Bobcats Tennis Finishes Regular Season 14-2; Down Tigers, Bruins, Panthers
DCHS Tennis, Sports, Team FYN Sports April 1, 2016
No matter the opponent, no matter the location, no matter the time, the Gilmer High School Bobcats tennis team takes control of a court.
Three more wins this week give the Bobcats a final record this season of 14-2 (6-1 in region play). After downing non-region neighbor the Dawson Tigers 3-2 on the road Monday, the Bobcats downed Northwest Whitfield during a late make-up road match 4-1 Tuesday and fanned the Ridgeland Panthers 5-0 at home Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Lady Cats finish the year at 8-8 (2-5 in region play), following a 3-2 triumph over Dawson and 3-2 losses to Northwest and Ridgeland.
Monday at Dawson, Bobcat Riley Hice defeated Dillard Blanton 6-3, 6-4. Isaac Hensley fell to Tiger Hayden Roper 4-6, 2-6, while Bobcat Dusty Ray bested Tristan Ingram 6-1, 7-5.
In boys doubles action, Bobcats Cole Edmondson and Chandler Cantrell beat Derek Chambers and Casey Passmore 6-0, 6-4, while Matthew Bruner and Noah Chastain fell to Tigers Hunter LeBaron and Andrew Hafermalz 5-7, 1-6.
Carter Hice also won an exhibition match for Gilmer over Kyle Phillips, 8-1.
Lady Cat Kali Malham returns a shot during a match against Fannin March 22. Malham won two of her three matches for Gilmer this week. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
Lady Tiger Brandi Jo Hafermalz beat Ally Davis 7-5, 6-2 in girls singles action. Kali Malham gave the Lady Cats a victory with a 7-6, 6-4 triumph over Savannah Kennedy, while Isabel Queen secured a 6-7, 6-1, 6-0 win for Dawson over Hope Bobak.
Doubles girls matches featured Lady Cats Hannah Thomas and Chancey Davis downing Emma Brown and Peyton Porter 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 and the pairing of Katie Marick and Katie Sheahan defeating Gracey Buice and Sara Shepard 7-6, 6-0.
Exhibition girls doubles matches gave Lady Cats Lauren Cole and Mary Elizabeth Walker an 8-5 victory over Maddie Binkley and Isabella Brown, while Lady Tigers Zoe Grindstaff and Tyler Perry beat Moriah Martin and Sophie Morrison 8-1.
GHS resumed region play Tuesday, in a make-up road match at Northwest Whitfield. In order to squeeze in the match, Gilmer played the Bruins after Northwest finished off Southeast Whitfield, putting the start time around 5:30 p.m.
Riley Hice won his match 7-6, 6-0. Hensley picked up a 6-2, 6-0 victory, while Ray emerged with a 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 triumph.
Edmondson and Cantrell garnered a 6-4, 6-4 win, while Bruner and Chastain fell 0-6, 6-3, 4-6.
Ally Davis fell 0-6, 0-6 in girls singles play, while Malham dropped her match 1-6, 0-6 and Bobak garnered a 7-6, 6-4 victory.
Thomas and Chancey Davis fell 6-2, 5-7, 4-6, while Marick and Sheahan picked up a doubles victory by garnering a 7-5, 6-3 triumph.
Another make-up match awaited Wednesday, this time at home against Ridgeland.
Riley Hice won his affair 6-2, 6-1. Hensley garnered a 6-0, 6-0 shutout, while Ray triumphed 7-5, 6-3.
In boys doubles play, Edmondson and Cantrell secured a 6-2, 6-2 win, while Bruner and Chastain earned a 6-1, 6-4 victory.
Ally Davis dropped her girls singles match 3-6, 0-6. Malham picked up a 7-5, 6-4 win, while Bobak fell 2-6, 6-2 and 2-6.
Thomas and Chancey Davis dropped their girls doubles match 1-6, 6-7, while Marick and Sheahan garnered a 3-6, 6-1, 10-8 tiebreaker victory.
Cole also picked up an 8-7 exhibition girls singles victory.
Gilmer will next travel to the region tournament in Dalton, which will be held April 12-15.
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Lady Cats, Bobcats Seasons End in Semi-Finals
RMS Soccer, Sports, Team FYN Sports March 31, 2016
For the first time in recent memory, the North Georgia Mountain League soccer championship matches did not feature a Clear Creek Middle School team.
Both the Lady Cats and Bobcats were eliminated in the championship semifinals last week. After the Lady Cats defeated Pickens in the opening round 5-1, they fell to Riverview 7-3 in the semifinals. Meanwhile, the second-seeded Bobcats were upset by the Fannin Rebels, 1-0 in a home semifinal match last Friday.
The Lady Cats were aided immensely in their quarterfinal win over the Dragonettes by Naomi Coombs and Reagan Boling, both of which scored two goals. Cadence Smith added to the tally to give CCMS the victory.
In the semifinals against Riverview, the Lady Eagles struck first, on a goal from Katie Clouse with 16:29 left in the first half. Coombs tied the match 1-1 with a goal as 12:35 remained before halftime, before a Riverview scoring barrage quickly broke the deadlock. Kinsey Beaty punted a penalty kick into the net with 9:35 left before the break, while Maycie Calhoun and Alexa Elliott scored with 8:30 and three minutes left in the half, respectively, to give the Lady Eagles a 4-1 advantage.
