Sports

Columbia Bassmasters Jackson Swisher (left) and Seth Slanker (right) signed their letters of intent to compete with Florida Gateway College on Thursday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

FISHING: Columbia’s Slanker, Swisher sign with Florida Gateway College

TONY BRITT

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Less than 60 days after launching a collegiate fishing club, Florida Gateway College has signed its first two recruits — Seth Slanker and Jackson Swisher, former Florida high school state champions.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Nembhard scores 24 as Gators beat Aggies

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Florida coach Mike White raved about his team's performance on offense after the Gators routed Texas A&M on Wednesday night. “We really moved the ball well," he said. “It was the best we've moved the ball all year. That's as well as we've played offensively all year.

Columbia guard Na’Haviya Paxton drives to the basket against Gainesville on Nov. 19, 2019. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Columbia & Creekside meet again, this time in playoff opener

ZACH ABOLVERDI

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

For the second year in a row and the first time since 1993-94, the Lady Tigers are back in the playoffs. Columbia, which received the No. 5 seed in Region 1-6A, will be on the road tonight at 7 p.m. against No. 4 seed and District 3 champion Creekside.

CHS

PREP ROUNDUP: Columbia falls to Buchholz on the mat; FWHS baseball loses preseason finale to Santa Fe

NEWS STAFF

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Columbia fell behind by 12 early and couldn’t rally, falling to Buchholz 41-33 in a road dual Wednesday night. The Tigers won six weight classes, including Brett Millard (106), Ian McGuigan (132), Alex McGuigan (138), Thomas Greene (145), Obie Smith (152) and Preston O’Quinn (160).

PREP FOOTBALL: Legendary coach Richard Anders dies at age 94

TONY BRITT

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Legendary local high school football coach Richard Harold Anders, who led Richardson High School to championships in an age of segregation, died last week in Virginia. He was 94.

Columbia’s Camrin Wilcoxon gets set to return a serve in a match last season. (FILE)

CHS BOYS TENNIS PREVIEW: Wilcoxon aims to return to state as Tigers move into new district

JORDAN KROEGER

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Camrin Wilcoxon got a taste of the state tournament as a freshman. But the road back as a sophomore will be arguably tougher. Wilcoxon returns as Columbia’s No. 1 tennis player this season, aiming to improve upon last year’s first-round exit at state.

Columbia’s Adrienne Foreman returns a shot in a match last season. (FILE)

CHS GIRLS TENNIS PREVIEW: Fresh start for Lady Tigers with new coach, players & district

JORDAN KROEGER

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

New is the word for Columbia this season. There’s a new coach, some new players and a new district. Brandi O’Neal has taken over as the new coach of the Lady Tigers following Michelle Lear’s resignation after two seasons.

Fort White guard D.J. Mathews goes up for a shot against Hilliard during Tuesday’s District 6-1A semifinals. (ZACH ABOLVERDI/Lake City Reporter)

BOYS BASKETBALL: Hilliard ends Fort White's season in District 6-1A semifinals

ZACH ABOLVERDI

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

FORT WHITE — Fort White’s season came to an end Tuesday. The Indians suffered their third loss of the year to Hilliard, 68-39, this time in the District 6-1A semifinals.

Fort White pitcher Tyler Shelnut throws to a batter in a game last season. (FILE)

FWHS BASEBALL PREVIEW: Indians head into Class 1A with big expectations

JORDAN KROEGER

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

FORT WHITE — Seven seniors have moved on, but that’s no big deal. A move down to Class 1A, coupled with some transfers, has Fort White’s expectations sky high heading into the 2020 season.

CHS

PREP BASEBALL: Columbia shuts out Middleburg in preseason finale

NEWS STAFF

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Luke Dotson struck out six and gave up just four hits to lead Columbia to a 17-0 win over Middleburg in its preseason finale Tuesday night at Baker County. Hunter Thomas and Cole Chancey also had three hits each for the Tigers, who will open the regular season next Tuesday at Gainesville.