V3 November 2023

NWGA'S PREMIER FEATURE MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023

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NWGA HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2023 16

ARMUCHEE INDIANS

18

COOSA EAGLES

20

DARLINGTON TIGERS

22

MODEL BLUE DEVILS

24

PEPPERELL DRAGONS

26

ROME WOLVES

28

UNITY LIONS

COLUMNS

4

10

HARBIN CLINIC

14

COOSA FINANCIAL PLANNING

32

RENAISSANCE MARQUIS

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Publisher's Note OWNER & CEO Ian Griffin MANAGING PARTNER Chris Forino CREATIVE DIRECTOR Elizabeth Childers WRITERS Jim Alred, Ian Griffin, Nina Lovel, Paul Moses PHOTOGRAPHERS Andy Calvert, Ivan Felipe AD DESIGN

O W N E R & C E O Ian Griffin

Elizabeth Childers

Basketball was my favorite sport when I was a kid. My dad raised me on Georgia Tech and Atlanta Hawks basketball, along with a lot of affection for Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics when they weren’t playing the Hawks. I watched and worshiped players like Mark Price, Craig Neal, Dennis Scott, Brian Oliver, and Kenny Anderson at the college level. And I thought Dominique Wilkins, A.K.A. The Human Highlight Factory hung the moon...or quite possibly dunked it.

It was much-watch TV for me and I was fortunate enough to go watch a few games at The Thriller Dome and The Omni, both of which are experiences I’ll treasure forever. Still, looking back it didn’t hold a candle to going to see the East Rome High School Gladiators take the court during their heyday in the late eighties/early nineties.

To me, and a lot of other kids, they were the equivalent of the showtime Lakers. The gymnasium at East Rome High was something right out of an '80s movie: wooden bleachers and a rubber floor with the gladiator head emblem at mid-court. The team was so much fun to watch, you had to show up early to get a seat and the action was high-flying, to say the least. There was so much talent I won’t name names in fear of leaving someone out, but they ran the floor, dunked all over their opponents and the energy in that little gym was intense.

I still have mini-basketballs signed by both the 89 and 91 State Championship teams. I got to see Jordan, Bird, Magic, and many more legends play, but for me, those East Rome teams meant more than any of that.

So, this November we decided to try something different with our monthly edition of V3. It's roundball season and the girls and boys of Floyd County are ready to hit the hard court. Players, coaches, and fans are excited to get the season started and we had the opportunity to chat with the leaders of all our boys' and girls' teams to discuss the challenges that lie ahead.

There is no lack of talent in the region and a new season offers a clean slate for our local teams.

While many of these players will play at the next level, more will not, but this old man remembers what rockstars they all were to him as a kid, and I know that has to be true for a lot of the young ballers out there going to watch their favorite teams.

So, get to the gym and enjoy the season!

V3 Publications, LLC

PUBLISHER

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V3 MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2023 | READV3.COM

CONTACT 417 Broad Street Rome Ga, 30161 Office Phone 706.235.0748 hello@v3collective.com CREATOR Neal Howard

READV3.COM ReadV3.com: Where you can find all the print content from this issue, our archives and exclusive ReadV3 digital features.

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Jeffrey Rickett

Luis Pizano

Certified Financial PlannerTM

Financial Planner

706-238-9575 | 901 N Broad Street, Suite 420 Rome, GA 30161 coosafinancial.com Securities offered through Dempsey Lord Smith, LLC Member FINRA/SIPC Advisory services offered through Dempsey Lord Smith, LLC

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DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH IS A GREAT TIME TO ADVOCATE for the prevention of type 2 diabetes, but it is also an opportunity to help communities understand that type 1 diabetes is a very different, non-preventable, yet treatable, form of diabetes. This November, Harbin Clinic encourages North Georgia to learn more about the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and know that their providers are equipped to continue conversations about diabetes education and prevention.

UNDERSTANDING THE TWO TYPES:

Although type 1 and type 2 diabetes share a name, they have very different lived experiences. Individuals with type 1 diabetes have a pancreas that doesn't make enough insulin. Insulin is the substance that helps the body use sugar as energy within the cells. Without insulin, the body does not allow sugar into the cells, and it builds up in the bloodstream, causing the body to react.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when a patient’s cells don’t respond normally to insulin, called insulin resistance. The pancreas makes more and more insulin trying to get cells to respond. Eventually, a patient’s pancreas can’t keep up with the demand to make more insulin, and blood sugar rises, causing a prediabetic state or type 2 diabetes. In both type 1 and type 2, high blood sugar can result in heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.

Although both types of diabetes are connected to how much insulin the body is making, type 1 diabetes is not preventable or curable at this time. Type 2 diabetes, however, is preventable and highly controllable with diet, exercise and medication.

For example, Ahmad Hall, a local patient was once considered prediabetic. Dr. Poonam Singh was already his internal medicine doctor, but he did not realize she had significant experience working with diabetes patients and had been recognized several times by the American Diabetes Association for providing highquality diabetes care. After talking with her about his prediabetic state, Ahmad says,

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V3 MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2023 | READV3.COM

“When Dr. Singh told me I was prediabetic, I knew I had to do something. So, I asked her what I needed to do to keep from being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. We worked through a plan together that included diet and exercise modifications, and I’m proud to say that I do not have type 2 diabetes, nor am I considered prediabetic. She was so encouraging and helpful, and now everyone keeps asking me how I did it. I tell them Dr. Singh is the answer."

Patients with health backgrounds similar to Ahmad Hall are the more common diabetes stories. Over 37 million Americans have diabetes (about 1 in 10), and close to 90-95% of them are dealing with type 2 diabetes. Because only 5-10% of the patients with diabetes deal with type 1 diabetes, their symptoms, circumstances and treatments are frequently misunderstood by the population at large.

Will Birdsong, a Harbin Clinic patient living with Type 1 diabetes

TYPE 1 DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

At one point in time, type 1 diabetes was known as juvenile diabetes, but now medical professionals know that a person can be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at any time in their life. It has nothing to do with their diet or exercise habits, and it can occur very suddenly.