Lady Eagle Piper Wright launches a shot in the first half of a North Georgia Mountain League semifinal match against Clear Creek last Thursday. Wright went on to score back-to-back goals in the second half, en route to a 7-3 Riverview victory. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
Clouse added her second goal of the affair 50 seconds into the second half. Coombs cut the Riverview lead down to 5-2 by scoring on a penalty kick with 25:20 left in regulation. Piper Wright increased the Lady Cats deficit by scoring back-to-back goals for the Lady Eagles with 12:45 and 4:45 left in the game, respectively. Octavia Bushey gave CCMS one more goal before the end of the contest, scoring with 3:10 left in regulation. The Lady Cats were unable to garner more goals before the shootout ended, giving Riverview the semi-final victory.
Jalynn Ledford had seven saves at goalkeeper for the Lady Cats, while Boling nabbed two. Bella Ragey secured five saves for the Lady Eagles.
The Bobcats loss left the boys with an overall record of 4-3-3 (4-2-3 in region play) for the year, while the Lady Cats finish their campaign with a final record of 5-6 (4-6 in region play).
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Clear Creek, Dawson Split Soccer Match
DCMS Soccer, Sports, Team FYN Sports February 23, 2016
When a soccer match is scheduled, it is played.
Pure and simple.
Rain or shine.
The Clear Creek Middle School soccer squads hosted Dawson County Middle School yesterday for 120 minutes of muddy, rainy action that concluded with a 5-1 Bobcats victory and the same final tally for a Lady Tigers triumph.
Boys
Bobcat Fredy Sanchez secures a loose ball yesterday against Dawson. Sanchez scored four goals against the Tigers, as Clear Creek picked up a 5-1 victory. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
Fredy Sanchez continued his banner year for CCMS, garnering two goals in the first half. David Reynoso added one to give the Cats a 3-0 advantage. Dawson got on the scoreboard just before halftime, courtesy of a shot from Christian Harper.
Clear Creek built on its 3-1 halftime lead with two more goals from Sanchez in the second half, each just 90 seconds apart. The Tigers were unable to respond, giving the Bobcats a 3-0 victory.
“The way we typically play … we couldn’t really do that today, because the ball wasn’t going anywhere,” said head Bobcats coach Adam Palmer. “So tactically, we had to play a different game. We were able to do that and it all worked out.”
Girls
Lady Tiger Molly Muenchin takes a late shot last night against Clear Creek. Muenchin scored four goals against the Lady Cats, as Dawson picked up a 5-1 victory. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
In the nightcap, the Lady Cats scored their only goal of the contest on a penalty kick from Naomi Coombs, with 12:43 left in the first half. Madison Anglin tied the game at 1-1 with a goal for Dawson, as 8:48 remained in the half. Molly Muenchin then edged the Lady Tigers ahead 2-1 with a goal at the 4:18 mark, which led to DCMS holding a 2-1 halftime lead.
CCMS was unable to slow down Muenchin in the second half, as she scored goals with 23:02, 11:04 and 9:19 left on the clock. Although the Lady Cats took numerous shots at the goal, none were successful in crossing the line, awarding Dawson with a 5-1 victory.
“We’re very proud of all the girls,” head Lady Tigers coach Jessie Edwards said after the game. “I didn’t expect much with this weather and all, but they pulled it out and showed me something.”
“The girls came out and really played as a team,” assistant coach Mark Anglin added. “They played their positions well and it was a team effort. We’re very proud of them coming together.”
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Tigers Avenge Season-Opening Loss; Down Gilmer 14-4
DCHS Baseball, Sports, Team FYN Sports February 22, 2016
The Gilmer High School Bobcats started the 2016 season with a 11-6 home victory over the Dawson County High School Tigers.
But after dropping a 4-3 contest at home to the North Murray Mountaineers last Thursday, the weariness of playing three games in three days caught up with the Cats last Friday, as the Tigers picked up a six-inning, 14-4 victory over the Bobcats in Dawsonville.
“We’ve got to do a better job with our approach at the plate, whether it’s 3-0 or 2-1,” said head Gilmer coach Jeff Thurman. “We didn’t do a good job with our two-strike hitting. So I think our approach at the plate is a little off. But it’s a learning process, it’s early in the season and we have a good baseball team, we know that. We’ll get back after it, but three games in three days definitely played a factor.”
Much like the first two games of the year, Gilmer built an early lead. Chandler Sutton drew a one-out walk in the top of the first, swiped second, moved to third on a wild pitch and later scored on a sacrifice groundout from Chad Watkins.
The Bobcats then added their final three runs in the top of the second. With one out and the bases loaded, Dylan Hatcher drew a walk that brought Noah Ralston home. Drew Healan then walked to score Avery Sirmans, before Dawson made a pitching change and put Palmer Sapp on the mound. Watkins later drew a walk with two outs to plate Eric Turner, before a strikeout got the Tigers out of the jam.
Up to that point, GHS had yet to garner a base hit. That trend carried through the remainder of the game, giving Dawson the opportunity to pile on a 10-run advantage.
A one-out double in the bottom of the second from Connor Bearden got the Tigers momentum going. Austin Young followed with a single to score Bearden. Although Young was caught stealing, a pair of walks and a throwing error at shortstop plated Kolton Brumbelow. A wild pitch then brought courtesy runner Nathan Sorrells home to cut the Gilmer lead down to 4-3. Bobcat starter McKinley Chadwick prevented further damage with a strikeout to end the frame.
