Bobcats Basketball Update- 1/4/22
GHS Basketball, Lady 'Cats Basketball, Sports, Team FYN Sports, TeamFYNSports January 4, 2022
It’s finally time for the Gilmer Bobcat Basketball teams to get back on the hardwood this week after a long Christmas break. They will host East Forsyth tonight, then travel to North Hall on Friday before ending the week at home for senior night against Fannin County on Saturday.
Before we get into those matchups, let’s take a look at how the boys and girls teams fared during the Christmas tournament over the holidays.
Lady Cats
The Lady Cats won their opening game of the Pickens Holiday Classic 44-37 over Lafayette, but were unable to keep that momentum rolling on day 2 of the tournament, falling to Class A Public Gordon Lee. It was a tightly contested 38-32 ballgame, but the purple and white were unable to pull it out at the end. They did get back on track on the third and final day of the tournament defeating Trion 58-52, and finishing 2-1 over Christmas break. The Lady Cats will face off against East Forsyth at home tonight, in a big time Region 7AAA matchup.
Bobcats
The Gilmer Bobcats were HOT heading into the Pickens Holiday Classic at Pickens High School, entering the tournament with an overtime loss to Dawson County as the only blemish on their 10-1 record. The Holiday Classic scjedule makers didnt do the Bobcats any favors however, as they were forced to play AAAAAA Creekview on day one, a game they ultimately lost 74-48.
A good 58-51 victory over Lassiter on day two meant that Gilmer would face Highway 515 rival Pickens on night 3, and the stands were full as would be expected. Gilmer allowed Pickens to jump out to an early lead and was never able to catch up, falling 59-46 to the hometown Dragons.
After going 1-2 over Christmas break, the Bobcats are ready to be back in front of purple nation tonight as they host East Forsyth. East Forsyth is coming off of a loss to Murphy (NC) in the Battle of The States Christmas Tournament, and both teams are vying for the top spot in Region 7AAA.
TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week: Brady Sanford, No. 5 junior
GHS Basketball, Player Of The Week, Team FYN Sports November 30, 2019
After his performance in three games during the past week, Brady Sanford is the TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for the Bobcats!
The 6-foot-4 junior guard averaged nearly 17 points per game during the three-game stretch, including leading the team in the team’s two victories.
Sanford scored just 10 points in Gilmer’s loss to Pickens on Nov. 23, but rebounded quickly to score a game-high 17 twice in wins against Hiwassee Dam on Nov. 25 and Fannin Co. on Nov. 26 to lead the team to a second-place finish in the annual Thanksgiving tournament in Blue Ridge.
Sanford his four 3-pointers in the Bobcats’ victory over the area-rival Rebels in the second-place game.
For his efforts, Sanford is the TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for the Bobcats!
To read about Gilmer’s three games during the past week, click here.
TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week: Elly Callihan, No. 1 for the Lady Bobcats
GHS Basketball, Player Of The Week, Team FYN Sports November 30, 2019
After a great performance in a three-day Thanksgiving tournament in Blue Ridge, sophomore Elly Callihan has been selected as the TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for the Lady Bobcats!
Callihan averaged nearly 17 points per game as Gilmer took down Pickens (71-53) and Hiwassee Dam (41-35) and lost a narrow, 40-39 game to Fannin Co. to finish in second place.
In the Nov. 23 game against Pickens, Callihan had a game-high 24 points as the Lady Bobcats took down their area-rival.
On Nov. 25 against Hiwassee Dam, Callihan was second on the team with 11 points in the nail-biting win.
In the championship game Nov. 26 against the host Lady Rebels, Callihan had a game high 15 points in the one-point loss.
For her efforts, Callihan is the TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for the Lady Bobcats!
To read about how the Gilmer girls played this past week, click here.
Gilmer boys place second in tournament
GHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports November 30, 2019
With a slim, 40-38 win against Fannin Co. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, the Gilmer High boys basketball team moved to 3-1 on the season and placed second in the annual Thanksgiving tournament in Blue Ridge.
The Bobcats started the tournament Saturday, Nov. 23, against area-rival Pickens (2-2). While both team are from Region 6-4A, the game did not count toward either team’s region schedule.
From left, Braden Jenkins, Cade Carter, and Brady Sanford were each named to the all-tournament team for the Bobcats.
Gilmer lost the game 67-64 after entering the final quarter tied at 50 each.
Despite Braden Jenkins scoring seven of his 10 points in the quarter, the team couldn’t slow down the Dragons who pulled away late to earn the three-point win.
