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FEB. 23 KIDS’ SEATS $10! Ages 2-12. Excludes VIP Fallout Zone and Club seats. All seats $2 more day of show. GEORGIA DOME Additional fees may apply. No double discounts. Sat. 7:00 PM Sat. 7:30 PM Pit Party: 12:30 - 6:00 PM MAR. 2 & 3 Sun. 2:00 PM Buy tickets at Ticketmaster.com, Retail Locations, Georgia Dome Box Office or call 1-800-745-3000 PHILIPS ARENA Buy tickets at Ticketmaster.com,

2 | Feb. 22 - Mar. 7, 2013 | Vol. 9 Iss. 4 CONTENTS CAN’T MISS SHOT OF THE THIS WEEK Starting On our columnists’ page, we give you this issue’s “Cup of Joe” WEEK... Lineup 4 and visit “The Dimon Club.” Publisher/Editor I.J. Rosenberg ART/CREATIVE DIRECTOR DJ Galbiati Blalock senior Managing Editor Stephen Black Fletcher Proctor reviews the state basketball tournament in this Asst. Managing director Fletcher Proctor 5 week’s cover story. business manager Marvin Botnick

BEAT WRITERS Craig Sager II gives us a rundown of this week’s region Chris Lionetti (UGA), Brian Jones (GSU, KSU), 7 Craig Sager II (Falcons), Ricky Dimon (Hawks), tournaments in the prep cover story. Joe Deighton (Gladiators), Fletcher Proctor (Braves), Ryan Caiafa (Tech) We catch you up on the state swimming and wrestling STAFF WRITERS 8/10 championships. Jay Underwood, Sean Conway Team Scoop TO ADVERTISE IN SCORE ATLANTA: and Voices INSIDE AT SCORE 404.256.1572 Score Atlanta is looking for Swimmers and diviers COVER design by DJ Galbiati blalock SPLASH WAR: Cover Photos courtesy of dj galbiati blalock writing interns. Please e-mail from all over the state converged on the Copyright 2013 Score Atlanta Publishing, LLC. All rights re- served. Score Atlanta is published every other week on Fridays. and ty freeman Stephen Black at sblack@ Georgia Tech Aquatic Center Feb. 8-9 for the

Views expressed in Score Atlanta are not necessarily the opinion ON THE of Score Atlanta, its staff or advertisers. Score Atlanta does not 6 score List - Numbers scoreatl.com for more informa- swimming finals. First-time winner Lambert knowingly accept false or misleading editorial content or adver- (girls) joined repeat champions Parkview tising nor is Score Atlanta responsible for the content or claims tion. Feel free to call 404-256- of any advertising or editorial in this publication. No content (ar- 12 gsu, KSU, UGA, Tech (boys, 6A) and Westminster (girls, A-5A) as ticles, photographs, graphics) in Score Atlanta may be used for 1572 for more information. reproduction without written permission from the publisher. 13 Braves, Falcons, Gladiators, Hawks state champs. Photo courtesy of Sonny Kennedy.

www.scoreatl.com | 3 columnists

join Jason Heyward to form the best outfield San Francisco 49ers in the NFC title game. in baseball. The Upton brothers are both ca- The Falcons need a defensive lineman that pable of hitting 30 home runs and stealing can stop the run and rush the quarterback. cup of 30 bases. We all know what Heyward can do Defensive end Cliff Avril of the Detroit Lions and all three can run down any fly ball. The is a prime candidate. The free agent has 39.5 Braves haven’t had an outfield this good since sacks in his five-year career and is still just joe the early ‘90’s with Ron Gant, David Justice, 26-years old. Michael Johnson of the Bengals Otis Nixon and Deion Sanders. played college football at Georgia Tech and If the trio of outfielders makes the Braves would fit nicely along the Falcons defensive a contender, the pitching staff could make the line. Johnson had 11.5 sacks last year for a Spring training isn’t the same without Jones Braves a champion. Tim Hudson, Kris Medlen, playoff team in Cincinnati. Mike Minor and Brandon Beachy are all capa- Michael Turner may not return in 2013. By Joe Deighton ble of pitching long innings and winning games His injuries and old legs are major concerns. pring Training just doesn’t feel the same on their own. The key to this year is Minor. The Reggie Bush is a possibility, but he is not the He led the Braves to their fifth World Series left-hander won 11 games last year in 30 starts. every-down back the Falcons need. The draft Swithout knowing that Chipper Jones will appearance of the decade and won the Na- If Minor can add five more wins, go deeper into is where Atlanta needs to look if they want to be in the Braves’ lineup. Jones made his mark tional League MVP after hitting a career-high games and lower his 4.12 ERA from a year ago, find a running back to replace Turner. as a Braves legend on a team that won 14 45 home runs. In 2008, at 36-years old, he the Braves will be a force to be reckoned with in Many fans wouldn’t mind seeing Ala- consecutive division titles. He helped Atlanta won the batting title, hitting .364. Whether the NL East this year. bama running back Eddie Lacy in a Falcons capture its one and only championship in pro- he is a Hall of Fame player or not is up for uniform, but look for Clemson running back fessional sports. debate, especially in this era. However, as far NO OFFSEASON ... Andre Ellington to be available in the second It doesn’t seem like that long ago that as Atlanta Braves legends are concerned, he The NFL is the most popular sport in or even third round this year. Ellington has Jones was the young superstar on this team. belongs right alongside of Hank Aaron, Dale America. As soon as the Atlanta Falcons lost 4.4 speed and rushed for over 1,000 yards in It doesn’t seem that long ago that fans at Shea Murphy and John Smoltz. in the playoffs, people started talking about his last two years at Clemson. He has been Stadium were chanting, “Larry, Larry.” Time whom they should sign and what the draft compared to Ray Rice because of his size and is a weird thing. One day, you’re a kid cheer- SPRING CLEANING ... was going to look like. This Falcons team is durability. Ellington piled up over 600 carries ing for your favorite player and then, sudden- Pitchers and catchers have reported and on the brink of the Super Bowl. Which player in four years with the Tigers. If a rookie run- ly, he’s an old man and has to retire. It doesn’t spring is in the air down in Lake Buena Vis- will push this team to the top? Will it be a free ning back is going to make an impact, don’t seem that long ago. ta, Fla. A new era has begun for the Atlanta agent defensive end? Will it be a running back be surprised if it’s Ellington. Jones gave us so many great memories. Braves, but it feels like that old champion- in the draft? Deighton can be reached at Without question, 1999 was his best season. ship magic is back. B.J. and Justin Upton will The defensive line was gashed by the [email protected].

