Sports

Habersham Central’s Jalen Davis fires a jumper from the corner. SHANE SCOGGINS/CNI News Service

Habersham Central’s Jalen Davis fires a jumper from the corner. SHANE SCOGGINS/CNI News Service

Raiders stay hot, edge Greer in showcase

   The Raiders were riding a five-game win streak, but hardly anybody gave them a chance to extend it to six against 10-1 Greer (S.C.) in the Franklin County Showcase over the weekend.    Yet an impressive Habersham defensive effort ultimately proved the difference in a 59-58 Raider victory.
Duke’s Joshua Pickett, a Demorest native and former Raiders star, will wrap up his junior year at the Birmingham Bowl. DUKE ATHLETICS/Courtesy

Duke’s Joshua Pickett, a Demorest native and former Raiders star, will wrap up his junior year at the Birmingham Bowl. DUKE ATHLETICS/Courtesy

Amid chaotic landscape, Pickett stays true blue

   Prior to this season, Duke defensive back Joshua Pickett – a Demorest native and former Habersham Central star – was relieved that the Blue Devils had reached a point of stability.    Pickett’s freshman year wasn’t exactly smooth.
Habersham Central’s Westin Lakey gets the better of his opponent during the Raider Invitational. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Habersham Central’s Westin Lakey gets the better of his opponent during the Raider Invitational. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Wrestlers sweep as Lady Raiders earn first win

   Habersham Central athletics marked a monumental feat Tuesday in Mt. Airy when the Lady Raider wrestling team earned its first win in program history, taking down East Hall, 18-12.    Sophomore Sarah Morris got the squad off to a solid start, pinning her opponent with 32 seconds on the clock.
Habersham Central’s football team is led out by Andru Kinnarath. LANG STOREY/Staff

Habersham Central’s football team is led out by Andru Kinnarath. LANG STOREY/Staff

Raiders dole out the honors

   At the Habersham Central Football Banquet last weekend, several varsity level players were recognized for their hard work this past season. Senior Brad Chosewood took home the Scholar Athlete award as the Raider with the highest GPA.
Habersham Central’s Justin Whitney defeats Apalachee’s William Harp by pinfall in the 165-pound weight class during the 2023 Raider invitational. ZACH TAYLOR/Special

Habersham Central’s Justin Whitney defeats Apalachee’s William Harp by pinfall in the 165-pound weight class during the 2023 Raider invitational. ZACH TAYLOR/Special

Raider wrestlers defend own mats, take 1st

   Habersham Central defended its own mats Saturday by easily taking first place in the Raider Invitational.    The Raiders’ score of 190.5 easily outpaced second-place Stephens County (136) and Seneca (131). Rabun Gap-Nacoochee was fourth at 129 points.
Brianna Walter. TALLULAH FALLS ATHLETICS/Submitted

Brianna Walter. TALLULAH FALLS ATHLETICS/Submitted

TFS’ Walter sits atop the nation in 18U rifle

   Brianna Walter’s historic season continues. The Tallulah Falls School senior over the weekend participated in a Women’s Air Rifle Olympic Team qualifying event, which featured some of the top shooters in the nation.    Walter shot a 622.
Habersham Central’s Brannon Gaines sprints down court against Flowery Branch earlier this season. TOM ASKEW/Special

Habersham Central’s Brannon Gaines sprints down court against Flowery Branch earlier this season. TOM ASKEW/Special

No getting even for Stephens

   After the Habersham Central boys and girls varsity squads dismantled Stephens County in Mt. Airy last week, the teams were up to repeat the feat – this time in Toccoa. Habersham’s ladies brought home a 51-42 victory while Coach Tommy Yancey’s club pulled away for a 61-45 win.
Habersham Central’s Audrey Hotard has her sights set on a top 3 state finish as a senior. MARK TURNER/CNI News Service

Habersham Central’s Audrey Hotard has her sights set on a top 3 state finish as a senior. MARK TURNER/CNI News Service

Hotard named Runner of the Year

   BLITZ Sports has named Habersham Central’s Audrey Hotard as its Cross Country Runner of the Year for 2023.    The Northeast Georgia sports outlet has been singing Hotard’s praises her whole career, naming her XC Runner of the Week a whopping nine times.
Habersham Central’s Kyia Barrett directs traffic on defense during Saturday’s game against Stephens County. The teams meet again this Saturday, Dec. 9, in Toccoa. The girls game is at 12:30 p.m. with the boys at 2 p.m. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Habersham Central’s Kyia Barrett directs traffic on defense during Saturday’s game against Stephens County. The teams meet again this Saturday, Dec. 9, in Toccoa. The girls game is at 12:30 p.m. with the boys at 2 p.m. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Barrett, Bradley lay ground work for next ‘process’

   Way back in 1995, something was missing from the world of sports. Then, there was a two-word fax, back when faxes were still a thing.    “I’m back.”    That simple statement was uttered by Michael Jordan when he returned to the Chicago Bulls.
Brianna Walter set a  new school record with a 298, besting her previous three program records by a point. TALLULAH FALLS ATHLETICS/Submitted

Brianna Walter set a new school record with a 298, besting her previous three program records by a point. TALLULAH FALLS ATHLETICS/Submitted

TFS rifle team sets second-best match score

   The 2023-24 season continues to go exceptionally well for Tallulah Falls Precision Rifle, as the  team shot the second-best score in program history in a Tuesday win over Buford.    TFS shot 1157 against Buford’s 1101 to remain unbeaten on the season.