Sports

Abigail Deleon (14) battles Buford’s Emma Chaffee in a recent match. The Lady Raiders secured a playoff berth last Thursday with a 2-0 road victory over Winder-Barrow.

Abigail Deleon (14) battles Buford’s Emma Chaffee in a recent match. The Lady Raiders secured a playoff berth last Thursday with a 2-0 road victory over Winder-Barrow.

Habersham Central soccer teams finish region play strong

Due to an officiating mixup, Habersham Central’s soccer teams took the pitch last Friday night instead of Thursday. But despite the changes, both teams left Winder-Barrow with playoff-clinching victories under their belts.
Tallulah Falls’ Simeon Respress runs a relay at the Battle of Blue Ridge last month. Respress also took second in the long jump at the Georgia Spring Break Showdown. ISAIAH SMITH/Staff

Tallulah Falls’ Simeon Respress runs a relay at the Battle of Blue Ridge last month. Respress also took second in the long jump at the Georgia Spring Break Showdown. ISAIAH SMITH/Staff

Tallulah Falls track looks sharp in Marietta

At the fourth annual Georgia Spring Break Showdown in Marietta Saturday, Tallulah Falls’ track team turned in a solid showing at the multi-classification event with several runners finishing near the top of their events.
Habersham Central’s Azzi Cervantes puts down a tag on an Elbert County runner looking to score on a wild pitch in the  Raiders 11-3 loss to Elbert County on Monday night.

Habersham Central’s Azzi Cervantes puts down a tag on an Elbert County runner looking to score on a wild pitch in the Raiders 11-3 loss to Elbert County on Monday night.

Raider baseball hopes to stem tide of losing streak

After surrendering an early lead to Elbert County, the Raiders baseball team was unable to claw back into the game and eventually fell 11-3 Monday night.     “We swung the bat very well at times today, but with men in scoring position we did not and left a lot of guys stranded.
Habersham Central graduate Joshua Pickett is listed as an athlete on Duke’s roster, but has been working with the cornerbacks for now. DUKE ATHLETICS/Submitted

Habersham Central graduate Joshua Pickett is listed as an athlete on Duke’s roster, but has been working with the cornerbacks for now. DUKE ATHLETICS/Submitted

Pickett enjoying the Duke experience so far

For former Raider football standout Joshua Pickett, heading to Duke University during a pandemic was the last way he expected to begin his college career. But despite the changes and oddities, he’s embracing the experience and learning along with way.     “It’s been pretty good.
The Lady Raiders took second place at the Valhalla Cup 18-hole event at Chimney Oaks Golf Club last Monday and Tuesday. Pictured are (from left) coach Joni Blackburn, Maley Whittington, Lauren Nelson, Selah Anderson, Sydney Blackburn, Camryn Fricks, Makenna Eller and head coach Shawn Blackburn.

The Lady Raiders took second place at the Valhalla Cup 18-hole event at Chimney Oaks Golf Club last Monday and Tuesday. Pictured are (from left) coach Joni Blackburn, Maley Whittington, Lauren Nelson, Selah Anderson, Sydney Blackburn, Camryn Fricks, Makenna Eller and head coach Shawn Blackburn.

Habersham Central golf lands top-five finishes

The Raiders men’s golf team put on another good showing last weekend, finishing fifth at the Buford Best Ball Challenge against several top teams from around the state.
Habersham Central’s Hunter Tatum  delivers in Game 1 against Winder-Barrow on Monday.

Habersham Central’s Hunter Tatum delivers in Game 1 against Winder-Barrow on Monday.

Winder-Barrow scores early, hangs on to edge Raiders

Despite using a fifth-inning rally to erase with Winder-Barrow’s early lead, the Raider baseball team was unable to knock off the nationally-ranked Bulldoggs Tuesday night, falling 6-4 on the road.
Habersham Central’s Brad Chosewood gets ready to fire the discus at Friday’s meet.

Habersham Central’s Brad Chosewood gets ready to fire the discus at Friday’s meet.

Raiders, Indians shine at Battle for Blue Ridge track meet

Habersham Central and Tallulah Falls’ track teams joined seven other squads Friday in Mt. Airy for the annual Battle of Blue Ridge, with each team posting an impressive showing and breaking several school records on the night.
Coach Brandy Corbett talks to her Tallulah Falls team during a game this season.

Coach Brandy Corbett talks to her Tallulah Falls team during a game this season.

Corbett steps down as Tallulah Falls girls basketball coach

After 51 wins over three seasons, Lady Indians head coach Brandy Corbett is stepping away from her coaching duties at the school, saying that the time was right for her to step away from the position.
The Lady Raiders soccer team celebrates their middle school championship. Front row (from left) are Emmie Kyle, Meg Labarbera, Eden Turner, Kaitlyn Fuller, Megan Eash, Jillian Tedder, and Zoe Sosesbee. Back row are Jalyn Purdy, Madie Wilbanks, Abigail Mize, Maddox Carroll, Kelsie Campbell, Belle Cummings, Hannah Vidrine, Jazlyn Burke, Kenzie King, Emyrie Combs, Jacqueline Ramirez, Yamilex Ortero, and coach Melissa Carroll.

The Lady Raiders soccer team celebrates their middle school championship. Front row (from left) are Emmie Kyle, Meg Labarbera, Eden Turner, Kaitlyn Fuller, Megan Eash, Jillian Tedder, and Zoe Sosesbee. Back row are Jalyn Purdy, Madie Wilbanks, Abigail Mize, Maddox Carroll, Kelsie Campbell, Belle Cummings, Hannah Vidrine, Jazlyn Burke, Kenzie King, Emyrie Combs, Jacqueline Ramirez, Yamilex Ortero, and coach Melissa Carroll.

Habersham middle school soccer teams sweep titles

The Raider boys middle school soccer team finished 5-3 and won the regular season title in the region.    They avenged an earlier loss to Elbert County in the second round 5-0, with goals from Angel Vallejo (2), Camden Meads, Bryan Ramirez and Alex Velazquez.
Habersham's Anna LaBarbera tries to beat a defender in an earlier home game.

Habersham's Anna LaBarbera tries to beat a defender in an earlier home game.

Habersham soccer teams face big games Tuesday night

Habersham Central's boys and girls soccer teams swept Shiloh on Tuesday night in a crucial regional clash.     The Lady Raiders broke open a rough game in the second half for a 5-1 win. The game included four red cards and the teams finished the game with nine players each.