Sports

Columbia forward Jalen Gaskins tries to get a shot up over Rickards forward Tarek Caesor during Thursday’s Region 1-5A quarterfinal. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia forward Jalen Gaskins tries to get a shot up over Rickards forward Tarek Caesor during Thursday’s Region 1-5A quarterfinal. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

BOYS BASKETBALL: Columbia gets blown out by Rickards in Region 1-5A quarterfinals

JORDAN KROEGER
Friday, February 16, 2024
TALLAHASSEE — It was easy to sum up Thursday’s Region 1-5A quarterfinal — Rickards was just a more talented team than Columbia.  After two wins over the Tigers in five days, the Raiders made that very clear. Round 2 between Rickards and Columbia was never in doubt. The No.
Columbia guard Noah Wilson shoots while defended by Rickards guard Chadwick Ellenwood (left) and forward Benjamin Plummer (5) during the District 2-5A championship on Saturday. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia guard Noah Wilson shoots while defended by Rickards guard Chadwick Ellenwood (left) and forward Benjamin Plummer (5) during the District 2-5A championship on Saturday. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

BOYS BASKETBALL: Columbia more confident for round 2 vs. Rickards following loss in district championship

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Despite losing to Rickards by 16 just five days ago, Columbia isn’t lacking confidence entering Thursday's rematch. If anything, the Tigers feel there’s more pressure on the Raiders.
Fort White guard Tafari Moe rises for a shot while defended by Hawthorne guard CJ Ingram during the District 6-1A semifinals on Feb. 8. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White guard Tafari Moe rises for a shot while defended by Hawthorne guard CJ Ingram during the District 6-1A semifinals on Feb. 8. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

BOYS BASKETBALL: Fort White tries to slow down Ingram, Hawthorne in regional rematch

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
FORT WHITE — Despite the final score of last week’s District 6-1A semifinal loss to Hawthorne, Fort White head coach Elven Sheppard feels confident his team can close that gap. He won’t have to wait long to see if that’s true. The No.
Columbia catcher Emily Delgado looks to the dugout during a game against Taylor County last season. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia catcher Emily Delgado looks to the dugout during a game against Taylor County last season. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Columbia turns to a trio of freshman pitchers with several starters returning behind them

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Having to replace Zoryana Hughes in the circle was inevitable for Columbia. Replacing McKenna O’Sullivan and Madelyn Jones too? That was unexpected. While Hughes graduated and signed to play at Florida A&M, O’Sullivan transferred to Gainesville and Jones opted not to play her senior season.
FGC guard Amayoa’ah Phillips drives to the basket while being defended by Palm Beach State College guard Eduardo Diaz on Jan. 17. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

FGC guard Amayoa’ah Phillips drives to the basket while being defended by Palm Beach State College guard Eduardo Diaz on Jan. 17. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Critical week ahead for FGC in conference race with first place at stake

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
It’s a make-or-break week for Florida Gateway College. After losing a key conference matchup to Palm Beach State College and then squeaking by Pasco-Hernando State College last week, the Timberwolves face two must-win games this week if they hope to grab the No.
FGC’s Karis Smith readies for a pitch from East Georgia State College in the second game of a doubleheader on Feb. 3. The Timberwolves won 5-2 to kick off a 5-game win streak. (COURTESY OF FGC)

FGC’s Karis Smith readies for a pitch from East Georgia State College in the second game of a doubleheader on Feb. 3. The Timberwolves won 5-2 to kick off a 5-game win streak. (COURTESY OF FGC)

COLLEGE SOFTBALL: FGC’s bats come alive to spark 5-game win streak

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
After splitting its first four doubleheaders of the season, FGC posted back-to-back sweeps last week. The Timberwolves beat Andrew College 10-8 and 21-0 last Wednesday, and then posted two run-rule victories over South Georgia State College on Saturday by scores of 13-0 and 11-3.
Columbia forward Jalen Gaskins looks for a lane to the basket while being defended by Rickards forward Travell Gallon during Saturday's District 2-5A championship. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia forward Jalen Gaskins looks for a lane to the basket while being defended by Rickards forward Travell Gallon during Saturday's District 2-5A championship. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

BOYS BASKETBALL: Columbia, Fort White both make playoffs as at-large teams

JORDAN KROEGER
Sunday, February 11, 2024
When Pine Forest pulled off an upset Saturday night to win District 1 and steal a playoff bid in Region 1-5A, Columbia head coach Steve Faulkner admits he was nervous. After all, the Tigers had lost three of their final four games, including a 49-33 loss in the District 2 championship to Rickards.
Columbia forward Justice Kelly has his shot blocked by Rickards' Travis Morris in the second half of Saturday's District 2-5A championship. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia forward Justice Kelly has his shot blocked by Rickards' Travis Morris in the second half of Saturday's District 2-5A championship. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

BOYS BASKETBALL: Columbia falls to Rickards in District 2-5A championship

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Saturday, February 10, 2024
TALLAHASSEE — If Columbia’s season is indeed over, head coach Steve Faulkner can pinpoint the moment it ended.  A poor first-half showing in Saturday’s District 2-5A championship at Rickards doomed the No.
Former Buchholz receiver Mike Peterson announced on Twitter on Friday that he’s transferring to Fort White for his senior season. Peterson caught 25 passes for 502 yards last year for the Bobcats. (COURTESY)

Former Buchholz receiver Mike Peterson announced on Twitter on Friday that he’s transferring to Fort White for his senior season. Peterson caught 25 passes for 502 yards last year for the Bobcats. (COURTESY)

PREP FOOTBALL: Rising senior WR Mike Peterson Jr. transferring from Buchholz to Fort White

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, February 9, 2024
FORT WHITE — Facing a tougher climb through a new district for the near future, Fort White will need to reload and retain talent to keep up with more affluent schools. On Friday, head coach Demetric Jackson landed perhaps the first piece of that puzzle. Mike Peterson Jr.