Sports

Habersham Central’s Bethany Lyons swims in the Raiders’ meet at the University of Georgia on Saturday. LANG STOREY/Staff

Habersham Central’s Bethany Lyons swims in the Raiders’ meet at the University of Georgia on Saturday. LANG STOREY/Staff

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Raiders make a splash in final meet of ’23

Lang Storey
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
   The Habersham Central swim team was in Athens over the weekend for the Clarke-Oconee Invitational. The meet, held at University of Georgia’s Gabrielsen Natatorium, was hosted jointly by Clarke Central and Oconee County high schools. The event fielded 28 men’s teams and 22 women’s squads.
Habersham Central’s Konner Burrell fires to the plate during a game last season. Burrell is a dual-threat who can hit as well as he deals from the mound. FILE

Habersham Central’s Konner Burrell fires to the plate during a game last season. Burrell is a dual-threat who can hit as well as he deals from the mound. FILE

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Habersham hurler headed to Oglethorpe

Lang Storey
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
   Habersham Central’s Konner Burrell has done plenty for the Diamond Raiders over the years – pitching, playing first base and appearing in the outfield for Coach Chris Akridge’s club.
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

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Raiders stay hot, edge Greer in showcase

Lang Storey
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
   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

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Amid chaotic landscape, Pickett stays true blue

Lang Storey
Friday, December 15, 2023
   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

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Wrestlers sweep as Lady Raiders earn first win

Lang Storey
Friday, December 15, 2023
   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

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Raiders dole out the honors

Lang Storey
Friday, December 15, 2023
   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

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Raider wrestlers defend own mats, take 1st

Matthew Osborne
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
   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

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TFS’ Walter sits atop the nation in 18U rifle

News Staff
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
   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

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No getting even for Stephens

Lang Storey
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
   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

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Hotard named Runner of the Year

Lang Storey
Friday, December 8, 2023
   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.