Dawson took the lead in the bottom of the fourth. After a leadoff single from Young and Brumbelow reached on a throwing error, Jacob Glocekner doubled to edge the Tigers ahead. Tucker Maxwell then walked, before Sapp singled to score Glocekner.
Dawson Tiger Brise Henson makes a connection last Friday against Gilmer. Henson had three RBIs in the game, including the final two, as the Tigers downed the Bobcats 14-4 in six innings. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
Chadwick was then pulled for Brooks Rosser. After a walk, original Dawson starter Brise Henson picked up an RBI on a sacrifice flyout to center. Bearden then grounded out to end the frame.
The Tigers added to their 7-4 lead in the bottom of the fifth. Young reached on an error to begin the inning and later scored. With two outs, Sapp doubled to score Glocekner and Maxwell. After another pair of walks, Tatum Chadwick took the mound for Gilmer. A walk gave Dawson the opportunity to send Drew Barnes home for the 11th Tigers run of the night. Tatum Chadwick then got Young to flyout to end the inning.
DCHS finished the game off in the bottom of the sixth. With Austin Daman toeing the rubber for the Bobcats, Reed McAllister drew a leadoff walk and Hunter Ramey followed with a single. Later with one out, Maxwell singled to widen the Tigers lead to 12-4. Brody Chester later drew a two-out walk, before Henson doubled to bring Maxwell and Chester home to score. With the score 14-4, the game was then called due to run differential.
“At home, you should hit better than you do on the road,” said head Dawson coach Dwayne Sapp after the win. “A lot of things went wrong in that first inning over there (the season opener Wednesday) and it’s hard to get geared up and play (after that). Tonight, we played ugly early. We didn’t pitch well. But I knew when we broke the ice, we’d be ok. The energy on the team (picked up) and you could sense, ‘Hey, we could win this thing.’ I’m proud of the way our guys came through.”
Gilmer will look to rebound this week. Today, the JV will host Fannin at 5 p.m., before the varsity welcomes the Rebels tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. The JV then travels to Dawson Thursday for a 5 p.m. first pitch, before the varsity finishes the week at Lumpkin Friday at 5:55 p.m.
Bobcats Topple Tigers, Phoenix on Opening Day
DCHS Baseball, Sports, Team FYN Sports February 18, 2016
The Gilmer High School Bobcats started off the 2016 season in an appropriate manner, as the varsity Cats downed the Dawson County High School Tigers 11-6 at home and the junior varsity bested the Sonoraville Phoenix 8-1 on the road.
Bobcat starting pitcher Chad Watkins aids his own cause with a single in the bottom of the first last night against Dawson. Watkins went on to hurl five innings for the Cats, en route to Gilmer picking up an 11-6 victory. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
Gilmer inflicted early damage to Dawson. With one out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the first, Brooks Rosser was hit by a pitch to bring Drew Healan home to score. Later with two outs, a bases-loaded walk brought Chad Watkins across the plate. An error at shortstop during the next at-bat gave McKinley Chadwick and Rosser the opportunity to widen the lead to 4-0.
Following another walk, Dawson starter Noah Davis was pulled for Colin Glover. A fielding error at third opened Chandler Sutton and Austin Daman for a scoring opportunity, which they completed to build the Bobcats lead to 6-0. Glover then induced a flyout to prevent further damage.
GHS added two more runs in the bottom of the second. With two outs and Noah Ralston standing at third base, a fly ball to center from Avery Sirmans was bobbled on the catch, allowing Ralston to score. Courtesy runner Taylor Nolan then scampered home during the next at-bat after a errant pickoff throw at third, widening the Cats lead to 8-0.
The Tigers started chipping away at the deficit in the top of the third. A one-out walk from Bobcats starter Chad Watkins proved to be costly, as a two-out double from Brody Chester gave Tucker Maxwell the chance to plate the first Dawson run of the game. A flyout then temporarily cut off the Tigers rally.
Gilmer got the run back in the bottom half of the third. With Reed McAllister now toeing the rubber for DCHS, Daman drew a walk to begin the frame. Later with one out, Healan doubled to bring Daman home and make the Bobcats lead 9-1. A strikeout and groundout later ended the inning.
Dawson added two more runs in the top of the fifth. Back-to-back singles from Brandon Monkus and Kolton Brumbelow started things off, before a double from Maxwell brought Monkus home to score. Later with one out, a sacrifice groundout from Chester allowed Brumbelow to close the gap to 9-3. Watkins then ended his night for the Bobcats by inducing a groundout.
GHS pushed into double digits in the bottom half of the frame. With one out and two runners on, a fielder’s choice turned into an error that gave Ralston the chance to widen the Cats lead to 10-3. The third Dawson pitcher of the game, McAllister, then got a flyout to end the inning.
The Tigers continued to claw away at the Bobcats in the top of the sixth. Gilmer hurler Tatum Chadwick got two quick outs, before two walks and a single loaded the bases. Maxwell then drew another walk that scored Austin Young. Chadwick then turned the ball over to Rosser, who issued another walk to cut the Gilmer lead down to 10-5. Rosser got the Cats out of the jam with a strikeout.
Dawson second baseman Kolton Brumbelow tosses a throw to first baseman Brise Henson last night at Gilmer. The Tigers went on drop the game to the Bobcats, 11-6. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
GHS then scored its final run in the bottom half of the inning. With two outs and two runners on, Watkins smacked a single to score Dylan Hatcher.