this Johnson-less franchise is in minor rebuild- outspoken about our interest in having Tony ing mode. Is getting a low seed with a chance back,” Dimitroff told the Atlanta Journal to win no more than one playoff series that Constitution. “He’s still a very adept and ath- dimon much worse than nabbing a more favorable letic tight end in our minds and can continue seed with a possibility of reaching the confer- to help us win a lot of games. But again, it’s ence finals—at most? No. Certainly not to the ultimately up to Tony to make that decision club extent that risking future success is warranted. for himself and his family.” GOING, GOING, GONZO? … LIVING IN AN UPTON WORLD … Decision time imminent for Hawks, Falcons The Falcons are in a situation that is not One home team that has already made its quite as sticky. After all, the direction of their decisions is the Atlanta Braves. They made By Ricky Dimon franchise does not hinge on this particular theirs loud and clear: we’re going all in on the decision (and it’s a decision of a player, not Upton brothers. o stay or not to stay, that is the question. lanta and getting rid of Smoove would consti- one of their own). They know who they are, Did the Braves overspend or overtrade TAt least ‘tis the question in Atlanta right tute another one. Is Smith a very good player? where they have been and where they plan on for B.J. and Justin? On the surface, maybe. now; that’s for sure. Both on the hardwood Yes. Is he a franchise centerpiece worthy of going. Don’t get me wrong, Tony Gonzalez is B.J. signed a five-year, $75.25M deal as a free and the gridiron, major decisions need to be the max contract that he would inevitably a huge piece to the puzzle. But the team is by agent. Justin followed via some blockbuster made by the home teams. demand this offseason in order to stay in At- no means building around him, and his fate— wheeling and dealing with Arizona, which For the Hawks, of course, the one turning lanta? Not by any stretch of the imagination. although likely to have an impact on the won- bagged Martin Prado, Randall Delgado and the meter both on the court and in the locker Better to get something in return now than loss column in the standings—should not pitching prospect Zeke Spruill from Atlanta. room has been local product Josh Smith. to lose him for nothing this summer. Better affect more than one position on the field in The younger Upton (25 to B.J.’s 28) is owed His immediate fate had to be decided by the still to avoid the same mistake made by the terms of personnel. $38.5M over the next three seasons. That’s a Thursday afternoon trade deadline, but noth- previous regime, which gave max money to After helping Atlanta get over the recent lot of cash and a considerable amount of talent ing was set in stone as of Wednesday morn- entirely un-max player (Joe Johnson). playoff hump and reach the NFC Champion- streaming out of Atlanta, but the Braves had to ing. Arguably the biggest NBA news during One downside to trading Smith, of course, ship for the third time in franchise history, make a splash following the departure of leg- all-star weekend was a report that Hawks’ is that it hurts Atlanta’s chances this season. Gonzo said he was 95 percent sure he would end Chipper Jones. And it’s not like the Upton general manager Danny Ferry was adamant Because J-Smoove is a free agent, he may be retire. General manager Thomas Dimitroff, bros. are here simply to generate excitement. about unloading Smith. nothing more than a half-season rental for the called it 50-50 following his full-court press They are pretty darn good at baseball, too. Ferry has already made several smooth receiving team. As such, there is no way the of Gonzalez at the beginning of the season. Dimon can be reached at front-office moves during his tenure inAt- Hawks would get equal value in return. But “We have evolved and have been quite [email protected].

4 | Feb. 22 - Mar. 7, 2013 | Vol. 9 Iss. 4 COVER STORY

FAMILIAR FACES ... against Norcross in the second round of the For all of the new blood that could rule playoffs. Norcross, which fell in the Region the day in AAAAAA, folks are quite familiar 7-AAAAAA finals to North Gwinnett, boasts state with Sharman White, the Miller Grove head former Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year coach, who is trying to lead his new-look Diamond DeShields as well as Shayla Coo- playoffs Wolverines to a fifth straight title. While Tony per, who is headed to Georgetown. North Parker, Tony Evans and Brandon Morris are Gwinnett is on the other side of the bracket gone, White has Earl Bryant, Kyre’ Hamer and could face Woodstock in the quarterfinals and Keith Pinckney trying to help nail down and perhaps North Cobb or Tift County in the Metro teams aiming for success in Macon title number five. Miller Grove has a dif- semifinals. Lexie Brown, Peyton Whitted, By Fletcher Proctor ficult road early, but White’s squad is battle Baylee Rexing and Joshlyn Belcher all are tested, having won the always-tough Region thirsting to bring North Gwinnett its first girls 6-AAAAA. basketball state title. In Class AAAA, Columbia has won that Elsewhere across the state, defending past three AAA titles but South Atlanta has Class AAAAA champion Miller Grove has had Columbia’s number this year, includ- what appears to be an easier trip to the semi- ing in the Region 6-AAAA tournament and finals than the team that beat them for the isn’t too far removed from a GHSA title in Region 6-AAAAA title, Southwest DeKalb. 2009. Watch out for those two teams meet- Stephenson is a threat after beating Kell in the ing for a third time in the AAAA finals with first-round. Columbia’s Tahj Shamsid-Deen and South Columbia is back on top of Class AAAA Atlanta’s Jonathan Range providing plenty of entering the state playoffs and no discussion fireworks. of Georgia high school basketball is complete Greater Atlanta Christian scored a pair without mentioning the always-loaded Wes- of titles in 2010 and 2011 before falling just leyan Wolves. Jan Azar has this collection of short last season. This year, Eddie Martin has talent brimming with confidence and ready his squad back and ready to return to the top for all comers as Wesleyan attempts to win of the mountain in Class AA. GAC is on the the program’s sixth straight title but first AA easier side of the bracket and will look to title since 2008. Wesleyan has captured nine ride Isaiah Wilkins, Collin Swinton and Cam titles since 2002 and has Katie Frerking, Brit- Boyd, as well as a few key reserves, to yet tany Stevens and a host of other players that another state title. will take their talents to the next level ready to While much is made over the Buford charge through the AA bracket. he GHSA will crown 14 basketball cham- lanta that could give the Tift County mon- girls program, and with good reason, the boys Photos courtesy of Ty Freeman. Proctor Tpions in Macon in early March, the first ster a serious run for its money. Brandon program could bring home a state title of its can be reached at [email protected]. time in years all of the championships will be Goodwin scored 23 points and teams with own from Macon. After falling in the finals decided at one venue and the first time ever Lorenzo Carter to give the Blue Devils a two years ago, Buford looks poised to fin- 14 brackets will stretch across the state of serious one-two punch that reminds many ish the drill with A.J. Davis, Kyle Doyle and Georgia. After reclassification and the -deci supporters in the House of Blue of champi- Isaiah Williams all providing plenty of points sion to split the Class A schools into separate onship teams past. Factor in Andre Chatfield and a large dose of senior leadership. Allen public and private brackets, high school bas- and Terrance O’Donohue as complementary Whitehart has a team that does not fear the ketball fans will have even more action to fol- pieces and championship head coach Jesse road and plays suffocating defense that will low over the new few weeks as the 2012-13 McMillan and the Blue Devils should not be wear any opponent out. season races to beat the buzzer. taken lightly. Speaking of Buford, Gene Durden’s Shiloh survived an SEC-like Region girls program has suffered through plenty of NEW FAVORITES ... 8-AAAAAA this year, winning the region tragedy this season and lost the nation’s No. Due to GHSA probation, the Milton boys tournament to earn the all-important No. 1 2 recruit Kaela Davis several weeks ago to basketball program will not be able to defend seed. Nate Mason and Trayvon Reed offer an injury. Despite the setbacks, the Wolves its championship run of one year ago. Milton, perhaps the best inside-outside combination still managed to capture the Region 7-AAA behind Shaq Johnson, Evan Nolte and sev- in Georgia as Mason can shoot from anywhere tournament title as Kristina Nelson is starting eral other stars, won the Class AAAAA title while Reed is a double-double machine that to play up to her potential. Nelson notched in Gwinnett last year, but a new favorite has uses his 7-foot frame to his advantage every 20 points in the championship game and is stepped up and taken over the mantle of big, time down the court. The Generals must run a force underneath the basket. Maya Dillard bad wolf in Milton’s absence. Tift County fea- the gauntlet in order to reach Georgia Tech for and MacKenzie Darrah are also stepping out tures the state’s top recruit in Brannen Greene the semifinals and Macon for the finals with of the shadows to contribute big points with for the Class of 2013 and a candidate for 2014 Centennial/Peachtree Ridge looming in the more shots available. top recruit in Tadric Jackson. The Blue Devils second round and perhaps Wheeler or Chat- rode those two to a Region 1-AAAAAA title tahoochee in the quarterfinals. Norcross could SHOWCASE SHOWDOWN ... as Greene tallied 36 points while Jackson net- see Archer in the second round and perhaps a In what could probably pass for a state fi- ted 22 in a win over Brunswick. dangerous Collins Hill, Berkmar or Roswell nal, Region 8-AAAAAA champion Parkview Norcross is one team out of metro At- team in the quarters. will put its undefeated season on the line

