Sports

Senior boys tennis player Riley Gaines earns Athlete of the Week. Photo by Benjamin London.

Senior boys tennis player Riley Gaines earns Athlete of the Week. Photo by Benjamin London.

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Riley Gaines named Athlete of the Week

Benjamin London - Sports Editor and Staff Writer
Thursday, April 30, 2026
This week’s Athlete of the Week, presented by Johnson Heating & Air, goes to senior Racket Dog Riley Gaines. Gaines played a vital part in helping the Racket Dogs reach the Sweet Sixteen for the second straight year, as he captured a 6-0 and 6-1 win at No.
Senior Luke Samples was crowned a region champion after placing first in boys pole vault at the Region 8-AA Meet April 23. Photo by Shane Scoggins.

Senior Luke Samples was crowned a region champion after placing first in boys pole vault at the Region 8-AA Meet April 23. Photo by Shane Scoggins.

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The Region 8-AA Runners-Up advance to Sectionals

Benjamin London - Sports Editor and Staff Writer
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Both the boys and girls track teams advanced to Sectionals after finishing as the region runners-up at the Region 8-AA Meet.On April 21, Hart traveled to Carnesville to compete in the Region 8-AA Meet at Franklin County High School.
Midfielder Noé Ramírez Padilla rings the victory bell after scoring a hat trick in the 4-0 win over Josey April 24. Photo by Benjamin London.

Midfielder Noé Ramírez Padilla rings the victory bell after scoring a hat trick in the 4-0 win over Josey April 24. Photo by Benjamin London.

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Dogs capture first playoff win in school history

Benjamin London - Sports Editor and Staff Writer
Thursday, April 30, 2026
A hat trick hero helps put the Dogs past Josey to pick up Hart County’s first ever playoff win.On April 24, Hart, seeded No. 15, hosted the No. 18 seeded Eagles of Josey, as the Dogs were coming off of a 10-1 win over the Eagles to end the regular season.
Lyla Phillips prepares to returns a serve from earlier in the season, as she won in the third set at No. 1 singles against the Lady Panthers of Savannah Arts April 23, to help send Hart to the Sweet Sixteen. Photo by Benjamin London.

Lyla Phillips prepares to returns a serve from earlier in the season, as she won in the third set at No. 1 singles against the Lady Panthers of Savannah Arts April 23, to help send Hart to the Sweet Sixteen. Photo by Benjamin London.

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Lady Dogs survive Savannah to advance to Sweet Sixteen

Benjamin London - Sports Editor and Staff Writer
Thursday, April 30, 2026
The Lady Dogs upset Savannah Arts in the first round to advance and host a Sweet Sixteen playoff match.On April 23, Hart, seeded No. 21, traveled to Savannah to take on the No. 12 seeded Lady Panthers of Savannah Arts Academy.
Derrick Campbell returns a serve, as him and Carson Hart dominated No. 2 doubles, 6-0 and 6-0, to help capture a 5-0 win over Hardaway April 22. Photo by Benjamin London.

Derrick Campbell returns a serve, as him and Carson Hart dominated No. 2 doubles, 6-0 and 6-0, to help capture a 5-0 win over Hardaway April 22. Photo by Benjamin London.

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Dogs get swept in Sweet Sixteen

Benjamin London - Sports Editor and Staff Writer
Thursday, April 30, 2026
After dominating the first round of the state tournament, the Dogs fell in the Sweet Sixteen to end their season.On April 22, Hart, seeded No. 13, hosted the No. 20 seeded Hawks of Hardaway for the first round of the state tournament.
Aidyn Craft takes a free kick, as she later scored on a penalty kick in the 4-2 loss to Lady Cavaliers of Callaway in the first round of the state playoffs April 23. Photo by Benjamin London.

Aidyn Craft takes a free kick, as she later scored on a penalty kick in the 4-2 loss to Lady Cavaliers of Callaway in the first round of the state playoffs April 23. Photo by Benjamin London.

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Lady Dogs fall short in first round playoff loss

Benjamin London - Sports Editor and Staff Writer
Thursday, April 30, 2026
 The Lady Dogs historic season ends in a chippy loss to Callaway in the first round of the state playoffs.On April 23, Hart, seeded No. 15, made history, as they hosted the No. 18 seeded Lady Cavaliers of Callaway in the first ever home playoff match in the school’s history.