Dawson did not go down without a fight. After a walk started the top of the seventh, the Tigers later plated Connor Bearden on an errant pickoff attempt at third. Following a strikeout and a single, Rosser induced a groundout to end the game.
“We got off to a fast start, which is good. That’s what we needed. You always like to get out to a fast start in the first game to get comfortable,” said GHS head coach Jeff Thurman. “But, we let them creep back in it a couple of different times. That’s what we talked to the guys about tonight (after the game): ‘When you’ve got them down, finish them off.’ We had a lot of guys that got their first varsity experience tonight, which is good for them to get under their belt. Overall, you couldn’t have asked for Opening Day to go any better.”
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Riverview, Clear Creek Captures NGML Eighth-Grade Titles
DCMS Basketball, RMS Basketball, Sports, Team FYN Sports January 29, 2016
The 2015-16 North Georgia Mountain League championship basketball tournament wrapped up yesterday at Dawson County Middle School, with the eighth-grade Riverview Lady Eagles downing the hosting Lady Tigers 31-24 to win the girls championship and the Clear Creek Middle School Bobcats defeating the Pickens County Middle School Dragons 35-24 to claim the eighth-grade boys crown.
Riverview wins intercounty title game
Riverview coach Natasha Beary watches as Lady Eagle Chloe Bennett attempts to drive past Rachel Swafford in last night’s 2015-16 North Georgia Mountain League eighth-grade girls championship game. Bennett scored a team-leading eight points in the Lady Eagles 31-24 victory over the Lady Tigers. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
The Lady Eagles took control early, soaring to an 11-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. Dawson finally generated some offense in the second quarter, but thanks to a widespread rebound effort by Riverview, the Lady Tigers trailed 17-6 at halftime.
Dawson matched Riverview point-for-point in the third quarter, but failed to build further momentum to cut into the deficit. The Lady Tigers started piecing together a comeback in the fourth quarter, but were unable to clip the Lady Eagles enough to finish out the surge and RMS seized the 31-24 victory.
The Riverview Lady Eagles pose with the 2015-16 North Georgia Mountain League eighth-grade girls championship. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
“I have to say, this has been one of the best seasons,” said Riverview head coach Natasha Beary. “The girls have worked so hard. It was great to come play against our fellow teammates, Dawson. They were nervous, but the girls pulled it together and they came out with a win. Both teams worked hard and gave it everything they had. They put it all together at the end.”
After the Riverview/Dawson game, the Lady Eagles recognized Chloe Bennett (left) as their Tournament MVP, Roxie Fricton (center) as their All-Tournament Selection and Piper Wright (right) as their Academic Award recipient. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
After the Riverview/Dawson game, the Lady Tigers recognized Maddie Grant (left) as their Academic Award recipient and Marlie Townley (right) as their All-Tournament selection. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
Bobcats win rivalry game to clinch crown
Eighth-grade Bobcat Luke Wimpey shoots a three-point shot in last night’s 2015-16 North Georgia Mountain League eighth-grade boys title game. Wimpey scored six points in Clear Creek’s 35-24 championship victory over the Pickens Dragons. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
As always, a Gilmer County versus Pickens County sporting event turned out to be fiercely competitive.
In the case of Clear Creek, they battled the Dragons throughout the first half. Thanks to a strong rebound performance from both teams, the Cats only led 6-5 at the end of the first period. T.C. Jarrett then landed a three with 45 seconds remaining before halftime that cut the CCMS lead to 11-10. However, C.J. Streicher landed a shot before the buzzer that put the Bobcats halftime lead at 13-10.
PCMS struggled to find the basket in the third quarter, giving Clear Creek the chance to open up a 20-10 lead. Zach Tetterton finally secured the lone Dragons bucket of the period at the 48-second mark, leaving the Bobcats advantage at 20-12 at the start of the fourth quarter.
Both offenses exploded in the fourth quarter, which allowed CCMS to hold off a 12-point Pickens fourth quarter and clinch the championship with a 35-24 victory.
The Clear Creek Middle School Bobcats pose with the 2015-16 North Georgia Mountain League eighth-grade boys championship trophy. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
“The boys absolutely get all the credit,” said CCMS coach Michael Crocker. “Their games have expanded. I think, on their own, they want to be multi-faceted. But then there’s discipline and key concepts … I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
The Pickens County Middle School Dragons pose with the 2015-16 North Georgia Mountain League eighth-grade boys runner-up trophy. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
After the Clear Creek/Pickens game, the Bobcats recognized C.J. Streicher (left) as both their Academic Award recipient and All-Tournament selection and Connor Thompson (right) as their Tournament MVP. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
After the Clear Creek/Pickens game, the Dragons recognized Hayes Pickett (left) as their All-Tournament selection and Colby James (right) as their Academic Award recipient. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
STATS (eighth-grade Lady Eagles):
Chloe Bennett: Eight points, six rebounds, four blocks, three steals, 0/1 on free throws.
Kinsey Beaty: Six points, two rebounds, one steal.
Roxie Fricton: Six points, two rebounds, one steal.
Piper Wright: Four points, 2/2 on free throws.
Avrey Massey: Three points, three rebounds, two steals.
Ashlynn Anglin: Two points, one rebound.
Maggie Wright: Two blocks, one steal.
Kendall Martin: One rebound, one steal.
Kaselyn Martin: One rebound.
