Fall Sports Recap

The Golden Bear fall athletic programs got off to a great start, with all four varsity teams advancing into postseason and one still moving on as of this writing. in state behind Whitefield, while the girls took third in the conference and ended at fourth in Georgia. This was the 10th straight state advancement for the boys; the ninth in a row for the girls.

Starting with softball, Coach Chuck Lusted & Company – despite a roster small in numbers – advanced to the state playoffs for the fifth straight season. A team without a “superstar” the Bears got it done with plenty stepping up on different occasions.

Laine Finley was the team’s only pitcher; while some of the top hitters included Antonia Martinez, Beth Gilcreast, and Ava Van Matre, to name only some. Blakely Friedman, Maddie Mays, and Megan O’Connor were among the defensive wizards.

Moving to volleyball, it was supposed to be a rebuilding season, but somebody forgot to tell Coach Taylor Noland and her Lady Bears that. HI, after a tough start against brutal competition, ended up second in region and advanced all the way to the Final Four before falling to Athens Academy. Joe Sapone, Ryan Kelley, Parker Miles, and Logan Miller all made the All-Region team, before Sapone went on to win the individual state championship in Carrollton in early November. Tatum McKinnis and Reese Martin both took All-Region honors for the girls; Tatum went on to finish 10th in state to make the All-State team as well.

On the gridiron, Coach Todd Winter’s troops ended regular season at 9-1 and as region champions. As of this writing in early November, the Bears are expected to make yet another postseason run after a Final Four finish two years ago and advancing last year. Many have led this team – quarterback William Wright, the versatile Drew Bomar, receiver Zach Jackson, and a solid offensive and defensive line backed by James Gleeson and Luca Chuecos, to name only a few.

Many stepped up, though Hailee Swain and Molly Medeiros both took home All-Region and All-State honors. Similar to softball, however, there were many who contributed to the stellar campaign.

Over on the cross country courses, the girls and boys do what they’ve done the last decade in getting past the region competition and advancing to state. The boys brought home the region title before finishing second The varsity squads weren’t the only teams that made their early marks on the year, as our Middle School cross country team won the overall state championship, while both MS football teams earned playoff bids as well.

Volleyball was also competitive from the 7th grade level up through JV, and the MS softball team also turned in a competitive season.