Sports

Buchholz shortstop Hudson Sapp slides safely into third base under the tag of Columbia third baseman Ayden Phillips on Friday night. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

Buchholz shortstop Hudson Sapp slides safely into third base under the tag of Columbia third baseman Ayden Phillips on Friday night. (JORDAN KROEGER/Lake City Reporter)

PREP BASEBALL: Columbia struggles to hit, gets shut out by Buchholz

JORDAN KROEGER
Friday, February 14, 2025
GAINESVILLE — Buchholz had a knack for scoring runs with two outs. Columbia helped out with some defensive miscues too. The Bobcats benefitted from three errors and a passed ball to score four unearned runs while scoring seven runs with two outs to shut out the Tigers 8-0 at home Friday night.
Fort White guard Zuri Hollie drives to the basket against Trenton during the Region 3-R semifinals on Thursday night. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White guard Zuri Hollie drives to the basket against Trenton during the Region 3-R semifinals on Thursday night. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Fort White pulls away late to top Trenton in Region 3-R semis for first ever playoff win

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Thursday, February 13, 2025
FORT WHITE — The game plan for Fort White was similar to its other three victories over Trenton this season.  It has now worked a fourth time to notch the program’s first ever playoff win. The No.
Columbia slugger and pitcher Harleigh Price returns to lead a Tigers squad that returns its entire starting lineup. Price led the area with a .460 average and a .553 on-base percentage that included four home runs (tied for team high), 15 RBIs, six doubles, one triple and 15 runs scored as a freshman last season. She was also the team’s top pitcher with a 2.33 ERA and 119 strikeouts in 84 innings. (FILE)

Columbia slugger and pitcher Harleigh Price returns to lead a Tigers squad that returns its entire starting lineup. Price led the area with a .460 average and a .553 on-base percentage that included four home runs (tied for team high), 15 RBIs, six doubles, one triple and 15 runs scored as a freshman last season. She was also the team’s top pitcher with a 2.33 ERA and 119 strikeouts in 84 innings. (FILE)

SOFTBALL PREVIEW: Expectations high at Columbia, Fort White, Branford & Suwannee

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, February 13, 2025
The high school softball season gets underway next Monday. Here is a look at how the teams at Columbia, Fort White, Branford and Suwannee stack up this season in their brand new districts and regions.
Columbia’s J’Liyn Smith returns as the reigning LCR Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year. (FILE)

Columbia’s J’Liyn Smith returns as the reigning LCR Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year. (FILE)

TRACK & FIELD PREVIEW: 10 athletes to watch this season

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Last year’s Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year as well as both LCR Cross Country Runners of the Year are on the watch list this spring. They’re just three of 10 athletes to watch this track & field season. Here are five girls and five boys to keep your eyes on.
Fort White guard Tafari Moe tries to get off a shot while surrounded by Madison County's defense during Wednesday's Region 3-R semifinal. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White guard Tafari Moe tries to get off a shot while surrounded by Madison County's defense during Wednesday's Region 3-R semifinal. (PAUL BUCHANAN/Lake City Reporter)

BOYS BASKETBALL: Fort White survives nail-biter, edges Madison County in Region 3-R semis

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
FORT WHITE — Jhy Smith rattled the rim with a putback dunk. With just under four minutes left in the game, the junior small forward sent Madison County’s side of the gym into a frenzy after giving his team its first lead since the opening minutes.
Columbia's Ayden Phillips is congratulated by coach Chris Howard after hitting a home run last season. (FILE)

Columbia's Ayden Phillips is congratulated by coach Chris Howard after hitting a home run last season. (FILE)

PREP BASEBALL: Phillips leads Columbia past Florida High

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
It was a typical day at the office for Ayden Phillips, who hit a 2-run home run and finished with three RBIs on a 3-for-3 night to lead Columbia to a 7-5 win over Florida High at home Wednesday night. Phillips also doubled in the win and scored two runs.