“Type 1 is considered the result of an autoimmune response, where the body attacks the pancreas and the cells that make insulin. Sometimes infection from a virus may trigger the autoimmune response. Some people with type 1 diabetes have family members with it, but many don’t,” says Harbin Clinic Endocrinologist Dr. Ahed Mansoura.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes often include extreme thirst, weight loss, excessive fatigue, frequent urination and sometimes blurred vision. A lifestyle with type 1 diabetes often focuses on diet moderation and insulin planning. In the morning, they wake up, check blood sugar levels and administer the necessary amount of insulin to eat breakfast. They often repeat this around lunchtime, before dinner, before bed and before physical activity.

In addition to memorizing menus and frequently monitoring blood sugar, other life experiences, such as travel, can take a lot of extra planning. Beyond the mere unpredictability of travel, individuals must estimate the correct amounts of insulin they

need to take with them anywhere they go for extended periods.

Insulin also must be stored properly.

ADVICE FOR NOVEMBER:

Although many type 1 diabetic patients are hopeful about recent research and advances in type 1 diabetes treatment, they also emphasize that rather than overemphasizing hope for a cure, loved ones with type 1 diabetes need support when learning how to live with their disease.

For those recently diagnosed, Will Birdsong, a Harbin Clinic patient living with type 1 diabetes, encourages, “You can live a normal life. There are likely people you know that have type 1 diabetes and you don’t even know it. Just monitor yourself carefully and listen to your endocrinologist and family care physician. Take ownership of your care. Don’t wait for a cure. Live your life today.”

Numerous Harbin Clinic family medicine providers have specialized training in diabetes care and treatment, and Harbin Clinic Endocrinology works with diabetic patients to help them manage their diabetes and improve their quality of life. Learn more at harbinclinic.com

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course, loss is another four-letter Time is on your side word.Of Fear of loss is the primary reason Working with long-term investors, I constantly stress that it’s always been time in the market instead of timing the market.

Market downturns are normal, and risk is indeed a four-letter word. The long-term risk of inflation eroding the purchasing power of a dollar far exceeds the risk of loss most people use as an excuse for not investing or sticking with an investment plan. It is helpful to adopt a “no excuses” mentality when it comes to investing wisely for retirement. Just do it.

Personal behavior is 80% of becoming a successful long-term investor.

There is no perfect investment or investment plan; however, we can all improve our behavioral approach to investments and develop the mental toughness necessary to take advantage of market downturns.

preventing the formation of a long-term investment portfolio designed to provide rising income that outpaces the inflation rate. Remember: “Rising Income Beats Rising Prices.”

When you invest in high quality/ rising income equity investments that consistently beat the inflation rate and outruns taxation, then you truly build wealth. Time is on your side, and over the long term, as quoted by the infamous British economist, John Maynard Keynes: “In the long run we are all dead,” but I would add to this quote and say over the long run everything goes up in price. Let me reiterate: Everything goes up in price over time. To prove, I will provide a short history lesson of the United States First Class Postage Stamp.

The Forever Stamp was introduced by the United States Postal Service (USPS) in April 2007. This marketing strategy was designed for consumer ease during price changes in the First-Class postage rate. In my financial advisory practice, I have used the history of the First-Class postage stamp and its steady, historical rate increases through the years to teach the insidious power of inflation.

It is vitally necessary to maintain and grow an investment account for retirement planning purposes.

It is also paramount to build an investment portfolio which will provide a rising stream of income during your retirement. By following an investment plan designed to provide a rising income stream, growth of capital can be achieved by using equity income mutual funds.

Equity income mutual funds or Growth and Income mutual funds are what I refer to as high quality/rising income funds.

This category of equity mutual funds provides ownership or an equity interest in the common stocks of high-quality companies. As a financial planning tool that can satisfy the investment objectives of long-term growth and a rising income, common stock or equity mutual funds in the growth and income category have been hard, if not impossible, to beat.

Jeffrey D. Rickett, CFP® Certified Financial Planner 706-413-2217 | 901 N Broad Street, Suite 420 Rome, GA 30161 coosafinancial.com Securities offered through Dempsey Lord Smith, LLC Member FINRA/SIPC Advisory services offered through Dempsey Lord Smith, LLC

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Being born in 1963 and presently in the process of my 61st revolution around the sun, my parents would have mailed their Christmas cards with a 5-cent postage stamp. Today, the same First Class postage stamp is 66 cents. In case you missed it, there was a 3-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Forever stamp from 63 cents to 66 cents on July 9. In postage stamp talk, the inflation over the last 60 years is an astonishing 924%. This is almost a 10-fold increase in 60 years.

Pick any high-quality investment that has been around for 60 years and use the same 10X increase and you can see just how powerful equity investing can be for retirement planning or any long-term purpose requiring an outlay of capital in today’s dollars. Thus, just to maintain the same purchasing power resulting from consistent purchasing power erosion through inflation, a long-term equity investment is vitally important for your personal financial planning.

We are brainwashed from early ages to keep our funds in safe and insured investments that even in high and rising interest rate environments significantly lag the inflation rate. The irony here is that mom and pop, who have been taught their entire lives to keep their funds safely invested, will go broke playing it safe.

What many of us have been taught ends up being the riskiest plan of all.

By not investing in high quality/rising income, we are doomed to run out of money.

On the contrary, investing in high quality/rising income investments turns out to be the safest route for us all. Take the time and make an effort to “make a plan” that uses equity income investments so your money will grow and provide a rising income instead of being eroded by inflation.

None other than Warren Buffett in an article written for Fortune Magazine in 1977 extols, “The arithmetic makes it plain that inflation is a far more devastating tax than anything that has been enacted by our legislature. The inflation tax has a fantastic ability to simply consume capital.

