Region Play Weekend

It’s an exhilarating time to be a sports fan in the Chattahoochee Valley! From the hardwood courts to the swimming lanes, and even big football announcements, our local athletes are putting on a show worth cheering for.

Let’s dive into all the action and take a closer look at the performances that defined this past week.

Starting out on the basketball court, the Hardaway Lady Hawks are proving why they are the team to beat in region play. With back-to-back wins this weekend, they’ve extended their winning streak to three games and maintained their unblemished record in the region.

On Jan. 9, the Lady Hawks soared past the Carver Lady Tigers with a dominant 57-38 victory. Mikayla Johnson was unstoppable, recording a monstrous double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Her dynamic play was complemented by Akilah Johnson and Rhianna Boynton, both of whom also notched double-doubles. Akilah contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Rhianna added 14 points and 11 rebounds.

The Hawks carried this momentum into Saturday (Jan. 11), where they dismantled the Shaw Lady Raiders with a resounding 71-38 win. Now sitting at 5-0 in region play and 9-5 overall, the Lady Hawks are on a mission to solidify their dominance as they prepare to face Sumter County next. Meanwhile, the Carver Lady Tigers bounced back with a 64-53 win over the Spencer Lady Greenwaves and will take on the Jordan Lady Red Jackets in their next outing.

The Shaw Lady Raiders, however, will look to rebound from their tough weekend as they prepare for an important matchup against Kendrick.

If you’ve been following the Carver Tigers, you know they’ve been on an absolute tear this season. Over the weekend, they showcased their dominance with two commanding wins.

On Jan. 10, the Tigers crushed the Hardaway Hawks 116-42 in what only can be described as a basketball clinic. They followed that up on Jan. 11 with a 77-28 blowout over the Spencer Greenwaves. Tony Montgomery led the offensive explosion, pacing the Tigers with 16 points. Tristian Givens added 12 points, while Kobe Caslin contributed 10. The defense was anchored by Tobiaz Tolbert, who controlled the paint with 10 rebounds and an impressive seven blocks.

With an 11-2 overall record and an undefeated 3-0 mark in the region, the Carver Tigers have their sights set on more glory as they gear up for their matchup against Jordan.

Upcoming High School Basketball Games

Basketball fans, make sure your schedules are clear because this week is packed with exciting matchups. Here’s a rundown of the action you won’t want to miss:

Tuesday, January 14, 2025:

• Harris County vs. Central Carroll: Girls tip-off at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m. Catch the live stream on Georgia Alabama Sports Live YouTube.
• Starr’s Mill @ Northside: 6 p.m. (G) / 7:30 p.m. (B)
• Kendrick @ Shaw: 6 p.m. (G) / 7:30 p.m. (B)
• Jordan @ Carver: 6 p.m. (G) / 7:30 p.m. (B)
• Hardaway @ Sumter County: 6 p.m. (G) / 7:30 p.m. (B)
• Spencer @ Columbus: 6 p.m. (G) / 7:30 p.m. (B)

Friday, January 17 Matchups:

• Griffin @ Northside: 6 p.m. (G) / 7:30 p.m. (B)
• Sumter County @ Carver: 6 p.m. (G) / 7:30 p.m. (B)

Saturday, January 18 Showdowns:

• Hardaway @ Chapel Hill (Girls): 2 p.m.
• Spencer @ Sumter County: 5 p.m. (G) / 6:30 p.m. (B)

Move over to the football gird-iron former Carver Tiger and Memphis Wildcat, A.J. Watts, has officially declared for the NFL Draft! Watts wrapped up his collegiate career in spectacular fashion, recording 41 tackles and multiple interceptions this season. Over his career, he amassed more than 200 tackles and five interceptions, proving himself as a standout on the field. The Tri-City community will be cheering him on as he takes the next step toward his professional football dreams.

In another big announcement, legendary football coach Dwight Jones is hanging up his whistle after an incredible 44-year career. Jones, who led St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School to its first-ever state championship in 2022, will be remembered as one of the most influential figures in local high school football. Known for his dedication to building character and discipline in his players, Jones leaves behind a legacy of excellence that has touched countless lives during a career that began in the Tri-City area at Central High School.

In more St. Anne news, the Pacelli Middle School Swim Team made waves at the MCSD Middle School Swim Meet last week. Every swimmer achieved personal bests, with several earning top placements in their events.

Highlights Include:

• Emma Kate Turner: 1st in 50-Yard Freestyle, 2nd in 50 Backstroke
• Gracie Davenport: 5th in 50 Breaststroke and 100 IM
• Relay Teams: Girls Medley Team A secured 4th place, and Boys Freestyle Team A earned 6th place. The future looks bright for these young athletes as they continue to push the boundaries of their potential.

As we wrap up this week’s Time-Out, one thing is clear: the Tri-City sports scene is alive with energy, talent and inspiring stories. From basketball showdowns to football milestones and swimming triumphs, our local athletes continue to shine.

Be sure to catch the upcoming games and celebrate the achievements of our community’s sports stars. Until next time, keep cheering loud and proud!