www.scoreatl.com | 5 our thoughts

Chipper Jones More Recruits Prep Grapplers Just because National Signing Last weekend saw the best high The Atlanta Braves will officially retire the Day has passed doesn’t mean school wrestlers take part in the eight-time all-star’s No. 10 in a ceremony the process has ended. Georgia GHSA traditional state wrestling this June and induct him into the fran- picked up a huge defensive tack- tournament in Macon. Archer chise’s hall of fame. Fittingly, his number le in Toby Johnson earlier this and Gordon Lee earned the first will be the 10th number retired in team week and welcomed a host of team titles in their programs’ 2014’s best players last week- histories while Gilmer, Pope Thumbs up history. Jones gave his heart to Atlanta end. Don’t sleep or you’ll fall and Jefferson took their familiar for 19 years and this is a great way to pay behind Alabama in the endless spots at the top of the podium TO LEGENDS him back. game that is recruiting. in Macon.

Bloated Self-Opinions Basketball Upsets Basketball Struggles Josh Smith priced himself out While it is great that games are of Atlanta when he demanded a played on the court where any- Just when it seemed like the two in-state max contract. For some reason thing can happen, to see a team basketball powers were turning things the hometown kid has been un- such as North Gwinnett miss around both Georgia Tech and UGA’s sea- happy in Atlanta but he is willing out on the GHSA state playoffs to stay if the Hawks want to re- because of a 35-foot miracle sons have slammed into walls. Tech was ward a 17-point per game player shot is really a shame. The bashed by UNC at home earlier this week with a max deal that LeBron GHSA should consider expand- and UGA saw a five-game winning streak Thumbs down TO doesn’t even get. Thanks but no ing the power rating formula to thanks Smoove. See you later. all classes. turn into a two-game slide. BAD HOOPS Score crunching TRIVIA SANITY List the NUMBERS QUESTION AT LAST BY BRIAN JONES by Fletcher Proctor What was the last team “We can’t look at this IT’S OUR TIME: It has been a long process, State titles Camden County won under but Kennesaw State will finally have a football game as a game that team. In the fall of 2015, the Owls will kick- Jeff Herron, who left for Prince Avenue in the state’s largest off their inaugural season and the community 3 Christian could not be any happier. Last week, KSU had is going to make us or a celebration at the Convocation Center led by classification to win the school president Daniel Papp and athletic director Vaughn Williams, and students as well as city Coaches in Georgia history who have won break us. This is just 1 officials were in attendance. Now the next step is titles at two different schools. Herron has state title besides Milton, hiring a head coach. I wonder who will be the first 13 another game. We are head coach in KSU football history? won titles at Camden and Oconee County Norcross or Wheeler, OGLETREE ARRESTED: While one football playing against the community is celebrating a historic event, one foot- Points averaged last year with Washing- ball player is on the hot seat as former UGA line- backer Alec Ogletree got arrested for driving under ton by Jasmine Thomas, who was ac- which have combined to world champs.” the influence.O gletree is expected to be drafted in 8.2 the first round, but after the recent run-in with the quired by the Dream Tuesday law, many teams could hold off on Ogletree he could win eight straight? be picked in the later rounds. Based on where Ogle- - Hawks coach Larry Drew on 2 tree is projected to go in draft, it’s a move that could Victories in five games for Georgia Tech cost him $4.5 million. As a Georgia fan, I hope Ogle- against the ACC’s top four teams (Duke, tree can get it together and learn from this mistake. Answer on Page 14 facing the Miami Heat. 0 Miami, N.C. State and UNC) SPRING BASEBALL: The Braves are down in Florida as they train for the upcoming season. There will be a lot of questions that will be an- North Carolina wins against Georgia Tech swered the next six weeks like who will be new leadoff man? Who will be the fifth starting pitcher? in Atlanta out of the past eight basketball How will the Upton brothers work together? And who will be the leader of the clubhouse since Chip- 2 games per Jones is retired? It will be a very interesting top 10 swim results 3 spring training for the Braves, but the level of excitement for this team could not be any higher. Years since UNC has swept a season se- Class AAAAAA Girls Class AAAAAA Boys NOT MOVING: Falcons owner Arthur Blank 12 ries with Georgia Tech released a statement over the weekend saying the 1. lambert 292 6. Kennesaw Mtn 167 1. Parkview 234 6. Collins Hill 146 Falcons will not move to the suburbs and are doing 2. Peachtree Ridge 222 7. etowah 149 2. Chattahoochee 226 7. Johns Creek 129 whatever it takes to get a new stadium built in down- Strikeouts for Georgia Tech pitcher Buck town Atlanta by 2017. There has been speculation 3. lassiter 197 8. Walton 127 3. lassiter 211 8. Walton 123 that if the Falcons don’t get a stadium deal done in 14 Farmer against Akron in eight innings the downtown area, they could have the stadium built 4. Johns Creek 185 9. Archer 106 4. north Gwinnett 169 9. Mill Creek 111 in the metro area like Alpharetta or Doraville. Person- 5. brookwood 170 9. Milton 106 5. Alpharetta 148 10. Brookwood 89 4 ally, I would not mind if the new stadium was built in Batting average for Georgia Tech fresh- the suburbs. It could be an easier drive and parking for the new stadium would be more fan friendly. .615 man Matt Gonzalez, tops on the team JUNIOR DAY: Over 100 high school juniors Class A-AAAAA Girls Class A-AAAAA Boys were in Athens the past weekend to take part in Jersey numbers soon to be unavailable to 1. Westminster 306 6. oconee County 98 1. dalton 192 6. Marist 133 UGA’s Junior Day. Players like Peachtree Ridge safety Nick Glass and Carrollton offensive line- future Braves after the team retires Chip- 2. Woodward Acad. 239 7. Pope 90 2. Westminster 173 7. Chamblee 131 man Jake Sanders meet with UGA coaches to dis- 10 per Jones’ No. 10 this June cuss football, academics and listen to the coach- 2. Marist 239 8. McIntosh 88 3. oconee County 154 8. northview 115 es sell them on why they should attend Georgia. 4. st Pius X 189 9. Wesleyan 84 4. north Hall 144 9. starr’s Mill 101 Some of them even left with scholarship offers. This was important event for Georgia as they Current members of the Braves Hall of 5. Pace Academy 112 10. Northview 81 5. st Pius X 135 10. Holy Innocents 76 5 get an early start on the 2014 recruiting season. Fame, a number to increase by one after Hopefully, the Bulldogs will be able to sign a fair 24 amount of the players that attended to the event. Jones is inducted on June 28

