Sports

14-year-old Hart County native Hudson McGarity captured the Grand National Calling Championship in the Junior Division Feb. 11-15 in Nashville, Tn. Photo submitted by Jason McGarity.

14-year-old Hart County native Hudson McGarity captured the Grand National Calling Championship in the Junior Division Feb. 11-15 in Nashville, Tn. Photo submitted by Jason McGarity.

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McGarity captures National Title

Benjamin London - Sports Editor and Staff Writer
Thursday, March 5, 2026
14-year-old Hart County native Hudson McGarity captures his first Grand National Calling Championship.  On Feb. 11-15, McGarity traveled to Nashville, Tn. to compete in the 2026 Grand National Calling Championship.
Junior guard Kurston Curry drains a three in the face of multiple defenders, as he tied his career high scoring 32 points in the 89-72 win over the Panthers of Carver (Atlanta) Feb. 28. Photo by Grayson Williams.

Junior guard Kurston Curry drains a three in the face of multiple defenders, as he tied his career high scoring 32 points in the 89-72 win over the Panthers of Carver (Atlanta) Feb. 28. Photo by Grayson Williams.

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Surviving and advancing

Benjamin London - Sports Editor and Staff Writer
Thursday, March 5, 2026
The Dogs continue their playoff run with a pair of impressive wins to advance to the Elite Eight. On Feb. 25, Hart, the No. 24 seed, made the lengthy, state line to state line, three and a half hour trip to Columbus to take on the No. 9 seeded Greenwave of Spencer.
Boys basketball’s senior forward Ramarcus Simpson earns Athlete of the Week. Photo by Benjamin London.

Boys basketball’s senior forward Ramarcus Simpson earns Athlete of the Week. Photo by Benjamin London.

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Ramarcus Simpson named Athlete of the Week

News Staff
Thursday, March 5, 2026
What is your favorite thing to do outside of basketball?   “Hanging out with friends and just playing sports,” Simpson said.    What is your favorite memory of Matt Gibbs?   “When we won the region championship and just watching us all celebrate together,” Simpson said.
Emma Shiflet looks to drive the ball from the tee box, as she was the low medalist in the wins over Elbert County and Franklin County. Photo submitted by Ben Osborne.

Emma Shiflet looks to drive the ball from the tee box, as she was the low medalist in the wins over Elbert County and Franklin County. Photo submitted by Ben Osborne.

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Girls golf undefeated; boys golf 1-1 to start the year

Benjamin London - Sports Editor and Staff Writer
Thursday, February 26, 2026
The Lady Dogs are off to an undefeated start and the Dogs have only dropped one match to begin the season. On Feb. 17, Hart opened up the season by hosting the Blue Devils of Elbert County at Cateechee. The Lady Dogs defeated Elbert with Emma Shiflet shooting a 35 to be the low medalist.
Photo by Grayson Williams Senior forward Kiasia Montgomery drives inside the paint, as she scored 23 points in the 60-39 win over the Lady Mountaineers of North Murray in the first round of the state playoffs Feb. 24. Photo by Grayson Williams.

Photo by Grayson Williams Senior forward Kiasia Montgomery drives inside the paint, as she scored 23 points in the 60-39 win over the Lady Mountaineers of North Murray in the first round of the state playoffs Feb. 24. Photo by Grayson Williams.

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Region 8-AA runners up will get a sweet taste of the Sweet Sixteen

Benjamin London - Sports Editor and Staff Writer
Thursday, February 26, 2026
After finishing as the region runner up, the Lady Dogs dominated in the first round of the state playoffs to advance to the Sweet Sixteen.  On Feb. 18, Hart traveled to Bogart to take on the Lady Lions of Franklin County in the Region 8-AA Semifinals.
Senior guard Zaylen Shealer heads to the line for free throws for a game earlier in the season, as he had 16 points against Hebron and 14 points against Prince Avenue. Photo by Benjamin London.

Senior guard Zaylen Shealer heads to the line for free throws for a game earlier in the season, as he had 16 points against Hebron and 14 points against Prince Avenue. Photo by Benjamin London.

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Dogs drop back-to-back games to earn No. 24 seed in playoffs

Benjamin London - Sports Editor and Staff Writer
Thursday, February 26, 2026
The Dogs fell in the final two games of the region tournament to end up as the No. 4 seed out of Region 8-AA.  On Feb. 18, Hart traveled to Prince Avenue Christian in Bogart to compete in the Region 8-AA Semifinals against the No. 1 seeded Lions of Hebron Christian.
Senior outfielder Boston Graham 2-2 with two runs, a run batted in and also drew two walks in the 13-11 loss to Elbert County Feb. 24. Photo by Benjamin London.

Senior outfielder Boston Graham 2-2 with two runs, a run batted in and also drew two walks in the 13-11 loss to Elbert County Feb. 24. Photo by Benjamin London.

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The Diamond Dogs come up short in now five-game skid

Benjamin London - Sports Editor and Staff Writer
Thursday, February 26, 2026
The Diamond Dogs slump continues during their five-game skid.  On Feb. 19, Hart traveled to Elbert County to take on the Blue Devils. Elbert jumped out to an early lead by scoring two runs in the bottom of the first and two more in the bottom of the second to take an early 4-0 lead.