It makes no difference to a widow with her savings in a 5 percent passbook account

whether she pays 100 percent income tax on her interest income during zero inflation or pays no income tax during years of 5 percent inflation. Either way, she is ‘taxed’ in a manner that leaves her no real income whatsoever. Any money she spends comes right out of capital. She would find outrageous a 120 percent income tax but doesn’t seem to notice that 5 percent inflation is the economic equivalent.”

Should you or your family have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

I will be glad to share my research.

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Give us a call to schedule a no cost consultation.

• Individual Retirement Planning • Business Retirement Planning • College Savings Planning

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ARMUCHEE Indians

L-R: #12 HAGEN TERRY SENIOR- CENTER, #4 MADI BRAY SENIOR- GUARD, #4 LOGAN BENEDICT SENIOR- GUARD, #11 IVEY WHITAKER SENIOR- POINT GUARD, #23 CHLOE SHAW SENIOR- CENTER, #30 TRENT COTHRAN JUNIOR- GUARD

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PICK AND ROLL 2023 \\\\\ HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

SC HED ULE B OYS

AFTER A 3-19 CAMPAIGN LAST Y E A R , the Armuchee boys are looking to build off the growth they had throughout last season.

While the win total wasn’t high, they were competitive with many of their region opponents and with several key players back in the mix, they are focused on coming out on the winning end of those close games.

“We have been focusing on coming together as a team so we can achieve our goals,” says Boys Head Coach Tim Puckett. “We want to play fast and that requires us to play together and build chemistry. If we can do that week in, week out, hopefully, we can peak at the right time and make a run at the playoffs.”

To play with that kind of intensity requires a lot of conditioning and that has been a huge focus in getting ready for the season. That regiment comes straight from the head coach, as Puckett also serves as the strength and conditioning coach for the Indians.

“To be the best we can be, we have to put the work in on the court and off the court,” says Puckett. “These boys understand that and I’m excited to see them play.”

The Girls finished 13-12 last season and fell just short of a state playoff berth. They held their own against most of their region competition but will look to move to the upper echelon of the region this season. Coach Michelle Arp is excited about the product they will put on the court for Indian fans this year.

“We have a great group of girls that are putting in the work to be a really fun team to watch this season,” says Head Coach Michelle Arp. “They show up ready to work and they know if we focus on getting better each day we can put ourselves in a position to advance throughout the season.”

With four seniors graduating last year, it’s up to a small, but proven group of upperclassmen to lead the team this season.

“We have a total of four upperclassmen, but the energy our younger players are bringing has me so excited about this team,” says Arp. “The atmosphere at practice is outstanding and I think that energy will bleed over into the way we perform when it's game time.”

11.16

1.9

@ Gordon Lee

Vs Darlington

12.1

1.12

@ Chattooga

Vs Chattooga

12.5

1.19

Vs Cedartown

Vs Pepperell

12.8

1.23

@ Pepperell

Vs Coosa

12.12

1.26

@ Coosa

@ Trion

1.5

1.30

Vs Trion

Vs Dade County

1.6

2.2

@ Dade County

@ Darlington

GIRLS 11.20

1.5

Vs Woodland

Vs Trion

11.21

1.9

Vs Bremen

Vs Darlington

11.28

1.19

@ Christian Heritage Vs Pepperell

12.5

1.20

Vs Cedartown

@ Bremen

12.8

1.23

@ Pepperell

Vs Coosa

12.12

1.26

@ Coosa

@ Trion

12.28

2.2

Vs Cartersville

@ Darlington

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COOSA Eagles

L-R: #2 RIYAH MANLEY SENIOR- POINT GUARD, #10 JAMARIAN BRYANT SENIOR- FORWARD, #23 BROOKE MCCLELLAN SENIOR- FORWARD, #4 CLAIRE GILREATH SENIOR- FORWARD

Expert advice and solutions for your business and your family 706-232-9704 • www.jowerssklar.com

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PICK AND ROLL 2023 \\\\\ HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

THE TRADITION OF COOSA BASKETBALL I S STRO N G . Gold balls and memories of legendary players adorn the trophy cases to tell the tales.

Restoring that standard is the mission both boys' and girls' teams are on in 2023.

The girls finished 5-22 last season, with 3 of those wins coming in region play. As head coach Jason Shields continues to build the program, the focus is on learning how to win.

“I hate losing more than I like winning,” says Shields.

“The first year I was here, it was just a battle to make sure everyone was showing up to practice. We don’t have to worry about that anymore. The commitment level and competitiveness are there now. We want to be playing when nobody else is, but we have to win the daily battle of being consistent and learning how to be winners.”

They will lean on a few upperclassmen in Brooke McClellan and Claire Gilreath who are both flexible at the 4/5 position. Riyah Manley will take over the point guard position and has been making strides running the offense, which will focus on ball movement, clock management, and creating/taking good shots.

“Unless we have a good shot early, we are going to squeeze that shot clock on most of our possessions,” says Shields. “You learn to develop your system based on the players you have and their strengths and weaknesses. We don’t want to settle for bad shots, and we will focus on moving the ball in the half-court offense to create those opportunities. “ The boys are coming off an 11-15 season in which they competed well against the majority of their region opponents. To get to that next level, players like Senior Jamarion Bryant and sophomore point guard Khyden Turner will need to step up as leaders.

“Those two guys lead a little more with how they play than how vocal they are and we are working on that,” says Head Coach Tommy Lewis. “I am expecting them to lead, and they do it in their own way.

There aren’t really any easy games on our schedule, especially when we get into region play. So, we will try to win the games we should and steal a few we shouldn’t, and those guys will play a large role in our success.”

With several of the key players on this Eagles squad just finishing up football season, the team is just getting into their practice routine with the full roster, but the work they put in together back in the off-season is something coach Lewis was grateful to have.

“June is such an important month for us because we get a lot of opportunities to play as a full team,” says Lewis. “The goal is always to make the playoffs, and we want to get back to competing for a region championship. We can do that here. The talent and the support of the community is here.

We just have to keep building.”