6 | Feb. 22 - Mar. 7, 2013 | Vol. 9 Iss. 4 double in the Region 2-AAAAA title game, but one seeds with region titles and the Lady Elephants Region tournaments feature drama, upsets Northside-Warner Robins was able to outscore beat North Forsyth 35-27 in the 6-AAAAAA title. Jones County 76-70 to earn the title and snap Southwest DeKalb upset Tucker and Miller Grove By Craig Sager II Jones County’s nine-game winning streak. on its way to a shocking tournament championship In Class AAAAA, Miller Grove is eye- in Region 6-AAAAA. ing a fifth straight title after taking the Region In a game that had many eyes across the coun- here were 94 region titles up for grabs this who put up 42 points and nine rebounds in Camp- 6-AAAAA title. Gainesville captured the pro- try watching, North Gwinnett topped Norcross in Tpast week across the state of Georgia for bell’s 80-78 five-overtime win over McEachern. gram’s first region title since 2009 with a 72-61 the Region 7-AAAAAA title game. Allatoona re- girls and boys basketball. The drama was thick Region tournaments are the perfect way to win over Salem. Shaquan Cantrell had 21 points mains one of the hottest teams entering the tourna- and the stars were shining. From a five-overtime gain momentum for the tournament and Druid to pace the Red Elephants. Buford is a program ment and eased past Villa Rica in the 5-AAAAA game to breakout performances from freshmen Hills enters the AAAAAA playoffs with some se- that is a favorite on the boys and girls side and championship game 53-40. Kell was able to string and sophomores, the action never let up. Region rious momentum after knocking off Region No. 3 A.J. Davis scored 18 points to take North Hall together a strong performance as well and topped rivals squared off and champions were crowned, Lovejoy, No. 2 Luella and No. 1 Rockdale Coun- 50-36 in the boys Region 7-AAA title game. Osborne 53-44 for the region title. but the real significance of these games comes ty en route to their 2-AAAAAA title. Norcross is One of the state’s best juniors, Ahmed Hill Region 8-AAAAAA had the most adversity from earning a spot in the state tournament. a team that is always in contention and Brandon scored 32 points as Aquinas took out Wilkinson in their final seedings. Salem was the No. 4 seed Goodwin is also capable of leading the Blue Dev- County to win the Region 7-A tournament. heading into the region tournament but ended up HOOP DREAMS ... ils to the state title. Goodwin scored 23 points in beating Clarke Central 59-41 to claim the top In the states highest classification, Tift County the Region 7-AAAAAA championship and with LADIES NIGHTS ... seed for the state tournament. The region tour- proved to a major contender heading into the state a strong supporting cast showed Norcross is a One of the many highlights of the weekend nament’s No. 1 seed Flowery Branch took an- tournament. Brannen Greene scored 36 points and mammoth heading into state tournament time. came out of Region 4-AAAAAA as North Cobb other slide and lost 54-38 to Cedar Shoals in the Tadric Jackson notched 22 as Tift County cruised Speaking of Region 7-AAAAAA, Mead- edged past McEachern 53-52 in a game featur- game for third place. St. Francis was another big to the Region 1-AAAAAA title over Brunswick 88- owcreek pulled off one of the most thrilling ing the defending state champion Indians. Region winner this weekend claiming Region 6-A titles 72. Tift County has lost just once this season to a upsets of the region tournaments, knocking off tournaments bring intense rival games and Chero- in both girls and guys and may have something Georgia team (to Coffee on Jan. 19). One of the best Collins Hill 56-53 with a half-court buzzer-beat- kee was able to battle through 5-AAAAAA and to say in the Class-A Private tournaments. individual performances of the region tournaments er to earn the region’s No. 3 seed. Jones County’s beat neighboring Woodstock 56-55 to take the Sager can be reached at came from Campbell sophomore guard Dante Scott Jarquez Smith recorded a seventh straight triple- championship. Alpharetta boys and girls earned [email protected]. high school sports