Sophomore center Cade Carter had a team-high 20 points, including 10 in the first quarter to propel the Bobcats into the early 23-17 lead at the end of the opening period.
Luke Wimpey scored 15 points from his guard position, while junior Brady Sanford and Braden Jenkins each added 10 in the loss.
Junior Carson Pierce scored nine to round out the scoring for Gilmer.
The Bobcats rebounded against Hiwassee Dam on day two of the tournament Monday, Nov. 25. Gilmer earned the 52-35 victory led by Sandford’s 17 points and Carter’s 16.
Jenkins (8), Bryson Sisson (6), Wimpey (3), and Lewis Mulkey (2) all scored for the Bobcats in the victory.
Against the Rebels in the second-place game Tuesday, Nov. 26, Sanford again led with a game-high 17 points. He was clutch late as the Rebels stormed back from being down seven at 30-23 to start the period. Sanford hit a pair of 3-pointers in the final quarter to give the Bobcats the narrow victory in spite of the team shooting just 2-of-7 from the free-throw line in the quarter.
Jenkins scored 13 points, while Wimpey and Carter each added four. Mulkey rounded out the scoring effort from the Bobcats with two points in the win.
Sanford, Jenkins, and Carter were each named to the all-tournament team for the Bobcats.
Up next for Gilmer is the first Region 6-4A game of the season against Southeast Whitfield Co. That game is set to tip-off at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3, in Blue Ridge.
The Bobcats split their two games with the Raiders last season.
To read about the TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for the Bobcats, click here.
Lady Bobcats place second, open region play Tuesday
GHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports November 30, 2019
The third season of the Susan Nunn era at Gilmer High is off to a strong start after the Lady Bobcats placed second in the annual north Georgia Thanksgiving Tournament in Blue Ridge.
Gilmer (3-1) came one-point away from matching last year’s 4-0 start with a one-point, 40-39, loss to Fannin Co. (4-4) in the tournament championship game Nov. 26.
Sophomore forward Elly Callihan scored a team-high 15 points, but she was the only Gilmer player in double figures in the low-scoring affair.
Senior point guard Bailey Teague scored eight, while senior center Jalynn Ledford and junior guard Hope Colwell each put in six. Junior wing Emma Callihan rounded out the Gilmer scoring with four points.
From left, sophomore Elly Callihan, senior Bailey Teague, and junior Emma Callihan were named to the all-tournament team for the Lady Bobcats.
Despite that loss, the Lady Bobcats have much to be excited about. The team’s three all-tournament team members come from three different classes. Teague, Emma Callihan, and Elly Callihan were the three players named from Gilmer.
On the opening day of the tournament, Saturday, Nov. 23, Gilmer ran away from area-rival Pickens (2-2) in a 71-53 victory. While Gilmer and Pickens are both in Region 6-4A, the game did not count toward either team’s region record.
Elly Callihan scored a game-high 24 points for Gilmer, while Colwell put up 17 and Teague scored 15 in the dominant victory against the Dragonettes.
While the Lady Bobcats led by just one point, 32-31, at halftime, the team exploded to take a 20-point lead at the end of the third, 56-36.
Elly Callihan scored nine in that third period, while Colwell scored five to propel the Lady Bobcats into the big lead.
Emma Callihan (5), Ledford (4), Beth Burnette (3), Reagan Boling (2), and Anne Elise Williams (2) rounded out the points for Gilmer.
The win will undoubtedly give the Lady Bobcats confidence when the two teams meet again on Dec. 17 in Ellijay for a region game.
In between the win against Pickens and the loss to Fannin Co., Gilmer defeated Hiwassee Dam (N.C.) 41-35 in a surprisingly hard-fought game Monday, Nov. 25.
Junior guard Emma Callihan led the team with 12 points in the game, including eight points in the fourth quarter when her team needed her the most.
The Lady Bobcats led 30-25 to start the period, but the Lady Eagles closed the gap several times during the final frame before finally being put away late.
Elly Callihan had 11 points, all in the first half, while Ledford scored eight.
Colwell (3), Teague (3), Jasmin Staley (2), Williams (1) and Burnette (1) rounded out the scorers for the Lady Bobcats.
Up next for Gilmer is the opening game in the Region 6-4A schedule against Southeast Whitfield Co. That game is scheduled to tip-off at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3, in Ellijay.
Gilmer defeated Southeast Whitfield soundly in all three meetings last season, including a 60-36 victory in the region tournament.
To read about this week’s TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week, click here.
Season Comes To An End For Lady Cats
Team FYN Sports February 17, 2019
Friday night the Gilmer Lady Cats traveled to the Marist School in Brookhaven for their first-round State playoff game.
