.
AVA PERKINS — Lee University (So., Cartersville HS) … made starts at second base in all five games as the Flames went 1-4, splitting a home doubleheader with Lincoln Memorial before dropping all three games at 2nd-ranked Auburn Montgomery over the weekend. Perkins was 4-for-14 at the plate during the week with one home run, one double, and three walks. She stole one base and scored four runs. Lee (10-8, 2-6) hosts Shorter University for two games on Wednesday and a three-game Gulf South Conference series with Union University (TN) on Saturday and Sunday.
ALEXIS WOODS — Tennessee State University (So., Cass HS) … in six games last week, the Tigers’ starting infielder was 3-for-18 with four RBI and two stolen bases. TSU lost at Belmont on February 26 and Wofford at the Wofford Invitational but won games with North Dakota and Wofford, plus two over Buffalo at the tournament. Tennessee State (8-6) begins Missouri Valley Conference play on Saturday and Sunday with a three-game series at Tennessee Tech.
BASEBALL
DREW BILLINGS — Trinity Baptist College (Jr., Woodland HS) … notched two pitching wins in one day this past Saturday with relief appearances against Bethel University (IN) and Valley City State University (ND) at the Russ-Matt Invitational in Lake Myrtle, Florida. Billings completed the final three frames on the mound without allowing a run or hit in a 10-inning win over Bethel. He also retired the final two outs of the victory over Valley City. He issued two walks and struck out two in the appearances. The Eagles (13-7, 5-1 NCCAA) host Dordt University (IA) and Northwestern College (IA) on Friday and Saturday in the RMI.
CURT BONNER — LaGrange College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … went 1-for-15 in four home games last week as the Panthers lost to Emory University and swept three games from North Carolina Wesleyan. Bonner walked twice, scored twice, was hit by a pitch twice, and drove in one run. LaGrange (7-6) hosts Berry College on Friday and will play Marietta College (OH) and Berry in Rome on Saturday and Sunday.
HARRISON CHILDERS — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (So., Cartersville HS) … went 3-for-14 with two walks in five games last week. The Stallions won twice at Paine College and swept a three-game series with the University of Mobile this past weekend. Childers scored four runs and was twice hit by a pitch. ABAC (14-5, 6-3 Southern States Athletic Conference) hosts Paine College on Tuesday before playing a three-game conference series at Loyola University in New Orleans on Friday and Saturday.
CALEB DANIEL — Georgia Tech (Fr., Cartersville HS) … went 4-for-11 in four home games last week, including a loss to Marshall, a win over West Georgia, and two wins over Western Michigan. Daniel had one double, drew three walks, was hit by a pitch, drove in one run, scored four, and stole one base. The Yellow Jackets (10-2) host Kennesaw State on Tuesday and play a three-game Atlantic Coast Conference series at Virginia Tech on Friday through Sunday.
ELLIOTT EASTIN — Covenant College (R-So., Cartersville HS) … went 3-for-12 with one double and three runs scored in a three-game home sweep of Bob Jones University (SC) last Friday and Saturday. He also stole one base. The Scots (8-1) host Eastern Mennonite University on Wednesday, visit Emory University on Friday and host Emory for a doubleheader on Saturday.
COLIN EATON — East Tennessee State University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … needed only two pitches to retire the final out in the Buccaneers’ 10-0 home win this past Sunday over Binghamton University. ETSU went 5-0 for the week with a win over Appalachian State and two over Siena and Binghamton. The Bucs (10-2) welcome Pittsburgh for a three-game series on Friday through Sunday.
RYAN FARR — Kentucky Christian University (Fr., Adairsville HS) …made a six-inning pitching start with no decision in a 7-6 loss at Wilberforce University (OH) on February 25. Farr yielded five runs (four earned) on three hits, seven walks, and two hit batsmen while striking out four. The Crusaders (8-6, 2-4 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visit Wilberforce on Wednesday before hosting a three-game conference series with the University of Pikeville (KY) on Friday and Saturday.
RYAN JOHNSON — Georgia Tech (Fr., Cartersville HS) … entered in the eighth inning and retired one out in the ninth inning on February 26 in a 16-7 home win over the University of West Georgia. Johnson faced five batters, allowed one hit, and struck out one. The Yellow Jackets (10-2) host Kennesaw State on Tuesday and play a three-game Atlantic Coast Conference series at Virginia Tech on Friday through Sunday.