competition, traditional powers Marist and won the boys 50 and 100 freestyle races, and Westminster. his team came in ninth. “My relay for the 400 free was like 32nd The Lambert girls won the girls champi- state swimming (in the state) with a slow time entered because onship for the first time by totaling 292 points, they just had’t swam any meets this year, and well ahead of second-place Peachtree Ridge’s we moved up from 32nd to first,” Todd said. 222. Lassiter took third while Johns Creek and finals “No one in Atlanta had seen this coming. We Brookwood rounded out the top five. had a left hook waiting for them. We put it on Individually, Rebecca Postoll won the 200 them yesterday and we just stayed on top of freestyle and 500 freestyle. Lambert won on Parkview, Westminster repeat swim titles them today.” the strength of two victories in the three relays Another big break for Dalton came in the and seven top-five finishes in the individuals. By Stephen Black 200 medley relay, as Marist’s team forfeited Photo courtesy of Sonny Kennedy. Black due to jumping before the touch. That cost can be reached at [email protected]. he Dalton boys and Westminster girls won fly. Stafford, a Stanford signee, won the 200 the War Eagles up to a possible 40 points and TClass A-AAAAA state swimming and freestyle event all four years of her career. helped cause Marist to finish sixth with 133 diving championships Feb. 9 at the Georgia “Nicole Stafford is a real swimmer. She’s points. Dalton totaled 192 while Westminster Tech Aquatic Center. the real deal,” Higgins said. “She’ll get after was runner-up with 173. It is yet another swimming and diving you. She’s a competitor.” Four state records were set Feb. 9 in Class title for Westminster, which are as familiar to Dalton became the first boys swimming A-AAAAA, three by Westminster. Records the school as West Paces Ferry Road, the av- team from outside of metro Atlanta to win fell in the boys 200 medley relay (Dalton, enue that runs just by the Buckhead school. It a state championship since another group 1:32.93), the girls 200 medley relay (West- is the second girls championship in a row for of Catamounts did it in 1993, when there minster, 1:43.96), the girls 300 freestyle (Ni- Westminster and 21st overall. was only one title to be won. Coach Charles cole Stafford, Westminster, 1:45.29) and the The Wildcats took the girls champion- Todd’s team won two of the three relay events 400 freestyle relay (Westminster, 3:26.22). ship fairly easily with 306 points, well ahead and got wins from senior Georgia-signee Tay- of runners-up Woodward Academy and lor Dale in the 100 backstroke and 100 but- 6A FINALS ... Marist, which tied with 239 points. St. Pius terfly to pull away from Westminster in the The Parkview boys won their second came in fourth and Pace Academy rounded boys meet. Dale led his team despite suffering boys championship in a row behind a deep out the top five. from mononucleosis recently. team that, despite not winning any individual “We’ve got some pretty good talent that “As a matter of fact, yesterday, we took or relay races, was able to outpoint the rest of we’re definitely going to miss” said Westmin- him to the hospital after his 400-free,” Todd the field. Chattahoochee came in second with ster coach Pete Higgins, who has been at the revealed. “His blood-sugar was low, his iron 226 points and Lassiter took third with 211. school since 1960. “I’m going to have to start was low, they were afraid his spleen was en- Lassiter won two of the three relays while coaching next year instead of just filling out larged. But he toughed it out and I’m really senior Jimmy Yoder won the 100 butterfly the entry blank.” proud of him.” and 200 freestyle, including a state record in Senior Nicole Stafford led Westminster Todd knew his team would have to come the 100 fly. Yoder will swim for Stanford Uni- with wins in the 200 freestyle and 100 butter- up with something unexpected to beat its top versity next year. Chris Powell of Mill Creek basketball Rankings

CLASS AAAAAA CLASS AAAAAA 1. tift County 6. Westlake 1. Parkview 6. Alcovy 2. shiloh 7. Alpharetta 2. north Gwinnett 7. north Cobb 3. norcross 8. druid Hills 3. norcross 8. langston Hughes 4. north Cobb 9. Chattahoochee BOYS 4. Cherokee 9. hillgrove girls 5. Wheeler 10. hillgrove 5. Alpharetta 10. Woodstock

CLASS AAAAA CLASS AA CLASS AAAAA CLASS AA 1. Miller Grove 6. new Manchester 1. gAC 6. Pelham 1. tucker 6. osborne 1. Wesleyan 6. thomasville 2. effingham County 7. Jones County 2. Vidalia 7. Jefferson 2. Kell 7. Cedar Shoals 2. laney 7. Pelham 3. northside-Columbus 8. stephenson 3. Westside-Augusta 8. taylor County 3. Miller Grove 8. Forest Park 3. Kendrick 8. Westside-Augusta 4. Whitewater 9. Allatoona 4. Calhoun 9. laney 4. stephenson 9. McIntosh 4. Calhoun 9. McIntosh Co. Acad. 5. gainesville 10. tucker 5. Jordan 10. bleckley County 5. sW DeKalb 10. effingham Co. 5. dublin 10. GAC

CLASS AAAA CLASS A-PRIVATE CLASS AAAA CLASS A-PRIVATE 1. eagle’s Landing 6. Jonesboro 1. north Cobb Chr. 6. landmark Chr. 1. Columbia 6. south Effingham 1. sW Atlanta Chr. 6. george Walton Acad. 2. south Atlanta 7. nW Whitfield 2. W.D. Mohammed 7. Athens Christian 2. redan 7. Marist 2. holy Innocents’ 7. Paideia 3. statesboro 8. rutland 3. greenforest Chr. 8. st. Francis 3. Cross Creek 8. Woodland-Henry 3. darlington 8. Mt. Paran 4. Westover 9. Marist 4. excel Christian 9. holy Innocents’ 4. Mary Persons 9. sandy Creek 4. Calvary Day 9. Atlanta Intl. 5. Columbia 10. glenn Hills 5. Aquinas 10. Calvary Day 5. Jonesboro 10. Madison County 5. st. Francis 10. Providence Chr.

CLASS AAA CLASS A-PUBLIC CLASS AAA CLASS A-PUBLIC 1. Cartersville 6. Woodward Acad. 1. Wilkinson Co. 6. Portal 1. Washington Co. 6. beach 1. randolph Clay 6. irwin County 2. buford 7. Johnson-Savannah 2. Mitchell Co. 7. treutlen 2. st. Pius X 7. north Oconee 2. gordon Lee 7. treutlen 3. savannah 8. Washington Co. 3. Wilcox County 8. Jenkins County 3. buford 8. Central-Carroll 3. towns County 8. Wilkinson County 4. Morgan County 9. Carver-Columbus 4. seminole County 9. dooly County 4. sonoraville 9. decatur 4. Claxton 9. Mitchell County 5. thomson 10. north Murray 5. turner County 10. hancock Central 5. Chapel Hill 10. dodge County 5. turner County 10. Marion County

