Sports

Loran Smith/Columnist

Loran Smith/Columnist

Smith: A devoted UGA friend will be missed

Loran Smith
Thursday, January 23, 2025
The University of Georgia never had a more excellent friend than John Francis McMullan. He was a devoted alumnus, passionate football fan, scholarly overachiever, and generous donor with a historical bent for family genealogy, the history of this state, and an unrestrained love of America.
Putnam County’s Jmari Greene goes up for a layup but is met by two Greenforest defenders who attempt to block his shot. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County’s Jmari Greene goes up for a layup but is met by two Greenforest defenders who attempt to block his shot. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Greenforest ruins War Eagles’ perfect record

Lance McCurley
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Greenforest shot nearly 50 percent and dominated the interior, out-rebounding Putnam County by 24 boards to end the War Eagles’ perfect 18-0 streak with a 66-53 win last Friday.
Gatewood’s Jake Rich (11) and JT Gregory (2) will join fellow seniors Ames Johnson and Kaden Keiser in being honored on Seniors Night this Friday night at home in Eatonton versus Trinity Christian. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood’s Jake Rich (11) and JT Gregory (2) will join fellow seniors Ames Johnson and Kaden Keiser in being honored on Seniors Night this Friday night at home in Eatonton versus Trinity Christian. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Mixed results for Gators on road

Ian Tocher
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Gatewood (14-4, 3-2) recently played three consecutive region away games, resulting in a loss sandwiched between two wins.The run started Jan. 14 in Dublin, where the Gators beat Trinity Christian 68-60 for the Crusaders’ 15th-straight loss since the 2024-25 season began.
Putnanm sophomore Eriyana Little (12) makes her way through the way trying to attempt a layup over a Greenforest defender. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnanm sophomore Eriyana Little (12) makes her way through the way trying to attempt a layup over a Greenforest defender. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Lady War Eagles drop two straight

Lance McCurley
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Last week, Putnam County girls basketball (11-6, 2-0) had a rough time, losing two straight games against ranked teams. The Lady War Eagles dropped games to No. 7 Southwest Atlanta Christian (SAC) and No. 6 Greenforest, both ranked in Class 3A-1A Private.
Putnam County junior Jaikarccie Smith looks to move the ball against Jones County. BRAD HARRISON/Staff

Putnam County junior Jaikarccie Smith looks to move the ball against Jones County. BRAD HARRISON/Staff

Putnam girls ‘connected’ as region play begins

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
The Putnam County Lady War Eagles are playing some of their best basketball as region play began last week. They entered this week with an 11-4 overall record and were ranked No. 7 in Class A Division I by Kyle Sandy.
Senior JT Gregory has been delivering a solid effort every time out for Gatewood this season. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Senior JT Gregory has been delivering a solid effort every time out for Gatewood this season. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Consistency proves elusive for Gators

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
The Gatewood Gators played three times last week, winning 74-64 at home on Tuesday over Windsor Academy, dropping an 81-67 decision at Brentwood on Thursday, and getting back on the right track with an 84-66 decision over Augusta Prep Day (APD) on Saturday afternoon in Eatonton.
Putnam County senior Wyatt Suggs tries to pin his opponent from Southwest (Macon) at the area duals tournament last Thursday in Social Circle. LANCE McCURLEY/ Staff

Putnam County senior Wyatt Suggs tries to pin his opponent from Southwest (Macon) at the area duals tournament last Thursday in Social Circle. LANCE McCURLEY/ Staff

War Eagles place third at area duals

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Last week, the Putnam County wrestling team placed third at the area duals tournament in Social Circle.The War Eagles finished behind Social Circle and Jasper County, going 3-2 on the day.Putnam County started by defeating Southwest (Macon) before losing to Social Circle in the winner’s bracket.
LANCE MCCURLEY/File Photo

LANCE MCCURLEY/File Photo

McCurley: In the wake of tragedy

Lance
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
NEW ORLEANS, La. — I don’t know where to begin, but I will try.The tragedy that struck New Orleans hit a little too close to home for me.
Gatewood head coach Don Keiser talks with leading scorer Matt Allen during a break last Friday night during a game against Mount de Sales Academy out of Macon. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood head coach Don Keiser talks with leading scorer Matt Allen during a break last Friday night during a game against Mount de Sales Academy out of Macon. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood gets back to winning ways

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
After ending 2024 with a loss to Athens Academy on Dec. 28, Gatewood returned to winning ways last Friday with a 74-53 win over Mount De Sales. The Gators followed up the next day at First Presbyterian Day, boosting their season record to 10-2 with a dominating 67-27 victory in Macon.
Putnam County sophomore Jaylen Nelson goes up for a layup in a win over Jones County. He had seven points against the Greyhounds. BRAD HARRISON/Staff

Putnam County sophomore Jaylen Nelson goes up for a layup in a win over Jones County. He had seven points against the Greyhounds. BRAD HARRISON/Staff

War Eagles survive first punch, defeat ‘Hounds

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
The Putnam County boys basketball team completed the sweep of Jones County on Jan. 4 with a 71-60 win.In mid-November, the War Eagles opened the 2024-25 regular season with a 67-49 win over the Greyhounds. They’ve since won 14 straight contests to reach a 15-0 record.
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