The Lady cats 21-7 overall on the season faced the Marist Lady War Eagles out of Region 7-4A with an overall record coming in at 20-7. Coach Nunn had her
girls ready to play hard and fight for the opportunity to play a second round game in the GHSA State playoffs. The Lady War Eagles came out of the blocks fast with an 11-6 lead at the end of the first. As the second period started, the Lady Cats found their rhythm and outscored Marist 20-15 to bring a halftime score at 26-26. Leading the second period scoring for the Lady Cats was Hope Colwell with two big three-pointers(6 points in the period), Bailey Teague with 5 points including a three-pointer of her own. Four Lady Cats had two points each in the 20 point period to tie the score. Mallory Kiser, MaryLee Callihan, Beth Burnette, and Emma Deyton.
Coming out of halftime, the Lady Cats started slowly(6 Points) as the basket seemed to have a lid on to prevent the ball from going through. The Lady War Eagles played slowly as well with just 7 points in a period that appeared to 
drag on due to the pace of play. Marist held a 33-32 lead as the buzzer sounded to end the third period. After a minute with the coaches, the Gilmer Girls came back to the floor ready for the fourth and final period. With the help of several argumentative calls that coaches and fans showed disagreement with, the Marist Lady War Eagles showed a renewed energy. Marist stretched out a 10 point lead midway in the period. The Lady Cats fought hard through the aforementioned adversity but in the end, Gilmer came up short. The 51-41 loss to Marist Lady War Eagles brings to a close the 2018-2019 season for a great group of girls. The Lady Cats gave all they had each and every game. This loss also brings to an end the high school careers of two seniors. MaryLee Callihan and Mallory Kiser have been friends, leaders and role models to the Lady Cats for the present and those that will play in the future.
Great Season Ladies and Thank you Mallory and MaryLee!!
Lady Cats Take 3rd With Win Over Pickens
Team FYN Sports February 13, 2019
As if these two teams do not play enough throughout the preseason tournament and the regular season, fate would have to see this match up one more time in the 2018-2019 season.
The Gilmer Lady Cats came into the consolation game of the 6-4A region
tournament with a 3-0 record over the Nettes of Pickens High School but as in any rivalry, the records can be thrown out the door. The Lady Cats came out of the locker room with nothing but winning on their minds and that they did. At the completion of the first period of play, Emma Deyton(7 points), MaryLee Callihan(7 points), and Mallory Kiser(5 points) led the scoring for Gilmer and pushed out a 21-8 lead over the Nettes. The scoring was evenly split across both teams in the second as the Nettes put up seven that was matched by the Lady Cats who had eight to keep the lead at 29-15 heading into the halftime intermission.
The Nettes came out for the third period with a renewed spirit to close the gap in the score on the board. With 18 Nettes points, McKenzie Weaver discovered a rhythm to score 11 contributing in a huge way to bring her team back. The Lady Cats added 11 points off the hands of Mallory Kiser, Beth Burnette, and Emma Callihan to stay in front of the “never say die: Nettes of Pickens. The fourth and determining period went the way of the Lady Cats who put up 12 points and held on for a 9 point victory over the Pickens Nettes to earn 3rd place in Region.
Next up for the Lady Cats will be on Friday the 15th as they travel to Atlanta for a first-round matchup with the Marist Lady War Eagles. Game time is 6:00 PM.
12U Boys Win District Class C Championship
Team FYN Sports February 22, 2019
February 16th, 2019 had the Gilmer Parks and Recreation host the district championship at the Gilmer Middle School gym in Ellijay, GA. At the end of the day, one local 12U boy’s team did something special.
Coach Patrick McVey and his Bobcat team started the tournament facing off on the court against their neighbors just south on Hwy 515. The Pickens Dragons started strong with an 11-2 run but Gilmer fought back and took a comeback win 62-41. Ethan McCollum led his team with 17 points followed closely by Ryder Wofford with 14 points, Jacob Bacera with 13, and Jackson McVey with 12 in the big win.
This big win took them to the semi-final game where the played against LaFayette. This game wasn’t the challenge seen in game one as the Bobcats won easily 79-24. Ryder Wofford put on a show with 24 points to lead his team in the victory. Other Bobcats adding their name to the list of scorers were Jacob Bacera with 10 points, Cooper Farmer(9), Jackson McVey and Boston Teague(8 points each), and Ethan McCullom had 7 points and earn the trip to the Championship game.