STATS (eighth-grade Lady Tigers):
Marlie Townley: 13 points, 10 rebounds, two steals, one block, 3/3 on free throws.
Jenna LeCours: Four rebounds, five rebounds, two steals, 2/5 on free throws.
Avery Young: Four points, three rebounds, two steals, 2/4 on free throws.
Rachel Swafford: Three points, two rebounds, one steal.
Maddie Grant: 11 rebounds, three steals, one block.
STATS (eighth-grade Bobcats):
C.J. Streicher: 11 points, 14 rebounds, one steal, 2/2 on free throws.
Alex Snelgrove: Eight points, eight rebounds, one steal, one block, 4/4 on free throws.
Luke Wimpey: Six points, two steals, 2/2 on free throws.
Connor Thompson: Three points, three rebounds, two steals, two blocks.
Tyler Wright: Three points.
Justus Bennett: Two points, three rebounds.
Mason Hadden: Two points.
STATS (eighth-grade Dragons):
Brady Moore: Eight points, three rebounds, 1/1 on free throws.
Zach Tetterton: Five points, two rebounds, one steal, 0/2 on free throws.
Hayes Pickett: Four points, seven rebounds, one steal, 4/10 on free throws.
T.C. Jarrett: Three points, seven rebounds, one steal.
Boz Gayden: Two points, two rebounds, 2/4 on free throws.
Austin Chester: Two points.
Jay Joner: One steal.
Carter Logan: One rebound.
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Lady Cats Clinch in Overtime Thriller; Dawson Tigers Secure Championship
DCMS Basketball, Sports, Team FYN Sports January 28, 2016
Two improbable moments, seemingly straight from a Hollywood script … and both came in the same game.
The two moments were buzzer-beating three-point shots from seventh-grade Clear Creek Middle School Lady Cats (and sisters) Emma and Elly Callihan, which gave CCMS a 32-31 victory over the Fannin County Middle School Lady Rebels and the 2015-16 North Georgia Mountain League championship yesterday at Dawson County Middle School.
Meanwhile, the hosting, undefeated Dawson County Middle School Tigers capped off a 10-0 season by besting the CCMS Bobcats 45-31 to win the seventh-grade boys championship.
Cats claw past Rebels
Seventh-grade Lady Cat Emma Callihan shoots the game-tying three-point shot against Fannin last night. The basket sent the game into overtime, where Clear Creek bested the Lady Rebels 32-31 to win the 2015-16 North Georgia Mountain League seventh-grade girls championship. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
The seventh-grade girls game built to its dramatic conclusion from the outset. Fannin seized an early first-quarter lead, before a Natalie Thomas three-point play put the Lady Cats in a 5-5 deadlock with the Lady Rebels. The first period went on to end in a 7-7 stalemate. FCMS tied the game 13-13 just before halftime, before Emma Callihan gave CCMS a 15-13 halftime lead with a two-point bucket at the buzzer.
Almost like the calm before the storm, the third quarter proved to be difficult for both Fannin and Clear Creek. MacKenzie Johnson provided the lone Lady Rebels basket, while Emma Deyton scored off a steal to keep the Lady Cats lead at 17-15 by the end of the third.
The game continued its back-and-forth theme in the fourth quarter. A three-point play from Olivia Sisson put Fannin ahead 21-19 with 1:08 left in regulation. The Lady Rebels added two more baskets to open up a late 25-22 advantage and were poised to win the championship. However, Emma Callihan had other plans for the Lady Cats, as she caught an in-bound pass with less than 10 seconds left in the game, drove down the court and launched a three-point shot that tied the game 25-25 and forced an overtime.
Fannin refused to go down without a fight. Buckets from Paige Foresman and Abby Ledford, mixed with two free throws from Johnson, put the Lady Rebels out front 32-29. But although Emma Callihan went down in overtime with a sprained ankle, her younger sibling Elly stepped up for the crescendo.
The situation mirrored that of the end of regulation, with a different Callihan in control of the ball. Elly trotted two steps past half-court and propelled the basketball from well beyond the three-point line. The heave shockingly swished through the net as the buzzer sounded, sending the Clear Creek faithful into a frenzy and giving the Lady Cats the 32-31 win and the 2015-16 North Georgia Mountain League seventh-grade girls championship.
The seventh-grade Clear Creek Middle School Lady Cats pose with the 2015-16 North Georgia Mountain League championship trophy. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
“It was great!,” exclaimed Clear Creek coach Ashley Bryant when asked about winning the title. “It was phenomenal. Nothing is better than free basketball. It gave us life to go into overtime, because we were struggling, as a whole. We couldn’t get our offense going tonight. But it was nice to have some sixth-graders step up and do some stuff for us. The girls have grown so much. We have improved and that ending tonight … that was them playing as a team. I could not be more proud of them and I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to the season. The future looks bright.”
The seventh-grade Fannin County Middle School Lady Rebels pose with the 2015-16 North Georgia Mountain League runner-up trophy. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
The seventh-grade Lady Rebels finish the year with an 11-3 record, while the Lady Cats completed the campaign with a 12-2 mark.
