Time Out with Jerome Bryant

Our community’s sports scene is alive with excitement as we enter another week of thrilling matchups and impressive performances. From the baseball diamond to the wrestling arena, our local athletes are showcasing their skills and grit, bringing joy to fans across the area.

This week’s highlight event unfolded at Shirley Winston Field as the Annual Jackie Robinson Tournament, hosted by Sally Little League, took center stage. Amidst internal team challenges and inter-league conflicts reminiscent of Jackie Robinson’s struggles, our young athletes embodied resilience and sportsmanship. Teams including Pioneer Little League, Harris County Little League, Northern Little League, Eastern Little League, National Little League, and Southern Flint Baseball with the following teams emerging as champions:

• Minor Division: Sally Bulldogs
• Coach Pitch Division: Harris County A’s
• Major Division: Pioneer Diamondbacks
• Softball Division: Northern Xtreme

Congratulations to all the tournament champions for their exceptional performances and dedication to the game.

One of our Own                                                                                                                      In recognition of her outstanding achievements, this week’s spotlight shines brightly on Jessika Carter, a true standout in the world of basketball. Hailing from Harris County High School and later making her mark at Mississippi State University, Jessika’s journey to the WNBA is nothing short of remarkable.

Her draft into the WNBA was celebrated at Girl’s Inc., here in Columbus where friends, family, and supporters gathered to witness this historic moment. Amongst cheers and applause was Jessika’s selection by the New York Liberty. Standing tall at 6 feet 5 inches, Jessika’s dominance on the court is matched only by her unwavering determination and commitment to excellence. With a knack for scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking, she has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with in the paint.

As the high school baseball regular season winds down, we celebrate Calvary Christian’s remarkable achievement of clinching 10 consecutive Regions Championships from 2014 to 2024. Despite a brief interruption due to COVID-19, they have consistently dominated their competition, showcasing their prowess on the diamond. Looking ahead, we have an array of exciting matchups on the horizon. Keep an eye out for the Central Red Devils as they face off against Smith Station, and Carver takes on Dougherty, promising thrilling action and fierce competition. 

Upcoming Event – What to Watch:

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for an exciting lineup of upcoming games and events in our area. From baseball showdowns to the tennis courts, there’s no shortage of action going on this week.

Thursday, April 18th:

• Carver vs. Dougherty at 4:30 p.m.
• Hardaway vs. Jordan at 6:00 p.m.
• Pacelli vs. Heritage at 5:00 p.m.
• Brookstone vs. Strong Rock Christian

Friday, April 19th:

• Shaw vs. Callaway at 5:30 p.m.
• Columbus vs. Monroe (doubleheader) at 4:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
• Glenwood vs. Coosa Valley Academy
• April 19 – 21: BSC Juno Southeastern Amateur South Commons
• April 19 – 21: NTRP 55+ Doubles Cooper Creek Tennis
• April 20: 2nd Annual Coach O Invitational hosted by the West Georgia Jets at Kinnett Stadium

Closing Thoughts: As we reflect on the past week’s triumphs and challenges, let’s continue to rally behind our local teams and athletes, offering unwavering support and encouragement. Whether cheering from the stands or following along from home, let’s celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie that unites us all. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant sports community that uplifts and inspires us for generations to come.