The Gilmer 12U team coached by Patrick Mcvey took an early lead over a good Trion team. This lead would hold throughout the game without being challenged. With two seconds on the final quarter clock and a 2 point margin in favor of Gilmer at 51-49, Trion put up a shot for the tie to send the game into overtime fell short closing out the game and crowning the 12U Gilmer boys the District Class C Champions. This tournament win moves Coach McVey and his team on to the State Tournament. McVey led the scoring for the Bobcats with 17 points. Jacob Bacera was right behind McVey with 14. Ryder Wofford had 8 and Boston Teague finished with 7 points.
The Park and Recreation State Tournament will be held at the Gilmer High School gym starting March 1st and running through March 2, 2019. Coach Patrick McVey and his 12U Champions will take the floor with Union County on Friday the 1st at 5:00 pm.
Pictured below:(L-R) Curtis Schneider, Ethan McCollum, Jacob Bacera, Ryder Wofford and Asst. Coach Shaun Wofford, Cooper farmer, SiblingRoxy McVey, Head Coach Patrick McVey, Boston Teague, Jackson McVey, Asst. Coach Bobby Teague, and Will Capstick
Bobcats Take Tough Loss In Region Tournament
Team FYN Sports February 13, 2019
Tuesday night of last week had the #2 seeded Bobcats facing the #7 seeded Ridgeland Panthers in a first-round game in the 6-4A post-season tournament.
The Bobcats played a hard-fought game all night but at the end of four periods of play, they found themselves at the end of a really good season. The Ridgeland Panthers had for players in double figures including their big inside threat Fred Norman who had 20 points on the night. The Panthers jumped out to an early 13-6 lead and never looked back. Gilmer had no answer to the Ridgeland attack until the third period. Coach Hice call for and implemented the man press which allowed the Cats to fight back late and tie the score only to see their opponents take the final lead of the night on free throws to seal the 57-53 win to end the
run for the Bobcats.
Tripp Pierce led the scoring for Gilmer on the night with 16 points. David Smith and Carter Hice had 9 points and 8 points respectively in the tough loss. Several seniors have played their last game as a Bobcat and the emotion showed on their faces. The Bobcats had a banner year and though the season came crashing to an unexpected halt, Coach Hice and his team will bounce back next season.
Team FYN Sports Player of the Week(9)
Team FYN Sports February 12, 2019
The week 9 Player of the Week for the Gilmer Bobcats chosen by Team FYN Sports is Sophomore Carson Pierce.
Carson is ready to play when his number is called. Coming off the bench, he averages a little under 3 points per game but more importantly the hustle and drive Carson brings to the floor is setting him up for his Junior and senior years as a Bobcat.
Lady Cats Take 1st Round Win
Team FYN Sports February 13, 2019
Monday, February 4th was the opening game for the Lady Cats as they entered the Region 6-4A tournament at Southeast Whitfield High School. Gilmer, entering the post-season as the #3 seed took the floor against the 6th seeded Lady Raiders of Southeast.
With the opening tipoff, there were no doubts who wanted to get the victory more as the Lady Cats began to set a precedence on how they were going to play. The immaculate defense held their opponents to a mere 6 points in the opening period and a total of 36 total on the night. On the offensive side of the ball, it seemed as if the Lady Cats couldn’t miss. as the first period came to a close, the Gilmer Girls had rolled out 22 points and a commanding 16 point margin over the Lady Raiders. Mallory Kiser had 8 points while Bailey Teague (7) and Emma Callihan(5) followed close behind in the scoring in the first. As the second period began, the Lady Cat defense continued the pressure allowing only 8 points while offensively things slowed down for the Lady Cats. Gilmer had 6 points as a team heading into the intermission with a 28-14 lead over Southeast. The second-period scoring was from Bailey Teague, Jalynn Ledford, and Elly Callihan with two points each.
The Gilmer dominance continued in the second half with the Lady Cats turning up the heat. The Lady Raiders found a small burst of energy and rhythm in the period to put up 15 while the Lady Cats scored 12. Despite 
being outscored in the opening period of the second half, Gilmer continued to hold a sizable lead at 40-29 to start the final period of play. The fourth had Gilmer step up once again and seal the deal with a 60-36 win and etch their name in the round two brackets. Four Lady Cat players were in double-digit points for the night. Emma Callihan led all scoring for Gilmer with 13 followed closely by Bailey Teague with 12, Mallory Kiser with 10, and Elly Callihan with 1o. This win moved the Gilmer Lady Cats into round two where they would face the Heritage Lady Generals.
Heritage handed the Lady Cats a loss on Thursday and forced a drop to the consolation game on Friday to decide 3rd or 4th place finish. The Game was scheduled for Friday at 4 pm against the Pickens Nettes.