After the Clear Creek/Fannin game, the Lady Cats recognized Hope Colwell (left) as their All-Tournament selection, Emma Callihan (center) as their Tournament MVP and Kimberly Holt (right) as the Academic Award recipient. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
After the Clear Creek/Fannin game, the Lady Rebels recognized Kennedy Harper (left) as their Academic Award recipient and Abby Ledford (right) as their All-Tournament selection. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
Dawson Takes Seventh-Grade Boys Crown
Seventh-grade Dawson County Tiger Dakota Sonnidson extends another shot to the net last night against Clear Creek. Sonnidson scored 23 points, en route to Dawson defeating the Bobcats 45-31 and winning the 2015-16 North Georgia Mountain League seventh-grade boys championship. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
In the seventh-grade boys title game, the Tigers built early momentum to stay one pounce ahead of the Bobcats throughout the first half. A strong offensive and defensive first quarter from Dakota Sonnidson (nine points, three rebounds, one steal) helped give Dawson an 11-5 lead by the end of the period.
A combined nine second-quarter boards for the Bobcats gave Clear Creek the chance to cut the lead down to 17-14 by halftime. Dawson responded by outscoring CCMS 18-8 in the third quarter, opening up a 35-22 lead in the process. With reserves playing the closing minutes of the title game, the Tigers went on to claim the 45-31 victory and the seventh-grade boys championship.
The seventh-grade Dawson County Middle School Tigers pose with the 2015-16 North Georgia Mountain League championship trophy. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
“It’s been an awesome season for us,” said Dawson head coach Steven Moates. “We’ve worked really hard and we’ve got a lot of kids with a great skill set and they work hard in practice. I told them in the locker room, ‘This is what hard work earns.’ They’ve done a great job for us. It means a lot, but it means more to the kids and the school. It’s just a great way to end the season.”
The seventh-grade Clear Creek Middle School Bobcats pose with the 2015-16 North Georgia Mountain League runner-up trophy. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
“Nobody thought we were going to make it (to the title game). We’ve come a long way,” said Clear Creek coach Tim Davis. “A bunch of guys that got together at the first of the year, learned the system, had four one-point games and got a ton of experience. This is just a win all-around. I couldn’t be happier. The kids play hard, they learn and they’re respectful. They’re good kids and that’s a testament to them.”
The seventh-grade Tigers finish the year with an unblemished 10-0 record, while the Bobcats wrap up the season at 8-7.
After the Dawson/Clear Creek game, the Tigers recognized Luke Hamby (left) as their Academic Award recipient, Dakota Sonnidson (center) as their Tournament MVP and Will Howard (right) as their All-Tournament selection. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
After the Dawson/Clear Creek game, the Bobcats recognized Braden Jenkins (left) as their All-Tournament selection and Colton Nunn (right) as their Academic Award recipient. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
STATS (seventh-grade Lady Cats):
Emma Callihan: 17 points, four rebounds, two steals, 5/9 on free throws.
Natalie Thomas: Nine points, three rebounds, 1/3 on free throws.
Elly Callihan: Three points, five rebounds, 0/4 on free throws.
Emma Deyton: Three points, 11 rebounds, two steals, one block, 1/3 on free throws.
Hope Colwell: Three rebounds, two steals, one block.
Reagan Boling: Two rebounds, one steal.
STATS (seventh-grade Lady Rebels):
Abby Ledford: 10 points, two rebounds, two steals, 2/8 on free throws.
MacKenzie Johnson: Eight points, three rebounds, two steals, 2/6 on free throws.
Olivia Sisson: Seven points, four rebounds, three steals, 1/3 on free throws.
Prisilia Bautista: Four points, two rebounds, 0/6 on free throws.
Paige Foresman: Two points, five rebounds.
Alyssa Anderson: Seven rebounds.
Becca Ledford: One rebound, one steal.
STATS (seventh-grade Tigers):
Dakota Sonnidson: 23 points, five rebounds, three steals, one block, 3/8 on free throws.
Will Howard: Eight points, two rebounds, one steal, 5/6 on free throws.
Ty Whitmire: Seven points, three steals, two rebounds.
Max Tierney: Seven points, four steals, two rebounds, 0/2 on free throws.
Brendan Swafford: Five rebounds, three steals, one block, 0/2 on free throws.
Hayden McKinney: Two rebounds.
Preston Burt: One block.
STATS (seventh-grade Bobcats):
Braden Jenkins: 14 points, two rebounds, one steal, 1/3 on free throws.
Cameron Weaver: Eight points, six rebounds, one steal.
Lewis Mulkey: Three points, two rebounds, one steal, one block, 0/2 on free throws.
Brady Sanford: Two points, three rebounds, one steal.
Isaiah Hopper: Two points, seven rebounds, one steal.
Ethan Banks: Two points, one rebound.
Jacob Rhodes: Two rebounds.
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Pickens, Clear Creek to Meet in NGML Eighth-Grade Boys Finals
RMS Basketball, Sports, Team FYN Sports January 27, 2016
The 2015-16 eighth-grade boys North Georgia Mountain League championship game is now set, as the Clear Creek Middle School Bobcats will take on the Pickens County Middle School Dragons.
The contest was solidified yesterday, after Pickens defeated the Fannin County Middle School Rebels 27-15 and CCMS bested the Riverview Eagles 27-20 in semifinal action at Dawson County Middle School.
Pickens explodes in fourth quarter to topple Fannin
Eighth-grade Pickens Dragon Brady Moore shoots one of his five fourth quarter free throw attempts last night. He went 4/5 on foul shots in the final period against the Fannin Rebels, aiding tremendously in the Dragons 27-15 semifinal victory. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
Both the Dragons and the Rebels struggled offensively out of the gate, due to a combined 13 rebounds between both teams in the first quarter. A T.C. Jarrett bucket was all the scoring produced in the first quarter, giving Pickens a 2-0 lead.
