Sports

Senior guard Zaylen Shealer slams it home in the 66-48 win over the Indians of Stephens County Jan. 23. Photo by Gavin Thomason.

Senior guard Zaylen Shealer slams it home in the 66-48 win over the Indians of Stephens County Jan. 23. Photo by Gavin Thomason.

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Dogs start win streak after strong second half performance versus Stephens

Benjamin London - Sports Editor and Staff Writer
Thursday, January 29, 2026
By Benjamin London sports@thehartwellsun.com The Dogs even out their region record with an impressive second half performance in the win over Stephens County.  On Jan. 23, Hart hosted the Indians of Stephens County in the Dog Pound.
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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Thomas declares for NFL Draft

Benjamin London - Sports Editor and Staff Writer
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Former Hart County, Virginia Tech and Purdue running back Malachi Thomas declares for the 2026 NFL Draft.  After spending five years at the collegiate level, four at Virginia Tech and one at Purdue, Thomas announced, via social media, that he would be declaring for the NFL Draft.
Senior forward Kiasia Montgomery (left) races up the floor on a fast break in the 46-32 win over the Lady Lions of Franklin County Jan. 20. Photo by Ric Williams.

Senior forward Kiasia Montgomery (left) races up the floor on a fast break in the 46-32 win over the Lady Lions of Franklin County Jan. 20. Photo by Ric Williams.

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Free throws help Lady Dogs get past Franklin

Benjamin London - Sports Editor and Staff Writer
Thursday, January 22, 2026
After conceding their match against Hebron, the Lady Dogs continue to roll in region play against Franklin County.  With the Lady Dogs forfeiting their match to Hebron Christian Jan. 16, the Lady Dogs resumed Region 8-AA play against the Lady Lions of Franklin County at home Jan. 20.
Boys basketball’s junior guard Kurston Curry earns Athlete of the Week. Photo by Benjamin London.

Boys basketball’s junior guard Kurston Curry earns Athlete of the Week. Photo by Benjamin London.

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Kurston Curry named Athlete of the Week

Benjamin London - Sports Editor and Staff Writer
Thursday, January 22, 2026
This week’s Athlete of the Week, presented by Johnson Heating & Air, goes to boys basketball’s junior guard Kurston Curry. Despite dealing with a nagging ankle injury, Curry has continued to be the consistent scorer for the Dogs.
Senior guard Zaylen Shealer (left) drives to the basket against two Lion defenders, as he scores a career high 32 points in the 89-61 win over Franklin County Jan. 20. Photo by Ric Williams.

Senior guard Zaylen Shealer (left) drives to the basket against two Lion defenders, as he scores a career high 32 points in the 89-61 win over Franklin County Jan. 20. Photo by Ric Williams.

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Dogs snap losing streak against Franklin

Benjamin London - Sports Editor and Staff Writer
Thursday, January 22, 2026
With Dogs’ head coach Matt Gibbs serving a two game suspension from being ejected at Prince Avenue Christian. Assistant head coach David Longworth spoke with the media postgame. “I thought the guys played well tonight,” Longworth said.
Pictured from left is assistant superintendent Brooks Mewborn, superintendent Jennifer Carter, new HCHS head football coach Biff Parson, chair of the board of education Kim Pierce and principal of HCHS Kevin Gaines at the introductory press conference Jan. 15. Photo by Benjamin London.

Pictured from left is assistant superintendent Brooks Mewborn, superintendent Jennifer Carter, new HCHS head football coach Biff Parson, chair of the board of education Kim Pierce and principal of HCHS Kevin Gaines at the introductory press conference Jan. 15. Photo by Benjamin London.

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Dogs dawn on a new era

Benjamin London - Sports Editor and Staff Writer
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Hart County’s new head football coach, Biff Parson, will look to “set the standard” for years to come.  On Jan. 15, Parson was officially introduced as the 18th head football coach of the Hart County Bulldogs and followed by answering questions from the media.