FRANKLIN, GA, April 9, 2024 – At the Region 4-A Division 1 tennis tournament, hosted by Heard County High School, the Lamar County Trojans boys and girls teams showcased not just their tennis prowess but also an inspiring resilience. Amid the unpredictability of the weather, slippery playing surfaces, and the antics of an unexpected four-legged guest, two athletes, Sydney Bacon and Autumn Hinkley, delivered performances that were nothing short of spectacular.
The tournament’s atmosphere was unusual from the get-go, thanks in part to a playful, local dog. Joining the Lamar County athletes for their stretch exercises, the dog brought Lamar’s athletes laughter and unique memories. Additionally, during Temple High School’s serving warmups, the pooch disrupted the session, mistaking it for a game of fetch.
In this setting of strange interruptions, Sydney Bacon’s (Sophomore) and Autumn Hinkley’s (Senior) achievements stood out. Bacon, in an incredible display of tenacity and skill, nearly had a spectacular comeback from a 7-0 deficit in her match against a Heard County opponent. Her ability to win 6 straight games under pressure, especially considering it was her second match of the day against a well-rested opponent, was a testament to her resilience and fighting spirit.
Senior Autumn Hinkley, on the other hand, showcased her exceptional talent with powerful shots and strategic plays against her Heard County adversary. Hinkley’s returns, marked by great velocity and precision, demonstrated her toughness and contributed significantly to the competitive efforts of the Trojan girls.
Alongside the significant contributions from Bacon and Hinkley, the doubles teams of Jaelyn Marlowe and Hayden Cook (Team 1), and Taryn Dender and Abby Tacbianan (Team 2), also played pivotal roles. Marlowe and Cook played with passion, and Tacbianan and Dender have proven to be a dependable pair throughout the season. Lamar’s number 1 singles player, Addie Williams, seemed to be on the court all day during the first round of play. She quickly had to play another game again in the next round. Williams’ perseverance and skill were on full display.
The boys’ team, featuring key players Hayes McBroom, Jackson Christian, and Ethan Tyson, along with doubles teams Carter McDaniel and Kaleb Chute (Team 1) and Josiah Rainey and Alex Molina (Team 2), showed commendable skill and teamwork. They all faced tough matches in the first round against the eventual region champions, the Temple Tigers, displaying great effort and sportsmanship.
As both the boys’ and girls’ teams advance to the GHSA State Tournament, they carry with them not just the triumphs of the tournament but also the lessons of perseverance and teamwork that defined their day at Heard County High School. The girls returned to Barnesville with a well-earned trophy. They have earned the opportunity to host the Hornets of Pelham High School on Wednesday, April 17. The Trojan boys will travel to Alma to take on the Bacon County Red Raiders on Tuesday, April 16.
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.
