Sports

Tallulah Falls’ Catherine Harris competes in a recent home meet. AUSTIN POFFENBERGER/Special

Tallulah Falls’ Catherine Harris competes in a recent home meet. AUSTIN POFFENBERGER/Special

TFS swimmers take top spot in ‘Shiver Me Timbers’ meet

The Tallulah Falls varsity swimmers won Saturday’s “Shiver Me Timbers” home meet. Madison Dampier qualified for state in the 50-yard freestyle. This makes her a qualifier in all possible individual events for the GHSA state meet.
Habersham County native Reeves Cody (far right) attends a Bulldog game with buddies Jay Reece, Dean Trapani and Asa Nam. REEVES CODY/Submitted

Habersham County native Reeves Cody (far right) attends a Bulldog game with buddies Jay Reece, Dean Trapani and Asa Nam. REEVES CODY/Submitted

California dreamin’

After a white-knuckle finish on New Year’s Eve, the Georgia Bulldogs are heading to Hollywood to play for a second-straight national title. Folks from all over the Peach State will be traveling cross country for the game against TCU at Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles. Georgia Rep.
Habersham Central’s  Jazky Bantaum drives to the hoop against White  County earlier this season. CODY ROGERS/ Special

Habersham Central’s Jazky Bantaum drives to the hoop against White County earlier this season. CODY ROGERS/ Special

Lady Raiders grind one out over Shiloh

There are no ugly wins. There are only wins, especially in region play on the road. Habersham Central’s girls basketball team hung on tight through a tough fourth quarter Tuesday night and pulled out a 43-40 win at Shiloh to start league play off right.
Habersham Central’s JoJo McCurry is surrounded by defenders against  Walhalla in the Raiders’ last game before the new year. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Habersham Central’s JoJo McCurry is surrounded by defenders against Walhalla in the Raiders’ last game before the new year. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

Raiders drop a close one

Habersham Central’s boys battled Shiloh on Tuesday night but came up just short, 53-50, in the regional opener. The Raiders (10-3, 0-1) had an early lead, then fell behind in the second quarter and spent most of the game chasing.
Habersham Central’s Kyia Barrett is the straw that stirs the drink for the Lady Raiders’ offense. CODY ROGERS/Special

Habersham Central’s Kyia Barrett is the straw that stirs the drink for the Lady Raiders’ offense. CODY ROGERS/Special

Barrett deftly conducts Lady Raiders’ orchestra

It feels like she has been a staple of Lady Raider basketball forever, but she is incredibly only a junior. Still, Kyia Barrett is fully entrenched as a key member of the Habersham Central girls basketball team that is off to another strong start heading into the 2023 portion of the schedule.
Habersham Central's Kyia Barrett dishes to a teammate during the Battle of the Borders tournament.

Habersham Central's Kyia Barrett dishes to a teammate during the Battle of the Borders tournament.

Raiders open regional play at Shiloh

   Habersham Central's basketball teams opened their regional season on the road Tuesday night at Shiloh after press time for the midweek edition, and both ran into close games.
The new turf is down at Raider Park in Demorest, and it is ready for the first official day of baseball practice on Jan. 9. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

The new turf is down at Raider Park in Demorest, and it is ready for the first official day of baseball practice on Jan. 9. MATTHEW OSBORNE/Staff

A whole new ballfield

Habersham Central baseball coach Chris Akridge can hardly believe his eyes. Akridge and his players have their own new field of dreams at Raider Park in Demorest, where full practices will begin Monday, Jan. 9.
MORRIS BROOKS/Submitted

MORRIS BROOKS/Submitted

Wrestlers conquer Viking Invitational

Habersham Central’s wrestlers won the 11-team Viking Christmas Clash at East Hall High School on Dec. 22. Justin Whitney (157 pounds), Caleb Blackburn (165) and Callum Spivey (175) won first place, while Zach Chitwood (106), Draven Raines (120) and Westin Lakey (126) took second.
Habersham Central’s Cole Gary goes deep into the post  earlier this season against White County. CODY ROGERS/Special

Habersham Central’s Cole Gary goes deep into the post earlier this season against White County. CODY ROGERS/Special

Raiders edged by Monroe Area in showcase

   Habersham Central’s boys basketball team lost a close one to Monroe Area on Saturday, ending their five-game winning streak.    The Raiders (7-2) fell 67-63 in the Sandy’s Spiel Showcase on Monroe’s home floor.    “We didn’t play that well, and that is on me,” Raiders coach Tommy Yancey said.