SC HED U LE B OYS 11.14

12.12

1.11

@ Haralson County

Vs Armuchee

Vs Cedar Bluff

11.20

12.15

1.12

@ McMinn Central

@ Opponent TBA

@ Trion

11.21

12.16

1.16

@ Gordon Central

@ Opponent TBA

Vs Dade County

11.28

12.28

1.19

@ Dalton Academy

@ Towns County

@ Darlington

12.1

12.29

1.20

Vs Trion

@ Towns County

Vs Unity Christian

12.4

12.30

1.23

@ Cedar Bluff

@ Towns County

@ Armuchee

12.5

1.5

1.26

@ Dade County

@ Chattooga

Vs Chattooga

12.8

1.6

1.30

Vs Darlington

Vs Gordon Central

Vs Dalton Academy

1.9

2.2

Vs Pepperell

@ Pepperell

11.14

12.15

1.16

@ Haralson County

@ Opponent TBA

Vs Dade County

11.20

12.28

1.19

@ Cedartown

@ Opponent TBA

@ Darlington

11.21

12.29

1.20

@ Gordon Central

@ Opponent TBA

Vs Unity Christian

11.28

12.30

1.23

@ Dalton Academy

@ Opponent TBA

@ Armuchee

12.1

1.5

1.26

Vs Trion

@ Chattooga

Vs Chattooga

12.4

1.6

1.30

@ Cedar Bluff

Vs Gordon Central

Vs Dalton Academy

12.5

1.9

2.2

@ Dade County

Vs Pepperell

@ Pepperell

12.8

1.11

Vs Darlington

Vs Cedar Bluff

12.12

1.12

Vs Armuchee

@ Trion

GIRLS

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DARLINGTON Tigers

GO TIGERS!

L-R: #12 JACK BELL SENIOR- GUARD, #10 CAROLINE JORDAN JUNIOR- FORWARD/CENTER, #3 EMMA HUNT JUNIOR- POINT GUARD, #4 JACK WOMACK SENIOR- GUARD, #14 MIA CURLEE JUNIOR- GUARD

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611 Turner McCall Blvd., Rome, GA 30165 · 706.291.0202 WWW.TOLESTEMPLE.COM

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PICK AND ROLL 2023 \\\\\ HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

SC HED U LE B OYS

IT WAS GOOD TO B E A DA RL ING T ON TIGERS BASKETBALL FAN IN 2022-23. Both boys and girls posted over 20 wins, the boys hoisted the coveted gold ball at the Christmas Tournament, both were crowned region champs, and both made it to the second round of the state playoffs.

That last part might not sit well after all the success that led them to that point, but it has only driven both teams to push harder in order to advance further in the playoffs this season.

The boys are led by a trio of senior guards in Jack Bell, Joe Womack, and D’marion Floyd, who look to push an up-tempo attack that pushes the ball on offense and pressures it on the defensive end.

“The culture here has really allowed us to have sustained success,” says Head Coach Nathan West. “As a coach, I’ve been fortunate to have players that step up and lead, and you know they’ve done a good job in those roles when the kids below them step in and fill their shoes. These kids like to work, and I love working with them.”

To continue their winning ways the Tigers will lean on their experience, with sharpshooters behind the arc and players like Floyd who can beat defenders off the dribble and get to the rim.

“We want to win championships,” says Joe Womack. “We have worked hard on our games in the off-season and now we get a chance to go out and show what we can do. We have played a lot of basketball together so the sky is the limit.”

As for the girls, head coach Samantha Rush has a trio of juniors looking to step into the limelight for the Lady Tigers. Emma Hunt, Caroline Jordan, and Mia Curlee have been identified as leaders and that role isn’t one they take lightly.

“We know we have to play together as a team to succeed,” says Point Guard Emma Hunt. “We are a smaller team this year, so playing together as one unit is something we have focused on.

If we play as a team we can accomplish our goals this season.”

Region Championships are always a goal for the Tigers, and to be in a position to repeat, they’ve had to put the work in during the off-season.

“Every off-season you have to adjust to the strengths of the players you have on the roster,” says Rush. “We lost some size in the front court, but I’m excited about the work the girls are doing in practice and have high expectations for what we can accomplish this season.”

11.30

12.19

1.13

Vs Oxford

@ Opponent TBA

Vs Christian

12.2

12.28

Heritage

Vs River Ridge

@ Opponent TBA

12.5

12.29

Vs Pepperell

@ Opponent TBA

12.8

12.30

@ Coosa

@ Opponent TBA

12.9

1.2

@ Eagle's Landing Christian Academy

Vs Fort Payne

12.12 @ Chattooga

12.16 @ Opponent TBA

12.18 @ Opponent TBA

1.5 @ Dade County

1.6 Vs Trion

1.9 @ Armuchee

1.12

1.16 @ Pepperell

1.19 Vs Coosa

1.23 @ Chattooga

1.26 Vs Dade County

1.27 Vs Calhoun

1.30 @ Trion

2.2 Vs Armuchee

@ Temple

GIRLS 11.14

12.15

1.16

@ Christian Heritage @ Opponent TBA

@ Pepperell

11.18

1.2

@ Adairsville

Vs Fort Payne

1.19

11.20

1.5

@ Dalton

@ Dade County

11.21

1.6

@ Woodland

@ Trion

12.5

1.9

Vs Pepperell

@ Armuchee

12.8

1.12

@ Coosa

@ Temple

12.12

1.13

Vs Chattooga

Vs Coosa

1.23 @ Chattooga

1.26 Vs Dade County

1.30 @ Trion

2.2 Vs Armuchee

Vs Christian Heritage

READV3.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 V3 MAGAZINE

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MODEL Blue Devils

L-R: #30 SADIE RAUGHTON JUNIOR- SHOOTING GUARD, #23 CHASE ALLEN JUNIOR- POWER FORWARD, #24 JAVIA SAMPLES SOPHOMORE- GUARD, #15 RILEY CHAPMAN SENIOR- GUARD, #14 RACHEL BURKHALTER SENIOR- GUARD, #33- JEREMIAS HEARD SENIOR- POWER FORWARD

North Georgia’s premiere Tattoo and Piercing studio 11 E 2nd Ave, Rome, GA 30161 706-237-7205 • www.artisticedgetattoo.com

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PICK AND ROLL 2023 \\\\\ HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

SC HED U LE B OYS 11.25

BASKETBALL JUST MEANS MORE I N S H A N N O N . Both girls' and boys' teams are coming off seasons that concluded in the state playoff tournament and both teams are hungry for more.

