Sports

Columbia guard Zadrian Knowlton shoots a 3-pointer against Leon during the District 2-5A semifinals on Feb. 5. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia guard Zadrian Knowlton shoots a 3-pointer against Leon during the District 2-5A semifinals on Feb. 5. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

BOYS BASKETBALL: Columbia preaching confidence, toughness entering Region 1-5A quarterfinal at Lincoln

JORDAN KROEGER
Friday, February 13, 2026
It’s been an ongoing conversation this week in practice. After the sting of a 56-41 loss to Leon in the District 2-5A semifinals, No. 6 seed Columbia (15-11) returned to the gym with a message. Shots that rimmed out need to be put away. Layups need to be finished through contact.
Columbia right fielder Tison McCray is tagged out by Buchholz third baseman Roen Kresak while trying to steal on Thursday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia right fielder Tison McCray is tagged out by Buchholz third baseman Roen Kresak while trying to steal on Thursday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Columbia's bats silenced in road loss to Buchholz

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, February 12, 2026
GAINESVILLE — The night started off great for Columbia. For the second straight game, shortstop Madden Mann sent a pitch flying high over the right field wall for a solo home run and an early 1-0 lead. But from that point on, it was all Buchholz.
Fort White guard Zuri Hollie drives to the basket against Taylor County during the District 6-R championship on Feb. 6. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White guard Zuri Hollie drives to the basket against Taylor County during the District 6-R championship on Feb. 6. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Fort White focusing on ‘discipline’ ahead of playoffs

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
FORT WHITE — The Indians have been on this path before. Just last year, in fact.  Now, one win stands between them and a potential rematch with Hilliard for a regional title.  No. 2 seed Fort White is set to host No. 3 Madison County in the Region 3-R semifinals Friday for a 7 p.m. tip-off.
Columbia catcher Emily Delgado celebrates as she scores a run against Fort White last season. Delgado returns behind the plate this year for the Tigers. (FILE)

Columbia catcher Emily Delgado celebrates as she scores a run against Fort White last season. Delgado returns behind the plate this year for the Tigers. (FILE)

PREP SOFTBALL: Painful playoff exit motivating Columbia in 2026

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Columbia coach Joe Saucier keeps the lineup card in his notebook. The Tigers were on the brink of extra innings, eyeing a trip to the regional finals, but Fort Walton Beach shattered those dreams with a walk-off 4-3 victory in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Columbia pitcher Tison McCray slides safely into third base against Santa Fe on Monday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia pitcher Tison McCray slides safely into third base against Santa Fe on Monday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Columbia opens season with run-rule win over Santa Fe

JORDAN KROEGER
Monday, February 9, 2026
Trouble was brewing for Columbia in the top of the first inning. Starting pitcher Tison McCray walked back-to-back batters with one out and was then surrounded by loaded bases following a two-out error. But McCray took a breath, composed himself, and fired away a strikeout to escape unscathed.
Fort White's girls basketball team displays its banner and trophy after Friday's 64-30 win over Taylor County in the District 6-R championship. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White's girls basketball team displays its banner and trophy after Friday's 64-30 win over Taylor County in the District 6-R championship. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Fort White awarded No. 2 seed in Region 3-R following district title

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Monday, February 9, 2026
FORT WHITE — Fort White coach Bregay Harris had the sign ready in the stands. When the running clock finally hit triple zeroes, the sheet was unfurled as Harris’ team gathered round to celebrate the first of, it hopes, many more accomplishments.
Fort White's Jonathan Bessent drives through the lane against Union County center Adrian Manns (left) and forward Tyrese Chandler during Thursday's District 6-R semifinal. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White's Jonathan Bessent drives through the lane against Union County center Adrian Manns (left) and forward Tyrese Chandler during Thursday's District 6-R semifinal. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

BOYS BASKETBALL: Fort White falters against Union County in District 6-R semis

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Thursday, February 5, 2026
LAKE BUTLER — Thursday’s District 6-R semifinal was the perfect microcosm of Fort White’s season: substantial glimpses of hope and potential marred by inexperience and growing pains.