"Time Out: Celebrating Champions and Rising Stars"

As the final buzzer sounded on the basketball season, Columbus celebrated yet another state champion, as the Hardaway Lady Hawks etched their name into history. Coach Kelley and her squad already had proven their dominance throughout the regular season, and when the lights shined brightest in the playoffs, they delivered once more. With a commanding 47-34 victory over the Murray County Indians on Thursday, the Lady Hawks secured the GHSA 2A State Championship, cementing their legacy as one of the most formidable teams in recent memory.

Leading the charge was none other than sophomore sensation Rhianna Boynton, whose remarkable performance earned her both the 2A Girls State Championship Player of the Game honor and the prestigious Player of the Year title.

Boynton was unstoppable, dropping 22 points and grabbing 12 rebounds to power Hardaway to victory. Her season-long dominance was on full display, as she averaged an impressive double-double with 17.6 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. This triumph extended Hardaway’s winning streak to 16 straight games, concluding their stellar campaign with a 26-6 record. On the other side, the loss for Murray County halted their own 15-game winning streak, finishing their season at an outstanding 30-2.

While the high school basketball season reached its climax, the future stars of the game took center stage in the 2nd Annual Battle in the Valley Youth Basketball Tournament at Shaw High School.

The 8U division delivered non-stop excitement, highlighted by the “We Up Next” Grizzlies, who put on a show from start to finish. Their journey to the championship was nothing short of thrilling, first staging a dramatic comeback in the opening round to edge out 8U Porter Sports in a nail-biting 11-10 victory. The championship game was another battle, as they went head-to-head with 8U YMCA, securing a 20-18 win to claim the title. Double Coverage Player of the Game honors went to Josiah Jakes, whose stellar play led his team to glory.

In the Girls’ Division, the Buena Vista Lady Eagles soared to new heights, showcasing their dominance against the Stewart County Lady Knights to capture the championship. Their relentless energy and execution were simply too much for their opponents to handle, earning them yet another well-deserved title. Keanna Glass stood out with her exceptional performance, earning Double Coverage Player of the Game recognition.

The 10U division saw the YMCA squad impose their will from the opening tip-off. They made a statement in the first round with a commanding 29-11 victory over 10U Porter Sports before battling past the 10U Grizzlies 29-17 in the final, securing their place as champions. Allen Ransom’s leadership and skill propelled his team forward, earning him Double Coverage Player of the Game honors.

The intensity continued in the 13U division, where the YMCA squad proved to be unstoppable. They dominated their first-round matchup against the 13U Ducks with a convincing 26-15 victory. In the championship game, they faced off against the 13U Porter Sports SuperSonics in a hard-fought battle, ultimately emerging victorious to claim the title. Caleb Wilber’s outstanding performance did not go unnoticed, as he was named the Double Coverage Player of the Game.

While basketball stole the headlines, track and field athletes wasted no time making their mark as the high school season got underway.

Shaw High’s Zahara Walker turned heads with a blazing time of 47.88 in the 300-meter hurdles, earning her the No, 2 fastest time in Georgia’s 2A classification. But the Lady Raiders weren’t done yet. They delivered a dominant performance in the 4x100m relay, shattering the school record with a time of 46.92, a feat that helped them secure the title at the 2025 Atlanta Games Meet.

On the boys’ side, Carver’s Jamarcus Davis showcased his elite speed, clocking in at 11.02 in the 100-meter dash to secure first place in his event. With the season still in its early stages, these athletes are just getting started, and more records are sure to fall in the weeks to come.

As the week unfolds, Columbus sports fans have plenty to look forward to with an action-packed schedule across multiple sports. Thursday’s slate is headlined by a full lineup of soccer matchups, including Carver vs. Shaw at Odis Spencer at 6 p.m. (girls) and 8 p.m. (boys).

Other key matchups include Spencer at Sumter County, Jordan at Kendrick, Columbus at McIntosh, and Northside at Central Carrollton, all featuring both girls’ and boys’ contests.

Friday’s action continues on the soccer field with a marquee matchup between Columbus and Hardaway at Odis Spencer at 6 p.m. (girls) and 8 p.m. (boys). Tennis takes center stage as Columbus faces Sumter County at 4 p.m., also at Odis Spencer.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, all eyes will be on the GHSA State Rifle Championship as Northside travels to Waycross, while the track season heats up with Hardaway and Carver competing at Hugh Mills Stadium in Albany.

Golf fans can look forward to Northside’s girls’ team competing in the West GA Ladies Invite at Callaway.

Baseball action is also in full swing, with Glenwood taking on Columbus at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Saturday’s schedule is packed with a doubleheader between Sumter County and Kendrick at 1:30 p.m., Spencer facing off against Carver at the same time, and MCSD’s Track Meet kicking off at 5:30 p.m. at Kinnett. Meanwhile, lacrosse fans can catch Columbus in action against Brookwood at 6:30 p.m.

In other sports news, a huge congratulations goes out to Columbus High’s Jamiese Spivey on her commitment to Reinhardt University to continue her flag football career. The Columbus Lady Blue Devils made an impressive run all the way to the state championship this year, falling just short in an overtime thriller. Another round of congratulations is in order for Coach Mills of Hardaway High, who has been named Region 1-2A Athletic Director of the Year, a well-earned recognition for his dedication and leadership.

With championships being won, records being broken and commitments being made, the sports scene in Columbus continues to thrive. As one season ends, another begins and the journey toward greatness never stops. The competition is fierce, the talent is undeniable and the best is yet to come.