8 | Feb. 22 - Mar. 7, 2013 | Vol. 9 Iss. 4 score more

the weekend, but thanks to a pair of individual team. Jake Henson (152) won for the second- champions, Fritts and championships Chad and straight year with a 7-1 decision over Spray- Chandler Pyke took the traditional title back berry’s Thomas Cook. Billy Meek (160) traditional to Woodward Academy for the first time since atoned for a triple overtime loss one year ago 1972. Oconee County finished with 101 points, with a title by major decision. Northgate’s Ty- 37 points out of first. Fourth-place Buford won ler Askey (170) captured his fourth state title finals three individual championships. One of those and capped a perfect high school career with was junior Chip Ness (182), who earned his a win Saturday. His prep career comes to a third individual title. He won at 152 pounds close with a 196-0 record. Askey’s feat had Archer, Gordon Lee capture first titles in 2011 and at 170 pounds last year. Ness im- not been accomplished in 30 years and he is By Fletcher Proctor proved his career record to 137-1 by scoring a just the fourth grappler in Georgia history to pin on Dawson County’s Gavin Brown. win four titles in four undefeated seasons. our years ago, Tom Beuglas started the and 12 placed sixth or better, including three Photo courtesy of Sonny Kennedy. Proc- FArcher wrestling program and last Sat- champions. Jonathan Ragsdale (113) won his FAMILIAR CHAMPIONS ... tor can be reached at [email protected]. urday in Macon, he coached the Tigers to a second straight title with a technical fall over Despite a loaded field complete with legendary sweep. After winning the duals Holy Innocents’ John Hiles while Alex Spires four-time defending Class A champion Bre- title last month, Archer cruised to the Class (138) defeated Treutlen’s Tyler Heath in a men ready to try and end the Dragons’ dy- AAAAAA traditional title, becoming the first 12-8 decision. Holy Innocents’ was also seek- nasty, Jefferson scored 192 points to win its program to sweep both GHSA titles within ing its first traditional title. The two programs 13th straight traditional title. Jefferson had the program’s first four years. Archer finished split the 2012 duals title. five wrestlers compete in the finals Saturday with four individual champions including Er- with four winning individual titles. The Drag- nest Alexander (195), M.J. Couzan (285) and BACK ON TOP ... ons also had five third-place finishers. Bre- brothers Daniel and Thomas Bullard (138 and Gilmer fell just short of a traditional team men finished second with 133.50 points, 58.5 145, respectively). Defending champion Col- title last year, but Sam Snider’s squad managed points behind Jefferson. The Blue Devils won lins Hill finished second and Camden County five finalists to slip past Carrollton 182.50-161. three individual titles with two more runner finished in third. Camden County earned one The title is Gilmer’s fourth in the last six sea- up finishes. Joe Bexley (285) of Bremen won individual championship while Collins Hill sons. Individual champions Cameron Perry his third career title and capped a 54-0 season. wrestlers took home two. Archer, which qual- (126) and Johnie Flakes (138) helped the Bob- He will head to The Citadel to continue his ified 14 wrestlers for the tournament, placed cats to the team title. Southeast Whitfield’s wrestling career. 12 wrestlers to bring a 113-point lead into the Carlos Fraire (220) earned a tough 2-1 deci- Pope won the program’s third straight finals round before winning by 131.5 points. sion, appearing to injury his knee early in his traditional title, claiming the AAAAA crown Gordon Lee held off Holy Innocents’ bout against Griffin’s Telly Sloan. He would after winning the last two Class AAAA titles. 187-171 to capture the Class A traditional rally on one leg to take the individual title. Pope scored 215.5 points to blast past Ware title, the first in program history. Head coach Woodward Academy coach Pete Fritts County who finished second with 99 points Brent Raby brought 13 wrestlers to Macon didn’t believe his team was a favorite entering and Ola, who finished with 80 points as a wrestling rankings

Class AAAAAA Class AAAA Class AA 1. Archer 1. gilmer 1. Jefferson 2. Camden County 2. Carrollton 2. bremen 3. Collins Hill 3. Alexander 3. lovett 4. north Gwinnett 4. West Laurens 4. social Circle 5. roswell 5. Marist 5. toombs County 6. Kennesaw Mtn. 6. heritage-Catoosa 6. gAC 7. etowah 7. locust Grove 7. Fitzgerald 8. Cherokee 8. southeast Whitfield 8. east Laurens 9. lowndes 9. Chestatee 9. Monticello 10. Parkview 10. lumpkin County 10. spencer

Class AAAAA Class AAA Class A 1. Pope 1. Woodward Acad. 1. gordon Lee 2. Ware County 2. banks County 2. holy Innocents’ 3. Whitewater 3. oconee County 3. Commerce 4. ola 4. Morgan County 4. Mount Zion-Carroll 5. Creekview 5. buford 5. Athens Christian 6. loganville 6. sonoraville 6. darlington 7. Woodland-Cartersville 7. McNair 7. irwin County 8. starr’s Mill 8. rockmart 8. strong Rock Chr. 9. Apalachee 9. Jackson County 9. george Walton Acad. 10. union Grove 10. elbert County 10. elCA

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10 | Feb. 22 - Mar. 7, 2013 | Vol. 9 Iss. 4 SCORE MORE