The Model Girls are looking to improve upon a run that ended with a loss to Mt. Paran Christian in the 2nd round of the playoffs. They return several key contributors from last season that should give them the opportunity to build off that success.

“We are excited to have a year under our belt with a very young team last year that has put in a lot of work in the off-season to get ready for this season,” says Girls Head Coach Sally Echols. “We have high expectations for each other and if we can focus on the goal of improving each day and play for each other, everything else will fall into place.”

Echols has driven home the “we before me” mentality to this team and they have embraced it. They have put in work to get better as individuals but have worked just as hard to become better teammates.

“We essentially get to play a season in the month of June, and you really get to see the chemistry of your team start to develop,” says Echols. “Every one of these girls worked hard on themselves so they can be better teammates when the season starts. That’s where we are now. So, the time together as a team in June and the individual work up until now are about to pay off when the season begins.

The boys made a historic run to the Final Four last season, where they lost by 10 to Providence Christian Academy. It was an amazing journey but coming that close to the ultimate glory only left them wanting more. That said, Head Coach Jacob Travis knows they must take the season one game at a time.

“Every year is a new year,” says Travis. “We will have a laser-like focus on who we are, not our opponent and the rest will take care of itself. We have been working a lot. Any day that ends in Y, we are at the gym. We live by the mantra, be the best team we can be and if we do that, we can achieve our goals.”

The players buy what Travis is selling and put in the work to get better each and every day. Concentrating on being shot-makers instead of shot takers, getting their 10,000 shots up, enhancing their ball-handling skills, and building up their conditioning to be game-ready when the season starts are just a few examples.

“What’s done in the dark, is revealed in the light,” says Travis. “These kids are working tirelessly to become better players and I expect that to show itself in the way they play this season.

Blue Devil basketball is a way of life, and these teams are excited to add the next chapter to a storied program.

@ Landmark Christian

11.28 @ North Murray

12.1 Vs Temple

12.5 Vs Fannin County

12.8 Vs Murray County

12.9 @ Sonoraville

12.12 @ Haralson County

12.29

1.19

@ Harrison

Vs Haralson County

1.3

1.23

Vs Sonoraville

@ Fannin County

1.5

1.26

Vs Temple

Vs North Murray

1.9

1.30

Vs Gordon Central

@ Unity Christian

1.12

2.2

@ Rockmart

@ Gordon Central

1.13

2.6

Vs Unity Christian

Vs Rockmart

1.16 @ Murray County

GIRLS 11.18

12.12

1.19

@ Gilmer

@ Haralson County

Vs Haralson County

11.20

1.3

1.23

@ Adairsville

Vs Sonoraville

@ Fannin County

11.21

1.5

1.26

@ Trion

@ Temple

Vs North Murray

11.28

1.6

1.30

@ North Murray

@ Pickens

@ Unity Christian

12.1

1.9

2.2

Vs Temple

Vs Gordon Central

@ Gordon Central

12.5

1.12

2.6

Vs Fannin County

@ Rockmart

Vs Rockmart

12.8

1.13

Vs Murray County

Vs Unity Christian

12.9

1.16

@ Sonoraville

@ Murray County

READV3.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 V3 MAGAZINE

23

PEPPERELL Dragons

L-R: #2 KAITLYN HOUSE SOPHOMORE- GUARD/FORWARD, #32 ELIOT GOGGANS SENIOR- CENTER, #3 HANNAH SMITH SOPHOMOREGUARD, #0 KENDYL BREWSTER JUNIOR- GUARD, #5 ZOE EDGE JUNIOR- GUARD, #1 LANDON LOCKWOOD SENIOR- GUARD

NEED HELP WITH NUTRITION? NEED HELP WITH ACCOUNTABILITY? NEED STRUCTURE? TRY ONLINE TRAINING! 1 : 1 personal training from home with local personal trainer and health coach, Corey Pitts of CMP Training.

Personal Trainer, AFFA and Certified Nutrition Coach In person and online training 24

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cmptrainingrome.com 770.324.9695 located at Rome Athletic Club.

PICK AND ROLL 2023 \\\\\ HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

SC HED U LE B OYS

THE LADY DRAGONS ARE COMING OFF AN IMPRESSIVE 18-9 C A M P A I G N last season that ended with a 1st round State Playoff loss to Rabun County. This year’s squad is a young group that will look to players like junior guard Zoe Edge and sophomores Kaitlyn House and Hannah Smith to step into leadership roles immediately.

Head Coach Emily Claytor knows there are challenges ahead but is excited about the group of girls she is coaching this season.

“This is a young team,” says Claytor. “We only have two upperclassmen and are counting on a lot of freshmen and sophomores to step in and play big minutes. We will adjust our style of play to the strengths of the players on our roster, but I think you can expect us to look a lot like we did last year. That said, we will certainly lean on our leaders as we develop the younger players.”

With a focus on playing fast and utilizing team speed, the Lady Dragons will look to get out and run against their competition. This team will go as far as the hard work they put in allows them to and there is no lack of focus or effort.

“We concentrate on making the most of each practice and trying to get better every day,” says Claytor. “Our goal is to be playing our best basketball in February so we can put ourselves in a position to play well in the region tournament and hopefully get back to state and make a run.”

Boys Head Coach, Zach Mendence has an infectious passion for the game of basketball and it rubs off on his players as he continues to build this Dragons program. After finishing 12-13 last season, you can tell there is confidence shared by Mendence and his players that they are ready to make some noise this year.

