Sports

Gatewood freshman Bela Smith (5) has been a consistent performer this season, providing an offensive effort that promises to get even better as her high school career progresses. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood freshman Bela Smith (5) has been a consistent performer this season, providing an offensive effort that promises to get even better as her high school career progresses. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Lady Gators lose heartbreaker in region tournament

Ian Tocher
Thursday, February 20, 2025
With the score tied at 45, the buzzer sounded, and the crowd held its collective breath as the ball arced toward the basket.
Journey Waller

Journey Waller

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Putnam girls must ‘execute’ properly in postseason

Lance McCurley
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Putnam County girls basketball came up just short of winning the region championship on Feb. 14. No. 9 Lamar County edged the Lady War Eagles 55-53 in Barnesville to win the Class A Division I Region 4 championship.
Gatewood wrestling head coach Tyler VanDusen (left) is understandably proud of the accomplishments of his state championshipcontending team of Jackson Hewatt, Huck McLaulin, Hunter Pierce, and Tyler Middleton. CONTRIBUTED

Gatewood wrestling head coach Tyler VanDusen (left) is understandably proud of the accomplishments of his state championshipcontending team of Jackson Hewatt, Huck McLaulin, Hunter Pierce, and Tyler Middleton. CONTRIBUTED

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Gators end wrestling season on strong note

Lance McCurley
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Gatewood’s wrestling team performed well at the recent GIAA traditional state championships at Riverwood Preparatory Academy in Gainesville.Four Mat Gators placed at the state championship meet, as Hunter Pierce, Huck McLaulin, Jackson Hewatt, and Tyler Middleton earned spots on the podium.
Sam Montgomery of Milledgeville shows off some of his catch that earned him a win early this month in the American Fishing Tour Div. 72 tournament on Lake Sinclair. CONTRIBUTED

Sam Montgomery of Milledgeville shows off some of his catch that earned him a win early this month in the American Fishing Tour Div. 72 tournament on Lake Sinclair. CONTRIBUTED

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Milledgeville angler wins Sinclair tourney

News Staff
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Milledgeville’s Sam Montgomery claimed victory on Feb. 8 in the American Fishing Tour (AFT) Division 72 tournament on Lake Sinclair. Montgomery brought a five-bass limit to the scales, weighing in at 18.53 pounds.Montgomery’s catch earned him a first-place trophy and an $813 cash prize.
Putnam County’s Journey Waller (10) goes up for a layup in a win over Social Circle on Feb. 4. The Lady War Eagles will rely on the sophomore and leading scorer as they prepare for the Class A Division I playoffs, which begins next week. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County’s Journey Waller (10) goes up for a layup in a win over Social Circle on Feb. 4. The Lady War Eagles will rely on the sophomore and leading scorer as they prepare for the Class A Division I playoffs, which begins next week. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

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Lady War Eagles prepare for playoff push

Lance McCurley
Thursday, February 13, 2025
On Monday, the Putnam County girls’ basketball team defeated Social Circle 47-37 in the first round of the region tournament, securing a spot in the Class A Division I state playoffs.The Lady War Eagles (14-8) will now return to the postseason for the first time in almost four years.
Putnam County boys basketball head coach Patrick Marshall watches his team from the bench in a game against Social Circle on Feb. 4. LANCE MCCURLEY/ Staff

Putnam County boys basketball head coach Patrick Marshall watches his team from the bench in a game against Social Circle on Feb. 4. LANCE MCCURLEY/ Staff

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War Eagles have ‘unfinished business’

Lance McCurley
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Putnam County head coach Patrick Marshall took the blame for his team not making the postseason last year.In 2023-24, the War Eagles lost to Laney in the first round of the region tournament, ending their season earlier than expected.
Gatewood sophomore Lauren Paxson has been contributing some key points for the Lady Gators this season. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood sophomore Lauren Paxson has been contributing some key points for the Lady Gators this season. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Lady Gators get ready for region

Ian Tocher
Thursday, February 13, 2025
After losing their third straight game on Feb. 4, Gatewood (9-11, 4-4) will head to Macon this Thursday to begin the region tournament against host Windsor Academy (5-21, 0-8).Last Tuesday, the Lady Gators lost 48-37 to the Central Fellowship Christian Academy Lady Lancers.
Loran Smith/Columnist

Loran Smith/Columnist

Smith: Super Philly Dawgs

Loran Smith
Thursday, February 13, 2025
With 57 former Georgia players with their names on National Football League rosters, it is often difficult to pull for one team over the other. Still, I was happily lined up supporting the Eagles for the Super Bowl.
JT Gregory has been a contributor for the Gators all season long but his scoring pace has picked up just in time for playoffs. IAN TOCHER/Staff

JT Gregory has been a contributor for the Gators all season long but his scoring pace has picked up just in time for playoffs. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Gators perfect at home, heading to playoffs

Ian Tocher
Thursday, February 13, 2025
The Gatewood Gators wrapped up their 2024-25 regular season last Tuesday night with an 80-70 win over the visiting Central Fellowship Christian Academy Lancers.
Kannerika Nelson finished sixth in sectionals to qualify for state. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Kannerika Nelson finished sixth in sectionals to qualify for state. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

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Three Putnam wrestlers headed to state

Lance McCurley
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Putnam County is sending three wrestlers to the traditionals state tournament in Macon later this week.The War Eagles had Kaiden Bedley, Wyatt Sugs, Josh Grimes, Bryson Brown, and Zac Long wrestle at the Class A sectionals. The event took place this past Saturday at Social Circle High School.
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