Time-Out: "A Week of Champions and Rising Stars"

As the new year begins, the Tri-City area is abuzz with athletic excellence, and our local athletes continue to shine on national and international stages. This week, we celebrate the impressive achievements of young stars, seasoned athletes and rising legends who are making waves across multiple sports.

We start with two extraordinary MVPs from the Under Armour Next All-America Game: Zackary Watts of Aaron Cohn Bulldogs and Alexandria Lofton of Columbus High School Blue Devils. These two athletes have not only dominated their respective sports, but have also become symbols of excellence for our community.

Zackary Watts had a phenomenal middle school football season, bulldozing through defenses and leading the Aaron Cohn Bulldogs to a Middle School Championship. His relentless drive and talent earned him the prestigious title of "Middle School Player of the Year," a recognition well-deserved for an athlete of his caliber.

Meanwhile, Alexandria Lofton made her mark on the flag football scene. Her leadership and skill were instrumental in Columbus High School’s journey to the State Championship. But her achievements didn’t stop there—Lofton secured a gold medal with the Junior Olympic Team over the summer, further solidifying her status as one of the area’s brightest stars.

Adding to this week’s excitement, former Hardaway Hawks standout Mykel Williams announced his entry into the NFL Draft. Williams, who has been a dominant force at the University of Georgia, recorded 65 tackles and 14 sacks in just three seasons. His journey from local high school hero to NFL prospect serves as an inspiration to young athletes across the region.

The basketball courts were alive with energy and excitement this past weekend. Columbus Parks and Recreation Youth Basketball tipped off its highly anticipated season at Frank Chester Recreation Center. The gym was packed with players, coaches, and fans, all eager to kick off the new season. The sound of sneakers squeaking and the cheers of enthusiastic supporters filled the air, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling season.

The Porter Sports SE Youth Basketball League concluded its fall season with playoffs and championship games at Hardaway High School. In one of the most exciting games of the weekend, the Emanuel Prep Eagles 13U team claimed their first-ever Porter Sports Championship with a heart-stopping 26-25 overtime victory over the Super Sonics. Trailing in the final seconds of regulation, Jett Lawrence rose to the occasion, sinking a clutch three-pointer to tie the game and send it into overtime. The Eagles capitalized on this momentum to secure a historic victory.

On the younger side, the Super Sonics 11U team completed a perfect season with a commanding 16-6 win over the Trojans. This team’s flawless run through the season and their championship victory underscores their incredible teamwork and dedication.

The high school basketball scene in the Tri-City area continues to thrill fans, with teams delivering stellar performances. The Pacelli Vikings remain undefeated, cruising past Christian Calvary 79-53 to improve to 13-0 overall and 1-0 in region play. Their balanced attack and relentless defense make them a team to watch this season. The Spencer Greenwaves also had an impressive showing, defeating the Shaw Raiders 60-41 to improve to 9-3 overall and 2-1 in region play. Standout performances from Kerry Griffin, who contributed 12 points, and Edward Brown, who pulled down 9 rebounds, highlighted the team’s win.

Moving over to the wrestling mat, the Jordan Lady Red Jackets continue to shine, capturing their third consecutive City Championship title. This incredible team effort was bolstered by the leadership of Coach R. Scott, who was honored as the Most Outstanding Girls' Coach in the city. The Lady Red Jackets’ dominance is a testament to their hard work, skill and resilience.

Excitement is building as registration for the Columbus Girls Flag Football League opened on January 8th. This rapidly growing league is calling on girls aged 5-16 to join the fun. The season kicks off on March 30th, and early registration offers significant savings for those who sign up before March 8th. Interested in coaching or serving in a leadership role? Contact 706-940-8292 for more details and help shape the future of this fantastic league.

The Tri-City area continues to prove itself as a powerhouse of athletic talent, with young stars, established players and community programs delivering incredible moments week after week. From the courts to the mats, from flag football fields to the NFL Draft, our athletes are making us proud.

Stay tuned for more updates and highlights next week, right here in “Time-Out”—your front-row seat to the best in Tri-City sports.