“We align our basketball goals with our life goals,” says Mendence.

“Doing the right thing all the time, being there for our teammates, taking accountability for our actions. Those are the things that can help us on and off the court. Our focus on this culture change and applying it to the way we practice and prepare can ultimately get us where we want to be, and that’s back in the state tournament.”

The Dragons have been close to the goal the last few seasons but have not reached the playoffs since 2017. With the leadership and focus in place going into the 2023-24 season, that drought has a good chance of ending.

“We lost four seniors and that may sound like a lot, but we have a ton of experience coming back,” says Mendence. “We are going to push the tempo and that starts in practice.

Our practices are live and these kids love to run, so we are going to use that and create some chaos out there. These kids have worked hard to improve and I think people are going to be surprised by what they bring to the table.”

1.20

11.21

12.21

@ Dalton Academy

Vs Haralson County Vs Dalton Academy

11.28

12.29

1.23

@ Haralson County

@ Mt. Zion

Vs Trion

12.1

1.5

1.26

Vs Dade County

@ Praise Academy

Vs Unity Christian

12.2

1.6

1.27

@ Unity Christian

Vs Chattooga

Vs Mt. Zion

12.5

1.9

1.30

@ Darlington

@ Coosa

@ Chattooga

12.8

1.12

2.2

Vs Armuchee

@ Dade County

Vs Coosa

12.9

1.16

Vs Praise Academy

Vs Darlington

12.12

1.19

@ Trion

@ Armuchee

GIRLS 11.17

12.9

1.19

@ North Murray

Vs Praise Academy

@ Armuchee

11.18

12.12

1.23

@ LaFayette

11.27 @ Dalton Academy

11.28 @ Haralson County

@ Trion

Vs Trion

12.21

1.26

1.5

1.30

Vs Haralson County Vs Unity Christian

@ Praise Academy

@ Chattooga

12.1

1.6

2.2

Vs Dade County

Vs Chattooga

12.2

1.9

@ Unity Christian

12.5 @ Darlington

12.8 Vs Armuchee

Vs Coosa

@ Coosa

1.12 @ Dade County

1.16 Vs Darlington READV3.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 V3 MAGAZINE

25

ROME Wolves

L-R: #1 JOSH ASKEW SENIOR- GUARD, #2 JERMIYA WINSTON JUNIOR- WING, #21 BREANA GRIFFIN SENIOR- WING, #10 ASHANTI BOWERS SENIOR- POINT GUARD, #5 BRAXTON WADE SENIOR- FORWARD, #25 JASON WENG JUNIOR- GUARD

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PICK AND ROLL 2023 \\\\\ HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

SC HED U LE B OYS 11.28 @ Cass

BOTH ROME HIGH SCHOOLS BOYS AND GIRLS TEAMS finished about .500 last year with 15-14 and 1513 records respectively. Both made it to the State Playoffs and lost in the first round. And both teams are ready to improve and build off the experiences this season.

The girls have several upperclassmen returning, led by seniors Breana Griffin and Ashanti Bowers, as well as junior Jermiya Winston. “Obviously the ultimate goal is to make a run in the state tournament, but to get there we have to compete in what I think many believe to be the toughest region in the state top to bottom,” says Head Coach Jarred Hughes. “There are no off weeks for us, and we practice that way. Non-region play will test us. The Christmas Tournament is always a great challenge that allows us to play against local competition and those opportunities will prepare us for region play.”

The Wolves hope that those early season tests will put them in a position to compete for one of the four spots that would qualify them for the state tournament at the end of the season. “We practice hard and drive home taking accountability,” says Hughes. “If we do that we can learn from our mistakes, address them and improve. We are pretty young outside of our few upperclassmen, but we had a good group come in during the summer and I’m excited to see what they do when they take the floor.”

On the boy's side, head coach John McFather enters his third season at the helm, and his sights are firmly set on elevating the Rome program as a whole. “We want this program to reach an elite level and we certainly have the talent here at Rome High School to do that,” says McFather. “We have been consistent, but we want to win at the highest level. We have reached the state tournament the last few years and that is something we can build on, but we want to win, and can win championships.”

Senior guards Braxton Wade and Josh Askew will look to lead the Wolves attack and their experience gives this team a chance to make their championship goals a reality. “We have some experience coming back and we will lean on that, but we have developed a lot of depth thanks to some of our veterans playing other fall sports,” says McFather. “Now that we have all come together, you can expect us to rotate 10-11 players out there. That is going to allow us to play that much harder so I think you will enjoy the brand of basketball we play being able to push harder because of that depth.”

Time will tell if these Wolves teams will add to the banners already hanging in the gym, but there’s no doubt the potential is there.

12.5 Vs Woodstock

12.8 @ Allatoona

12.11 Vs Cass

12.12 Vs Dalton

12.15 @ Opponent TBA

12.16 @ Opponent TBA

12.18 @ Opponent TBA

12.22

1.13

Vs Adairsville

Vs Carrollton

12.28

1.16

@ Opponent TBA

12.29 @ Opponent TBA

12.30 @ Opponent TBA

1.3 @ Etowah

1.5 @ Sequoyah

1.9 Vs Creekview

1.12 Vs River Ridge

@ Woodstock

1.19 Vs Allatoona

1.20 @ Dalton

1.23 @ Carrollton

1.26 Vs Etowah

1.30 Vs Sequoyah

2.2 @ Creekview

2.6

GIRLS

@ River Ridge

11.20

12.19

1.13

@ Marietta

@ Opponent TBA

Vs Carrollton

11.21

12.28

1.16

@ Opponent TBA

@ North Cobb Christian

@ Woodstock

11.22 @ Opponent TBA

11.28 @ Cass

12.2 @ Temple

12.5 Vs Woodstock

12.8 @ Allatoona

12.15 @ Opponent TBA

12.18

12.30 @ Opponent TBA

12.30 @ Opponent TBA

1.3 @ Etowah

1.5 @ Sequoyah

1.9 Vs Creekview

1.12

1.19 Vs Allatoona

1.23 @ Carrollton

1.26 Vs Etowah

1.30 Vs Sequoyah

2.2 @ Creekview

2.6 @ River Ridge

Vs River Ridge

@ Opponent TBA READV3.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 V3 MAGAZINE