www.scoreatl.com | 11 COLLEGE SPORTS BULLDOG TECH BEAT BUZZ Men’s basketball takes step back Jackets continue improved ACC play By Chris Nieman By Ryan Caiafa he 2012-13 season for the men’s basketball UP AND DOWN ... aturday’s 57-56 road victory over Wake their place in the standings and secure a much Tteam has been nothing short of an emotion- The No. 13 women’s basketball team SForest gave Georgia Tech its second more favorable draw in the ACC Tournament. al roller coaster. After winning five consecu- was upset by the Lady Bengals of LSU on straight ACC road victory and improved the tive SEC games for the first time since 2001, Feb. 10 in Baton Rouge due to a lackluster conference record to 4-8 after starting 0-5 HOT START ... the Dawgs dropped two straight, including a performance that consisted of an onslaught of in ACC play. The Jackets continues to get a A three-game home sweep over Akron is heart-wrenching road loss in overtime against missed layups and easy buckets. boost from their freshman, particularly Mar- how the Georgia Tech baseball team began its the Ole Miss Rebels last Saturday. The Lady Bulldogs returned to the win col- cus Georges-Hunt, who scored 16 points in 2013 season. On opening day, a 3-0 win over the This was a game in which the Dawgs umn last Sunday, defeating Florida 62-57. held the Rebels to a dismal 38-percent from The Lady Bulldogs own the all-time series the win over Wake Forest and has averaged Zips, senior Buck Farmer struck out a career-high the field, led by six at halftime and were even with Florida (49-14). 13 points per game in his past three games, 14 batters in eight shutout innings. Farmer’s per- aided by a double-double from sophomore during which the team went 2-1. formance on the mound made up for a lackluster guard, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. However, OPENING FOLEY ... Even with upperclassmen Daniel Miller offensive performance, which was led by Sam the Dawgs served up 18 turnovers and were The baseball team did not start the 2013 and Mfon Udofia remaining key factors in the Dove’s two-RBI day. The offense came to life in at the mercy of the Rebel’s exceptional free baseball campaign the way that coach David team’s rotation, the freshmen have been the the second game of the series as the Jackets rode throw shooting percentage, a night where the Perno had envisioned, losing two out of its first overall story all season for the Yellow Jack- a 4-for-4 day from Daniel Palka, which included Rebels nailed 30 of 36 from the charity stripe. three games to Georgia Southern in Statesboro. Sitting at 12-13, 6-6 entering Thursday’s The Diamond Dawgs returned home to ets, as the team’s top two scorers, Georges- a home run, to crush Akron 10-3. The final game game against Arkansas, the Dawgs’ hopes of Foley Field earlier this week to host Kennesaw Hunt and Robert Carter Jr., who also leads of the series saw a 5-3 victory for Tech, including making the NCAA tournament have been di- State. The result was not available at deadline. the team in rebounding, are both first-year a 3-for-5 showing from Kyle Wren. minished to perhaps coach Mark Fox and his players. Those two, along with Chris Bolden, The Jackets complete their opening seven- staff managing to rally the troops to win the ATHENS SHAKE ... have become mainstays in Tech’s starting game homestand with a matchup against cross- SEC tournament in March at the Bridgestone The men’s dive team is not only making lineup, and despite a somewhat disappoint- town rival Georgia State and a series against St. Arena in Nashville, Tenn. If the Dawgs can run waves in the pool, but also on Youtube. The ing season, give the program reason to be- John’s. Currently ranked No 20 in the nation, the gauntlet, they’ll be awarded an automatic Harlem Shake has gone beyond viral and the lieve it can become a force in the ACC for the Jackets are looking to improve on last sea- bid to partake in March Madness, a feat that dive team has taken it to a new extreme, ac- hasn’t been accomplished by the Georgia men’s counting for over 19,000,000 views, courtesy the next few seasons. With just a handful of son’s tough finish, when they were ousted in the basketball team since the 2008 season. Georgia of the team’s epic meme. games remaining, including tough contests Gainesville Regional by then top-ranked Florida. has made the NCAA tournament just once un- Nieman can be reached at against Maryland, N.C. State, and Miami, Caiafa can be reached at der Fox, earning an at-large bid in 2011. [email protected]. there is still time for the Jackets to improve [email protected]. PANTHER owl PROWL outlook Panthers trying to close strong Owl’s football nesting until 2015 kickoff By Jay Underwood By Brian Jones eorgia State is looking to close out the nor victory for the coach who scheduled anyone ver since Kennesaw State has existed, the Football program. In fact, Fifth Third Bank basketball season on a strong note af- and everyone to begin the season to prove to his No. 1 question that has been asked by ev- has reached an agreement with the Georgia Gter starting out the year with a rough record players that they should not be scared and not Eeryone is when is the school going to get a Regional Office to have naming rights for against a difficult schedule. Having improved back down from anyone. football team? KSU Stadium. So for at least the next 10 their record to 9-7 in the conference and 14- Hunter can point to the difficult games And after years of research, evaluation years, the KSU Stadium will be called Fifth 15 overall, the Panthers have a chance to end against BYU and Duke as teaching points as and planning, the football team is coming as Third Bank Stadium. Renovations to the the season with a winning record if they are well as turning points for the program. The they will kickoff in 2015. 8,300-seat stadium will be made prior to the able to bring home victories in their last two final scores may have been lopsided, but any- Last week, KSU president Daniel Papp inaugural season. games. Winning both games will not be an one who watched the games can recognize and athletic director Vaughn Williams pre- easy task, however. The next two games are that those contests were where the team start- sented a detailed business plan to the Board THE NEXT MOVE ... against the top two teams in the conference, ed to form out of players. While it won’t show of Regents which outlined the start-up and So now we know a Division 1 football Northeastern and James Madison. up in the win column, Hunter can claim those operating expenses of the football program. team is coming to the metro area in two years. The Panthers know that they are capable as moral victories. The board approved and the school celebrated Now the question is what happens next? of beating each of these teams, having scored the next day at the Convocation Center. There is a national search for a head victories against each already once this sea- BATTER UP ... “This is a great day for Kennesaw State coach and Williams has said that he wants a While basketball season may be drawing University, and another step in the tremendous guy that is from Georgia and has had success. son. Freshman R.J. Hunter is going to have growth this university is experiencing,” Wil- There is not a leading candidate yet, but Wil- to take over the games and provide much of to a close, the Panthers have taken the field for liams said during the celebration. “It is impor- liams said he has a short to medium list of the scoring similar to his performance against baseball and started the season with a 2-2 re- tant for us to acknowledge all of those who candidates that he has worked on the last year. Northeastern earlier this season where he cord. After taking two of three in a series with made this day possible, and there are many The pay for the head coach will be around scored 27 to lead the Panthers to victory. Butler, the Panthers fell to the crosstown Yellow who supported our dream to bring football to $200,000 per year. Hunter may be one of the least talked-about Jackets 16-5. Georgia State has another mar- this campus. Personally, I want to thank Dr. Also, KSU will have to find a new con- freshmen superstars in the nation, but don’t tell quee matchup this Tuesday against the Univer- Papp and Vince Dooley for giving me the op- ference to join since the Atlantic Sun does his father. Georgia State head coach Ron Hunt- sity of Georgia at the GSU Baseball complex at portunity to be a part of it. We still have a lot of not support football. Some of the conferences er wants to keep it that way since he preaches Panthersville. This should be one of the more work ahead of us, but for now we celebrate and that the Owls are looking at are the Big South, team basketball. The eldest Hunter has enjoyed crowded games this season as the team looks to begin the countdown to kick off in 2015.” Ohio Valley and Southern Conferences which his son’s successes, but he has enjoyed the late pick up a victory over an SEC foe. Another person (or group of people) Wil- are all part of the FCS. season turnaround for Georgia State even more. Underwood can be reached at liams thanked was Fifth Third Bank as they Jones can be reached at Finishing the season over .500 would be a mi- [email protected]. became the major source of funding for the [email protected].