COLT McKIBBEN — Lee University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … entered in the second inning and made a 3-⅔ innings relief appearance this past Saturday in the Flames’ 11-10 loss at Auburn Montgomery. He allowed two earned runs on three hits, one walk, and one hit batsman. McKibben struck out three. Lee (9-9, 3-6 Gulf South Conference) visits Lincoln Memorial University on Tuesday and hosts Union University (TN) for a three-game conference series on Friday and Saturday.
SAM MELTON — Guilford College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … made two starts last week — one in a win at William Peace and the other in a loss at Brevard College — and went 2-for-7 at the plate, including a double, a triple, one sacrifice, and one run scored. The Quakers (7-1) visit Carolina University (NC) on Wednesday and host Virginia Wesleyan University for a doubleheader on Saturday.
LUKE MILLER — Columbus State University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … went 7-for-20, including one homer, one triple, one walk, one sacrifice fly, three runs scored, and five RBI in five games last week. The Cougars beat Middle Georgia State and Albany State and won one of three games in a home series with the University of North Georgia. Miller also had one stolen base. CSU (8-7, 1-2 Peach Belt Conference) visits the University of Montevallo on Tuesday and hosts Flagler College for a three-game conference series on Friday through Sunday.
AYDEN RAY — USC-Lancaster (Fr., Woodland HS) … was inserted in the eighth inning, drew a walk, and forced in a run in an eventual 17-16 ten-inning win this past Saturday over Florence-Darlington Tech. It was the Lancers' only win in a four-game week. USC-Lancaster (6-12, 3-3 NJCAA Region 10) plays at Surry CC on Tuesday and has a three-game series at USC Sumter on Saturday and Sunday.
DREW ROTHSCHILD — University of West Georgia (Jr., Cartersville HS) … drew a base on balls in a pinch-hitting appearance this past Saturday during a 14-4 home win over Eastern Kentucky. The Wolves lost at Georgia Tech on February 26 but swept a series with the Colonels. UWG (7-3) hosts Samford on Tuesday and plays a four-game set at Florida A&M on Friday through Sunday.
TREY SCOTT — Alabama A&M University (Sr., Cass HS) … made a three-inning pitching start this past Saturday at Georgia State and was charged with the loss. He allowed nine runs (six earned) on seven hits and seven walks while striking out one in an eventual 16-2 loss. The Bulldogs (2-9) host Tennessee-Martin on Tuesday and welcome Alcorn State University for a three-game series Friday through Sunday.
HANK SMITH — University of West Georgia (R-So., Cartersville HS) … in a loss at Georgia Tech and two home wins over Eastern Kentucky, Smith was 3-for-9 at the plate with one walk, two runs scored, and two RBI. The Wolves (7-3) host Samford University on Tuesday before traveling to Tallahassee for a four-game series at Florida A&M on Friday through Sunday.
SCOTTY SMITH — Covenant College (Sr., Woodland HS) … improved his 2025 pitching record to 3-0 this past Saturday with a seven-inning start and a 10-0 home win over Bob Jones University (SC). Smith scattered three hits, one walk, and two hit batsmen without allowing a run. The Scots (8-1) host Eastern Mennonite University (VA) on Wednesday, visit Emory University on Friday, and host Emory for a Saturday doubleheader.
KADEN STEPHENSON — Piedmont University (So., Cartersville HS) … was entered defensively at second base on February 25 in a 7-6 home loss to Hanover College (IN) and a 13-2 win over visiting Albion College (MI) this past Saturday. Stephenson had a ninth-inning plate appearance and coaxed a base on balls this past Sunday in a 9-6 home loss to Greensboro College (NC). The Lions (8-2) entertain Adrian College (MI) on Wednesday and will play a three-game series at Methodist University (NC) on Friday through Sunday.
PRESTON WELCHEL — Cumberland University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … in a win on February 25 over visiting Tennessee Southern and four wins this past weekend over Michigan-Dearborn University, Welchel was 4-for-17 at the plate with two doubles, one sac fly, one hit by pitch, and five RBI. The Phoenix (15-3-1) visit 6th-ranked Reinhardt University on Tuesday and host Lourdes University (OH) for three games on Saturday and Sunday.
DAVIS WILLIAMS — University of West Georgia (R-So., Cartersville HS) … took the mound in the seventh inning at Georgia Tech on February 26 and allowed three earned runs on two hits and one walk while recording one out in an eventual 16-7 loss. The Wolves (7-3) host Samford University on Tuesday before traveling to Tallahassee for a four-game series at Florida A&M on Friday through Sunday.
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