27

UNITY Lions

L-R: #11 EMILY KING SENIOR- POINT GUARD, #1 JAY DAVIS SENIOR-POINT GUARD, #33 GABRIELA CREEL SENIOR- GUARD, #5 CAMRYN KING SOPHOMORE- SHOOTING GUARD

YOUR WELLNESS IS OUR PRIORITY Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm Sun: 12pm - 6pm TheHerbShopOnBroad

706.232.4447 • 103 Broad Street

W E D O N O T D I A G N O S E , T R E AT, O R C U R E

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PICK AND ROLL 2023 \\\\\ HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

SC HED U LE B OYS 11.20 Vs Northwest

FRESH OFF A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RUN, there is no doubt the Lady Lions have high expectations coming into the 2023-24 season. They have plenty of experience coming back, so the focus has been on finding ways to get better as they want to get back to the top of the mountain.

“Coach Mel pushes us every day,” says senior Emily King. “We know what we want to achieve this season and it starts with us working on our game and becoming better teammates. If we take care of the little things we can reach our goals.”

Coming off such a successful season, the coach knows they need to stay focused and work on adjusting to some of the key pieces they lost to graduation.

“We are going to get out, run, and get our shots up,” says Thornbury. “We have a fast group that likes to get up and down the court so you can expect us to do just that. We are working hard in the post, and we have some size to replace from last season, but we will have to do that as a team.”

Davy Fisher is building his team to succeed on the court and in life. Coming off an 11-17 campaign, the Lions have aspirations of post-season play, but for Fisher, the most important thing he can teach his players is how they go about achieving their goals.

“For me, it’s about these young men representing the Kingdom,” says Fisher. “I’m so proud of these players and the work they put in for our basketball team is something I’m excited to see this season.

They are representing themselves and our school out there and that’s something I believe they will take into their adult lives. All things are possible through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

The Lions' schedule provides them with a wide variety of competitions, taking on a lot of the area schools throughout the season while also competing in the local Christmas Tournament.

While that kind of schedule will certainly be a grind, Fisher believes his players will be ready for the challenge.

“We want to make a run at the playoffs, but that starts by trying to work on our craft individually and coming together as a team. I’m excited to see these kids compete and believe in what we can accomplish by putting in the work.”

Both Lions teams look like they will roar on the court this season.

Whitfield

11.28 @ Coahulla Creek

12.2 Vs Pepperell

12.7 Vs Praise Academy

12.28 @ Harrison

1.5

1.6 Vs Coahulla Creek

1.9

1.25 @ Oakwood Christian

@ Excel Christian

1.26

Academy

@ Pepperell

1.11 @ Praise Academy

1.13 @ Model

1.30 Vs Model

2.1 Vs Excel Christian Academy

1.20 @ Coosa

Vs Oakwood Christian

GIRLS 11.14

1.6

1.25

@ Horizon Christian Academy

Vs Coahulla Creek

@ Oakwood Christian

11.20 Vs Christian Heritage

11.28 @ Coahulla Creek

12.2 Vs Pepperell

12.5

1.9 @ Excel Christian Academy

1.30

@ Praise Academy

Vs Model

1.13

2.1

@ Model

Vs Excel Christian Academy

1.16

@ Woodland

12.7

1.19

12.8 @ Shiloh Hills Christian

@ Pepperell

1.11

@ North Georgia Christian Academy

Vs Praise Academy

1.26

2.2 Vs North Georgia Christian Academy

Vs Shiloh Hills Christian

1.20 @ Coosa

1.5

1.22

Vs Oakwood Christian

@ Killian Hill Christian READV3.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 V3 MAGAZINE

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THE ONLINE EXTENSION OF V3: All current issue content, archives and exclusive Read V3 digital features

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V3 MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2023 | READV3.COM

READV3.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 V3 MAGAZINE

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Living His Best Life Text Ian Griffin | Photos Andy Calvert

Where The Heart Is with Renaissance Marquis

DR. RICHARD L. DIXON IS A MAN OF MANY PASSIONS. From his profession as a Veterinarian to his love of photography, he finds joy in not only the things he loves but even more so, helping others.

Growing up with a twin brother and older sister on a small farm near Blackshear, Georgia, Dixon's raising contributed to his hard work ethic and passion for a job well done. As a youth, he participated in many extracurricular activities such as the 4-H Club, Beta Club, school band, annual staff, debate team, and Methodist Youth Fellowship.

After high school, he went on to college, starting at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, where he attained his Associate Degree in Science in 1965, then on to the University of Georgia where he added his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in Animal Science, in 1967, and finally his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in June of 1970.

He then served in the United States Air Force Veterinary Corps from January 1971 through December 1972, in which he was stationed at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, and later Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

After his military service, he returned to Georgia, opening, and managing Cedar Village Animal Clinic in Norcross from January of 1973 through May of 1975. He then moved to Rome, where he was a staff veterinarian at East and West Rome Animal Clinic before purchasing East Rome Animal Clinic in October of 1976, where he is still owner and a practicing veterinarian to this day.

All along the way, Dixon not only worked hard at his profession but also found multiple ways to be active in his community and pursue hobbies that

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brought him joy. These social and humanitarian interactions that dated back to his youth, laid the foundation for what has been a lifetime of such activities for Dixon, and his participation continues to this day.

With his foundation set, Rome had become his home and he and his wife, Mary Louise put their roots down in Old East Rome. They would later have two children, Beth, and Charles, who each blessed them with a granddaughter and a grandson.

To say Richard and Mary Louise were blessed would be an understatement.

They had a wonderful family and many dear friends from their involvement in the community and long-time membership at First United Methodist Church.