Team FYN Sports Player of the Week(10)
Team FYN Sports February 12, 2019
The final Player of the Week recipient for the Gilmer Bobcats week 10 is Tripp Pierce.
Tripp has been a standout for the team all year as a senior. His leadership and consistent play throughout the 2018-2019 season has been a major role in the Bobcats excellent season.
Team FYN Sports Player of the Week-Lady Cats
Team FYN Sports February 12, 2019
The Team FYN Sports Player of the Week for the Gilmer Lady Cats is Jasmine Staley.
Staley is a dual sport athlete who is dedicated to giving her all both on the softball field and the basketball court. Her role on the team in coming off the bench is to rest the starters. Do not let her minimal minutes fool you. Staley isn’t afraid to shoot from beyond the arc and blast a 3 pointer. Throughout the season, Jasmine has helped the Lady Cats make it through region and earn a spot in the State Playoffs.
Team FYN Sports Player of the Week-Lady Cats
Team FYN Sports February 12, 2019
The Team FYN Sports Lady Cat Player of the Week for week 9 is Emma Callihan.
As one of three Callihans on the Lady Cats team, Emma separates herself from the others by bringing her own style of play to the floor. She can drive the lane for a hard-fought layup or take the mid-range shot from anywhere around the basket. In the home game vs. Heritage, Callihan scored 20 points for her highest point total on the season.
Gilmer And Lumpkin Split Non-Region Games
Team FYN Sports January 29, 2019
On what turned out to be a beautiful Saturday afternoon, the Gilmer teams traveled to Dahlonega Ga for non-region action with the Indians of Lumpkin Co.
First to take the court was the Lady Cats to face off against a Lady Indians team that is having a very good season out of 7-AAA. Looking to get a little tune-up before closing out the season with region action at Northwest Whitfield, the Lady Cats took the floor ready to give it all they had. As the referee tossed the ball in the air for the opening tip-off, both teams found it difficult to find a rhythm and really get anything going in the opening period of play. Senior MaryLee Callihan was 4-4 from the free-throw line and led the scoring for the Lady Cats in the first. Heading into the second period of play, Gilmer held a narrow 7-5 lead over Lumpkin. The final period before the halftime intermission had for Lady Cats put points on the board while continuing to put pressure on their opponents. Lumpkin was held to 6 points in the period and trailed 18-11 at the half. Points leaders for the Lady Cats in the first half was MaryLee Callihan with 6 and for the Lady Indians, Ashlynn Wistoski who had 6 first-half points.
The opening of the second half of play had the Lady Indians continue to struggle to get the 
basketball through the hoop. Scoring only 6 points, the home team couldn’t find a way to cut into the Lady Cat lead. Gilmer outscored the Lady Indians in the third but not enough to stretch the lead to a comfortable level. Emma Deyton had 7 third period points to keep the Lady Cats on top and carried a 29-17 lead headed into the final period. The Lady Indians made one last attempt to cut into the Gilmer lead with 14 fourth period points. Not only did the Lady Cats hold of the battling Lady Indians, but they also added 10 points to seal the deal on a double-digit victory. The Gilmer Lady Cats will travel to Northwest Whitfield on Tuesday for the final game of the 2018-2019 regular season. A win over the Lady Bruins will bring the two teams into a virtual tie for 1st place in Region 6-AAAA with the postseason tournament coming up.
Closing out the afternoon trip to Dahlonega had the Bobcats and Indians take the floor. The Gilmer boys are also having a great season and holding down the #2 spot in the region. On the other side, the Lumpkin Indians are closing out a disappointing season with just 6 wins overall coming into Saturday’s action.
The Bobcat struggles carried over from Friday’s game at LaFayette as they continued to lose the rebound war and even though quality shots were taken, they could not get hardly anything to fall. As the game proceeded through the four periods of play, the varsity boys never quit. In the end, the Cats fell to the Indians 53-49 in the non-region game. (No STATS were available from this game)
Coach Hice and his team will travel to Northwest Whitfield on Tuesday in the finale of the regular season.
Team FYN Sports Player of the week-Lady Cats(6)
Player Of The Week, Team FYN Sports February 10, 2019
The week 6 Player of the Week for the Gilmer Lady Cats is Beth Burnette.
Wearing #11, Burnette is yet another sophomore Lady Cat that gets quality minutes on the court in relief of the starting five. She takes advantage of every minute that Coach Nunn sends her in the game. Beth Burnette will have a different job description with the 2019-2020 season as her leadership comes into place.