SYLVANIA, GA, APRIL 23 – The Lamar County High School girls tennis team finished their season last week after a loss against the Screven County Gamecocks in the GHSA Class A Division 1 sweet sixteen round in Sylvania, Georgia. The Trojans encountered a talented team, revered for their strategic play and strong lineup, playing in the shadows of banners boasting of tennis program success.
Particular highlights from the Trojans’ play included Sydney Bacon, the number 3 singles player for Lamar County, who engaged in a tightly contested battle with her Screven County counterpart. Although this match was cut short after Lamar County lost its third match of the team contest, Sydney’s performance was a testament to her skills and competitive spirit.
Screven County advanced to the Elite 8. However, they have since also been eliminated, losing to Mt. Vernon, a private school from Sandy Springs, which has now advanced to the final four. Joining Mt. Vernon in the semifinals are Atlanta’s Galloway School and the Atlanta International School, with Rabun County High School being the only public school representative.
It is important to note that there is ongoing debate about the balance of competition between private and public schools in GHSA playoffs. Though the GHSA has changed its stance on the fairness of this issue, this will not be in effect until the fall season this year.
Congratulations to the Trojan girls for an unforgettable season. Your community is proud of your achievements and eagerly awaits what the future holds.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