In late 2018 it was becoming more and more clear that Mary Louise, who was suffering from Parkinson’s Disease needed more help than Dr. Dixon could provide in their home in Old East Rome. They were faced with a big decision, but one property stood out for her and in the end, that decision was quite an easy one to make.

“We knew there were many facilities in Rome to choose from,” recalls Dixon. “After making our visits to these communities, I asked her where she wanted to go. She asked me the same question, but I told her this wasn’t about me, that it was her decision and she immediately said she wanted to go to Renaissance Marquis.”

It turned out Mary Louise knew and trusted a few of the residents at Renaissance, and the glowing reputation for the kind of care they provided, along with the in-person visit told her everything she needed to know to choose their new home.

“When we first moved in, we were in assisted living and our experience was wonderful,” recalls Dixon. “I needed help caring for her, and we both knew that. The staff was just phenomenal when it came to that. Whenever we needed help, it was there at the push of a button. We both made many friends, and she was genuinely happy here.”

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In January 2021, Mary Louise passed away, and Dixon was faced with a decision to stay at Renaissance Marquis or return to the family home in Old East Rome. In February of that same year, Dixon had major back surgery in Augusta, Georgia, and stayed with his son, Charles who resides there. He then went back to Renaissance and stayed in assisted living until August of 2021.

After his recovery, he moved into independent living, but almost a year later he had to have major open-heart surgery after a month's stay in the hospital, and another three weeks in rehab, he returned to assisted living at Renaissance, where the staff was at his beck and call.

“They took such good care of me in both instances,” says Dixon. “I still own my home to this day, but I needed to be cared for and my familiarity with the staff, personnel, and community here, made staying in assisted or independent living an easy choice.”

After recovering from his surgery, Dixon returned to independent living. He is a glowing example of what this means.

Often, the stereotype for facilities like Renaissance Marquis is that you’re resigning yourself to the premises to live out the rest of your days. While many need that kind of daily care, and the staff at RM provides it at the highest level, many residents are maximizing their golden years without the worries that come with being a homeowner.

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“Obviously this is a senior living facility,” says Dixon. “So, people live here, people die here, and new people come in. So, there is a lot of transition, but it’s always a phenomenal group of people. I get asked all the time if I am ever going to move back to my house and my answer is always no, not at this time. I get three meals a day, my apartment is cleaned once a week, they wash my clothes once a week and I have a whole bunch of sweet little old ladies who love to talk. What more could I ask for?”

Dixon enjoys all the perks of living at RM, while continuing to work a full-time schedule at East Rome Animal Clinic. So, he wakes up just like those of us living in our own homes, gets ready for his day, grabs his keys, and heads off to work. As an essential worker, he was even permitted to do so during the pandemic.

He travels to see his children and grandchildren. Recently, he traveled to South Georgia for a cousin’s reunion, where he met some members of his family for the first time.

To put it simply, he is the picture of independent living.

Family and work aren’t the only things the good doctor makes time for these days either. He teaches Sunday School once a week at First United Methodist, a weekly Bible study class at Renaissance, he is an avid photographer and holds lectures on occasions for the residents, he is a woodworker, stamp collector, and still to this day, the voice of The Sound of the Seven Hills, Rome High School Marching Band.

He began announcing the band in 1996 when his children were members and he was serving on the band boosters club, which he had done since the East and West Rome High Schools combined in 1993. Each time the band has taken the field since 1996, it has been Dr. Dixon’s voice booming through the PA system and it’s something he is so proud to be a part of.

“I actually had someone stop me at the fair recently to ask me if I was the guy that announced the band on Fridays,” says Dixon.

“I had never met this gentleman before in my life and he recognized my voice. It really has been such an honor to be involved with that program all these years.”

At 78 years young, he continues to live an active, healthy lifestyle with a robust social circle, volunteering his time whenever he can.

And when the day is done, he returns home to his friends at Renaissance Marquis.

“We have a family here,” says Dixon.

“Obviously we aren’t blood-related, but we live here together in a close-knit community, and we care for each other. There isn’t a day I go to work that I don’t look forward to coming home to Renaissance Marquis.”

READV3.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 V3 MAGAZINE

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Jingle Jog 5K/10 & FUN RUN Saturday, December 9 Cartersville’s Sam Smith Park Soccer Complex 152 Milner Road

5K

$30 Pre-registration until December 3rd $40 on Race Day

10K 1-mile

$35 Pre-registration until December 3rd $45 on Race Day

Fun Run/Walk $20 Pre-registration until December 3rd $30 on Race Day

Benefitting Tranquility House Domestic Violence Center REGISTER- WWW.WIRE2WIRERUNNING.COM/ RACE-CALENDER For additional information 770-386-8093 or assistant@tranquility-house.org

Gentle and caring dentistry for the whole family!

Official Dentist of the Rome Braves 19A John Maddox Dr • (706) 235-5899 Find us on Facebook @KentCEllingtonDMDPC

NEED FRAMES?

519 Broad St. Suite 101/103

Classically Crafted 38

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Rome, GA • 706.584.7816 amanda@farrellsframeanddesign.com www.FarrellsFrameAndDesign.com

PRIVATE DINING

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CREATING THE MENU OF YOUR DREAMS IS WHAT WE DO. WE TAKE YOUR VISION AND MAKE IT A REALITY. 413 broad street, rome, ga 30161 lascalaromega.com 706.238.9000 706.238.9011

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YOUR HEART’S IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT HARBIN CLINIC. At Harbin Clinic, we have big hearts for the people of Northwest Georgia!

From pediatric cardiology to complex cardiovascular conditions, our patients receive the most comprehensive heart care in the region. Harbin Clinic’s expert providers and staff utilize the latest technologies and clinical therapies to improve patient quality of life and overall health.

Experience seamless, coordinated care across other Harbin Clinic specialties and uninterrupted heart treatment in a trusted clinical environment. Rest assured, your heart’s in the right place at Harbin Clinic.

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V3 MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2023 | READV3.COM