Second-quarter foul shots from Brady Moore and Austin Chester extended the Dragons lead to 5-0. Fannin surged back after a Matthew Shirah three-point shot with 52 seconds remaining in the half. Two free throws from Miles Johnson sent the game into halftime tied, 5-5.
The lead traded sides several times throughout the third quarter, with the Rebels coming out ahead 13-12 by the end of the period. However, the Dragons made a comeback in the fourth quarter with a 15-2 run. A putback from Gabe Buchanan was the last offense generated by Fannin, before Pickens built a insurmountable fire to extinguish. Jarrett, Moore, Boz Gayden and Hayes Pickett all contributed baskets and foul shots that went on to give the Dragons the semifinal victory.
Clear Creek overcomes first half deficit to defeat Riverview
Eighth-grade Bobcat Connor Thompson launches a second-quarter three-point attempt. Against the Riverview Eagles yesterday, Thompson sank four three-pointers to help propel Clear Creek to a 27-20 semifinal victory. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
Riverview held Clear Creek scoreless throughout the first quarter and opened up a 7-0 lead in the process. C.J. Streicher sank an early second-quarter foul shot to finally get the Bobcats on the scoreboard, but despite later buckets from Alex Snelgrove, the Eagles soared to an 11-6 halftime advantage.
CCMS turned things in its favor in the third quarter. Three three-point shots from Connor Thompson breathed life into the Bobcats offense, with the third one tying the game 15-15 at the two-minute mark. Luke Wimpey then pulled Clear Creek ahead 19-18 with seven seconds remaining in the period, providing the Cats with a wave of momentum to ride into the fourth quarter.
The Eagles had a basket from in the final six minutes, while Clear Creek had another three from Thompson and one from Snelgrove. The shots helped propel the Bobcats to the 27-20 triumph.
Clear Creek and Pickens will meet to determine the 2015-16 NGML eighth-grade boys champion tomorrow at 5:15 p.m. at Dawson County Middle School.
After the Clear Creek/Riverview contest, the eighth-grade Riverview Eagles recognized Campbell Reed as both their Academic and All-Tournament selection. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley).
After the Pickens/Fannin game, the eighth-grade Fannin Rebels recognized Matthew Shirah as both their Academic and All-Tournament Selection. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
STATS (eighth-grade Dragons):
T.C. Jarrett: Eight points, eight rebounds, six steals, 2/4 on free throws.
Brady Moore: Eight points, 11 rebounds, one steal, 6/9 on free throws.
Hayes Pickett: Seven points, five rebounds, one block, 1/7 on free throws.
Boz Gayden: Three points, two rebounds, two steals, 3/8 on free throws.
Austin Chester: One point, one rebound, one block.
Carter Logan: Five rebounds, one steal.
Clayton Holland: Three rebounds.
Zach Tetterton: Two rebounds, one steal.
Jay Jones: One steal.
Aiden Sanchez: One rebound.
STATS (eighth-grade Rebels):
Matthew Shirah: Nine points, three rebounds.
Cohutta Hyde: Two points, three steals, two rebounds.
Miles Johnson: Two points, four rebounds, one steal, one block, 2/4 on free throws.
Gabe Buchanan: Two points, two rebounds.
Carsen Beavers: Six steals, three rebounds.
Jakob Tuggle: Three rebounds.
STATS (eighth-grade Bobcats):
Connor Thompson: 14 points, six rebounds, three steals, two blocks.
Alex Snelgrove: Eight points, seven rebounds, one steal, 1/4 on free throws.
Luke Wimpey: Three points.
C.J. Streicher: Two points, nine rebounds, two steals, 2/4 on free throws.
Mason Hadden: Two rebounds.
Tyler Wright: One rebound.
STATS (eighth-grade Eagles):
Campbell Reed: Eight points, three steals, one rebound.
Payton Goodwin: Three points, six rebounds, 0/2 on free throws.
Ty Kyle: Three points, five rebounds, one steal.
Will Glaze: Two points, nine rebounds.
Devin Joy: Two points, one rebound, one steal, 2/2 on free throws.
Brady Howell: Two points, two rebounds, one block.
Bailey Jennings: One rebound.
Tate Adkins: One steal.
Clear Creek Seventh-Graders Advance to NGML Finals
RMS Basketball, Sports, Team FYN Sports January 26, 2016
Two different schools.
Same day.
Same result.
The seventh-grade Clear Creek Middle School Bobcats and Lady Cats are heading to the 2015-16 North Georgia Mountain League championship finals, after the Bobcats held off a late charge from the Pickens County Middle School Dragons and won 19-18 at Dawson County Middle School and the Lady Cats defeated the Riverview Middle School Lady Eagles 45-8, yesterday.
Seventh-grade boys
As Ethan Banks (33) prepares to enter the Pickens defense yesterday, Braden Jenkins (22) shouts instructions to the Clear Creek offense. The Bobcats bested the Dragons 19-18 at Dawson County Middle School, to advance to the seventh-grade boys North Georgia Mountain League championship game. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley).
A rebound-filled opening period resulted in a slow offensive first quarter for both Clear Creek and Pickens, with the Bobcats edging ahead 5-4 by the end of the period. The Dragons failed to generate more points before halftime, but Clear Creek only managed to widen its lead to 10-4 by the break.
