What nobody could have expected though, was that all four teams, the varsity and JV girls and boys, would end up sweeping the championship games.
“It is difficult to put in words what winning all four championships mean to Calhoun Middle School,” said CMS girls coach Diane Smith. “From my own personal viewpoint, my desire to win these two [girls] championships was as intense as any season I have ever coached.”
“My girls gave it a great effort to put a fitting climax to what was already a great season,” she added. “[CMS boys] coach [Bryan] Abernathy had his boys ready and what intensity they showed in defeating two outstanding Cartersville teams.”
As for Abernathy, he believes that huge support from the school, administration, teachers, and parents contributed to Calhoun ability to sweep all four championships. He also believes that support from the high school was a big factor.
“Coach Hal Lamb, Coach Casey Baxter, and Coach Jerry Pruett are always willing to accommodate any needs that we have here at the middle school,” Abernathy said. “There have been several instances where we needed the guy to practice and the high school coaches have moved their practices back so we could get floor time.”
“One school winning all four championships is unusual,” concluded Smith. “It makes me happy and proud to be a part of this accomplishment. We occupy a position that any of the other schools would just be happy to share a part of.”
CMS Varsity Girls
The CMS girls defeated Cartersville 51-42 for their fourth consecutive B.G.M.S.A.A. Championship
“We had to work a little harder this year which makes it even greater than the previous three,” said Smith. “Last year we had so much talent that we won the championship game 53-4.”
The Lady Jackets took an 18-10 first quarter lead and were up 24-16 at the half.
The Lady Purple Hurricanes battled back in the third quarter and eventually tied the game at 30 with 30 seconds remaining in the quarter. Calhoun was able to knock down two baskets for a four point lead to end the third.
In the fourth, Cartersville again tied the game up with 5:30 left to play but Calhoun would not allow the Lady Purple Hurricanes to take the lead. The Lady Jackets would eventually pull away for the win.
“We had some key goals and did a great job from the free throw line,” said Smith.
Molly Palmer led the Calhoun girls with a game tying high 22 points. She led both teams with 11 rebounds. She also had three blocked shots.
“Molly is just a good ballplayer,” said Smith. “She has a good shot, keeps it up high and has a good eye for the basket.”
Wimberly Roe also had a big night, knocking down 19 points. Both Amber Parker and Payton Greeson netted three each. Kaitlyn Smith and Kyleigh Carney both had two points apiece. Carney added three steals and two assists.
“This has been a fun team,” said Smith. “Partly because we won but also because we get along with each other.
“They make me laugh,” she added.
Kaelyn Irby led Cartersville with 22 points.
CMS Varsity Boys
The CMS boys avenged two regular season losses by taking out Cartersville in the B.G.M.S.A.A. championship game 63-43.
“It was unexpected,” said Abernathy of the big win.
The Jackets started hot, rolling to a 15-1 start before finishing the opening quarter up 15-7. Cartersville then went on a run of their one, outscoring Calhoun 12-0 to close the gap to two.
However, the Jackets went on a 13-0 run of their own before closing the first half up 28-15.
Calhoun pulled away in the second half, leading 44-26 after three quarters. Cartersville faced a running clock at the end of the game.
“The biggest thing is we controlled the glass,” said Abernathy. “My big men won the war on the boards today and that was the big difference.”
Calhoun’s Keith Fightmaster led both teams with 21 points. Brett Moss followed with 16.
“Keith is just a presence,” said Abernathy. “An eighth grader, 6-foot-3, he is very coachable and he will do exactly what you want him to do.”
“Moss is our floor leader, our general,” added Abernathy. “We are a totally different team without him on the floor.”
Andrew Haynes netted nine points and Brett Moss added eight. Avery Johnson scored five and Jacob Parker had four.
Ryan Davis and A.J. Mosby had been averaging 15-20 points per game for the Purple Hurricanes going into the game. Calhoun held Mosby to 10 points and Davis to eight.
J.V. Teams
Both Calhoun Middle School J.V. teams also won championships on Saturday.
The J.V. boys defeated Cartersville in a thrilling game 51-47.
Ray Reeves hit a 3-pointer in the final minutes to give the Jackets the lead and Kaelan Riley helped to seal the victory at the end by singing three foul shots.
Reeves led the Calhoun boys with 19 points. Drew McKracken followed with 16. Riley netted nine and Matt McHan scored four.
John Alan Kendrick managed the game at point guard.
“I was proud of the focus and tenacity of the kids,” said Abernathy. “Drew and Matt did a great job on the boards and Ray and Kaelan made big plays when we needed them.”
The JV girls defeated Adairsville 35-15 to complete an undefeated season.
Sydnie Parker and Peyton Clark scored 10 points apiece for the Lady Jackets. Parker hit 5-of-7 shots from the floor and also added five steals. Clark grabbed six rebounds.
Tamia Wade added nine points and four steals.
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