12 | Feb. 22 - Mar. 7, 2013 | Vol. 9 Iss. 4 pro sports HAWKS FALCONS HAVEN BEAT Hawks ready to make “Smoove” move Gonzalez question lingers for Birds By Ricky Dimon By Craig Sager II y the time you’re reading this, Josh Smith team accomplishments. he Falcons are ready to begin making ros- from John Abraham is something that has ir- Bis probably jacking up three-pointers in The Hawks are not going to make the same ter moves this offseason, but have shifted ritated Falcons’ fans and critics for years. The some other city for some other team. The NBA mistake twice—that mistake being a max deal for Tfocus to what they feel is the most important defense has continuously struggled to get trade deadline was on Thursday afternoon, but a player who does not deserve max money (Joe pressure on opposing quarterbacks so this will results of the Smoove sweepstakes were not Johnson, of course, was the beneficiary of Atlan- question that needs to be answered. The pos- available at press time. ta’s first such blemish). They certainly aren’t go- sible return of Tony Gonzalez continues to top likely first on the Falcons’ agenda. Speaking of available, the Hawks report- ing to make that mistake with a competent Danny the bulletin board. The talent and productivity Free-agency period begins March 12, and edly made it known to anyone and everyone Ferry running the show. With Smith set to enter Gonzalez brings to the team is a key reason for will then segue into the April draft. Falcons who would listen that their mercurial forward free agency this summer, a trade right now makes wanting Gonzalez to come to a decision, as Pro Bowl safety William Moore will be a free would be moved. That was the big trade- a lot more sense than losing him for nothing four well as the financial resolves that would follow agent and is reported to be interested in testing deadline news coming out of all-star weekend, months from now. his decision. If Gonzalez returns, the Falcons the open market. with possible swapping partners rumored to be will likely have to trim contracts elsewhere on The Falcons could possibly place the Boston, Brooklyn, Milwaukee and Phoenix— SECOND-HALF OUTLOOK … the team and make room for the would-be 17- franchise tag on Moore before March 4, oth- among several others. With or without Smith, the Hawks are a “It is what it is,” Smith told the Atlanta virtual lock to make the playoffs. They are seven year veteran. Ownership has added pressure on erwise they may find themselves in a bidding Journal-Constitution. “You have to understand, games inside the cut line (ahead of ninth-place Gonzalez to find an answer soon so they can war over one of the most valuable players on this is a business first. Once you get that in your Philadelphia) and would be the No. 6 seed in the begin the rest of their offseason deals without their defense last season. In 2012, the fran- head that it’s a business first—it’s never person- Eastern Conference if it ended now. That would question or hesitation. chise tag did not hold any luck, after it was al—you’ll be pretty good in this league.” pit Atlanta against Indiana in the first round. “Simply stated, the sooner we know, spent on Brent Grimes who ended up missing Which is exactly what Smith has been in More importantly, Larry Drew’s squad is three the better, and yet there are no deadlines on the entire season with a torn Achilles. The Fal- Atlanta. In almost nine full seasons, he has aver- games clear of eighth-place Milwaukee, a spot it this for Tony,” said Dimitroff. “Tony needs to cons were the oldest team in the NFC last sea- aged 15.2 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks hopes to avoid because a series against anyone come to his decision and be at peace with his son, so some of these veteran players can be per game. The former McEachern High School other than No. 1 Miami would be winnable. decision.” released or asked to take a lower salary to ac- standout is shooting a career-best 35 percent “I know the players were looking to get from beyond the arc in 2012-13, but he has made away from the game and get away from each commodate the team’s needs. Taking a pay cut a mere 29 percent of his treys overall. Playoffs other,” head coach Larry Drew told the AJC, THE BIG PICTURE ... may be something that certain veterans may have become the norm for this franchise, but not “and just trying to get a fresh mind and finish The broad focus of the organization accept, because this team is definitely gearing once has Smith led the Hawks to the Eastern the season on a strong note.” this offseason is to find pieces that will im- to make a Super Bowl run in 2013. Conference Finals. All in all, it has been a mixed Dimon can be reached at prove Mike Nolan’s defense. The absence of Sager can be reached at bag for Smith in terms of both individual and [email protected]. a somewhat praiseworthy pass rusher across [email protected]. CHOP gwinnett SHOP gladiators Braves to retire Chipper’s No. 10 Gwinnett back on top of division By Fletcher Proctor By Joe Deighton he Atlanta Braves announced Tuesday Jones certainly earned his spot in the he first-place Gwinnett Gladiators picked average and a .894 save percentage in his time plans to retire former third baseman Chip- Braves Hall of Fame, and he has made his up a win by overcoming a two-goal deficit with the Gladiators. The rookie played last sea- Tper Jones’ No. 10 in a cermony on June 28 case for inclusion in Cooperstown over his 19 Tagainst Wheeling Feb. 15. Trailing 5-3, the son in the SPHL with the Mississippi Surge. and induct him into the team’s Hall of Fame years in the Majors. Jones was an eight-time Glads scored two quick goals off the sticks Domingue was the Phoenix Coyotes fifth- that afternoon. The team will hold the cer- All-Star who won the NL MVP in 1999. He of forwards Joey Haddad and Justin Bowers. round pick at 138 overall in 2010. emony at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, then would later win the National League Batting The goals came just 20 seconds apart and honor Jones in a pregame ceremony before title in 2008 to go with a pair of Silver Slug- gave Gwinnett an improbable opportunity SCORING LEADER ... facing the Arizona Diamondbacks. ger awards. He also is the only switch hitter to win. Cody Brookwell put home the game- Through 56 games in the 2012-13 sea- “Chipper was a Brave from the begin- ever to average .300 while knocking at least winner at 6:52 of the third period and the son, Gladiators forward Casey Pierro-Zabotel ning to the end of his career and his legacy 300 home runs. He owns 11 Braves franchise Glads hung on for a 6-5 victory. is leading the ECHL in scoring. The 24-year- will forever live in our record books,” said records and is second in seven more. The win put the Gladiators into first old has 62 points (17 goals, 45 assists) – this Atlanta Braves President John Schuerholz in Jones has been seen at the team’s spring place in the ECHL’s South Division. Unfortu- year. Pierro-Zabotel leads Gwinnett in plus- a statement released by the team. “There is no training facility as a guest instructor. nately, Gwinnett dropped two straight games minus with a plus-18. greater honor that we can bestow upon him to the Florida Everblades over the weekend. He was a third-round draft pick in 2007, than to induct him into our Hall of Fame and CALL OF DUTY ... The Glads have just a one-point advantage taken by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Pierro-Zabo- retire his iconic number 10.” The entire team finally arrived last week over second-place Greenville as of this past tel has bounced around the ECHL since then, The Braves organization has retired nine and the spring training schedule kicks off Fri- Wednesday. Two games against struggling playing for three other teams. This season, he previous numbers including Hank Aaron day as the Tigers visit the Braves’ spring training Orlando this week provides a golden oppor- has found a home in Gwinnett and has posted (44), Eddie Mathews (41), Dale Murphy (3), facility in Kissimmee. The Yankees will travel tunity for two wins and could help maintain career-highs in every offensive category. Phil Niekro (35), Warren Spahn (21), Greg to Champion Stadium at ESPN Wide World of the lock on the top spot in the South. The right-wing forward is adept at creat- Maddux (31), Tom Glavine (47), Bobby Sports Saturday, then Atlanta heads out to Bra- ing scoring opportunities for both himself and Cox (6) and John Smoltz (29). All of Major denton to face the Pirates before returning for ex- Domingue reassigned … his teammates. Pierro-Zabotel has 144 shots League Baseball retired the No. 42 to hon- hibition games against the Marlins and Nation- The weekly transaction for the Glads this on goal this year. Number 18 is a prime candi- or Jackie Robinson. Jones will be the 25th als. The team will then travel to face the Tigers week saw goalie Louis Domingue move to the date to win the CCM U+ MVP if he can con- member of the Braves Hall of Fame, joining in Lakeland and the Phillies in Clearwater this AHL’s Portland Pirates. The 20-year-old goal- tinue leading the league in scoring and help former teammates Smoltz, Maddux, Glavine Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. tender has been solid between the pipes for the Glads to a division title. and the only manager he ever played for in Proctor can be reached at Gwinnett in 26 games this season. Domingue Deighton can be reached at the big leagues, Cox. [email protected]. had a 16-8-2 record with a 2.94 goals against [email protected].

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14 | Feb. 22 - Mar. 7, 2013 | Vol. 9 Iss. 4 SCORE MORE