The momentum picked up in the third quarter. Dawson Turner kickstarted the second half with a basket for PCMS, its first since the opening period. However, CCMS continued to respond and led 17-10 at the end of the third.
With 35 seconds remaining in regulation, Noah Sutton tied the game 18-18 with a bucket for the Dragons. The comeback fell short, as Braden Jenkins sank a free throw seconds later and the Bobcats held off Pickens en route to the victory.
Seventh-grade girls
Seventh-grade Lady Cat Emma Callihan (25) looks to break up Lady Eagle Shyla Sheffield’s (15) in-bound pass. Clear Creek defeated Riverview 45-8 yesterday, to advance to the seventh-grade girls NGML championship game. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley).
A 10-point first quarter for Elly Callihan, coupled with 11 opening period rebounds, gave the Lady Cats all the momentum they needed for the game. Riverview trailed 17-0 after one quarter and only managed four shots in the first half alone, foul shots that each missed. Clear Creek went on to build a 28-0 halftime advantage.
Lady Eagle Shyla Sheffield broke up the shutout with a free throw 49 seconds into the third quarter. Ansley Anglin later added a bucket, but thanks to a dominant defensive third quarter from Lady Cat Emma Deyton (six rebounds and two steals), Clear Creek continued to widen its lead and constructed a 39-3 gap by the end of the period.
With reserves playing the majority of the fourth quarter for CCMS, the Lady Cats only scored six points in the final quarter of the game. Kenzie Smith sank a three for RMS and Sophie Chomellii provided a basket for the Lady Eagles in the last six minutes of the contest to put the final score at 45-8.
After the Clear Creek/Pickens contest, the Dragons recognized Clay Shoffer (left) as their Academic Award winner and Dawson Turner (right) as their All-Tournament selection. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
Following the Clear Creek/Riverview contest, the Lady Eagles recognized Kailee Lebel (left) as their Academic Award winner and Shyla Sheffield (right) as their All-Tournament selection. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)
STATS (seventh-grade Bobcats):
Braden Jenkins: Nine points, three rebounds, 2/4 on free throws.
Brady Sanford: Three points, three rebounds.
Cameron Weaver: Three points, five rebounds, two steals, two blocks, 1/2 on free throws.
Lewis Mulkey: Two points, two steals, one rebound.
Isaiah Hopper: Two points, three rebounds, one steal, 0/2 on free throws.
Ethan Banks: One rebound.
STATS (seventh-grade Dragons):
Owen Moss: Six points, one steal.
Noah Sutton: Six points, three rebounds.
Ean Goodwin: Four points, five rebounds, 2/2 on free throws.
Dawson Turner: Two points, four steals, two rebounds, 0/2 on free throws.
Jordan Pendley: Two steals, 0/2 on free throws.
Jarod Whitmore: Four rebounds.
Ty Bowen: One steal.
Tucker Lowe: One steal.
STATS (seventh-grade Lady Cats):
Elly Callihan: 14 points, seven rebounds, three steals.
Emma Deyton: Seven points, 10 rebounds, two steals, 1/2 on free throws.
Emma Callihan: Six points, five steals, four rebounds, 2/3 on free throws.
Natalie Thomas: Five points, one rebound, 3/4 on free throws.
Jayd Hamby: Four points, two rebounds, one steal.
Bethany Burnette: Three points, three rebounds.
Hope Colwell: Two points, four steals, two rebounds.
Kimberly Holt: Two points.
Lauren Smith: Two points.
Kadie Weaver: Two rebounds.
Lark Reece: One rebound, one steal.
STATS (seventh-grade Lady Eagles):
Kenzie Smith: Three points, three steals.
Sophie Chomellii: Two points.
Ansley Anglin: Two points, five rebounds, one steal, 0/2 on free throws.
Shyla Sheffield: One point, two rebounds, two steals, 1/2 on free throws.
Elizebeth Keys: One steal, 0/2 on free throws.
Carley Lamb: One steal, 0/2 on free throws.
Marie Phillips: Two rebounds.
Sidney Baker: One steal.
Kevin Hensley Joins TeamFYNSports
Featured, Featured Stories, Sports, Team FYN Sports January 1, 2016
2016 #TeamFYNSports has a BIG announcement and we are very excited to share the news. The entire goal and commitment by #TeamFYNSports has always been to highlight young athletes in a positive way. FYN made a decision in 2015 to expand our coverage areas from three to ten counties. The need for a growth driven director to lead #TeamFYNSports into the future sent us on a search. FYN was looking for someone with character, focus, perseverance, direction, determination and an in depth knowledge of sports. Someone who shared our dedication to giving exposure to our exceptional athletes in our communities.
We are happy to announce our new Director of #TeamFYNSports – Mr. Kevin Hensley.
Kevin will be heading up our sport department. He will immediately launch a development plan to manage our reporting and new sports broadcasting in all the counties we cover.
Kevin will also be anchoring our new AM daily news show, “The Morning Report”. The Morning Report will air live weekdays 7-8 am. Please join us in welcoming Kevin to #TeamFYNSports! We are confident there are great things coming soon!
I am thrilled to join the Fetch Your News family and oversee the transformation of #TeamFYNSports. It has always been a dream of mine to be a sports reporter in some capacity and with my previous television and print sports journalism experience in mind, I can continue doing what I love on a new medium. I am eager to take #TeamFYNSports to previously unseen heights and help provide the best sports coverage.