David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

8 months ago

The Time Is Now: North Hall two-sport standout Smith McGarvey looking to cap off prep career in memorable fashion This summer, The Times will write feature stories, profiling rising high school senior athletes in Hall County. To submit a story idea, email sports@gainesvilletimes.com.

Two more chapters in our "The Time Is Now" series highlighting the top rising senior athletes in Hall County dropped today. Both are multi-sports athletes. First up is North Hall's Smith McGarvey. #HallFootball #HallBaseball

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/footb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

8 months ago

College baseball: Big 2025 season, potentially bigger future keeping Flowery Branch grad Kaleb Freeman busy this summer The door has opened for an even brighter future in baseball after an All-American campaign at Georgia State this past spring.

The other is former Flowery Branch baseball standout Kaleb Freeman, who has already had a very busy spring following a huge season at Georgia State. And his calendar could be about to get considerably busier in a good way. #HallBaseball

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/colle...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

9 months ago

High school baseball: Players from schools in Hall County make All-State from Georgia Dugout Club Cherokee Bluff had three make First-Team All-State.

Also over the weekend, several #HallBaseball standouts were among those honored by the Georgia Dugout Club when its All-State teams for the 2025 season were released.

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

9 months ago

The Time Is Now: Flowery Branch's Bourrie brothers share special bond as two-sport standouts This summer, The Times will write feature stories, profiling rising high school senior athletes in Hall County. To submit a story idea, email sports@gainesvilletimes.com.

Earlier in the week, there was also a "The Time Is Now" profile on Flowery Branch twin baseball standouts Riley and Parker Bourrie. #HallBaseball

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/high-...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

9 months ago

The Time Is Now: North Hall’s Kaleb Sexton on pace for big bounce-back on the mound after injury took away his junior season This summer, The Times will write feature stories, profiling rising high school senior athletes in Hall County. To submit a story idea, email sports@gainesvilletimes.com.

Meanwhile, I recently spoke with @nthbaseball southpaw sensation @KalebSexton32 about what has already been a big summer as he comes back from an injury that cost him most of his junior season this spring. #HallBaseball #TheTimeIsNow

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

9 months ago

All-County Baseball: Cherokee Bluff's Ethan England, North Hall's Branson Crawford earn top superlatives Look inside to see who made First Team, Second Team and honorable mention.

The Gainesville Times is bringing back its own postseason recognition process with All-County Teams to highlight the top local prep athletes.

First up for the spring sports is #HallBaseball. Congrats to all the honorees.

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

10 months ago

High school baseball playoffs: Cherokee Bluff splits first two games, takes state finals to deciding Game 3 on Wednesday Bears need win in the nightcap to stretch series to three games

After a crazy night of baseball (and later in the evening, crazy weather), Cherokee Bluff and Troup gear up for Round 3 Wednesday at noon for all the marbles in the Class 3A state baseball championship series. #HallBaseball

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

10 months ago

High school baseball playoffs: Cherokee Bluff's road to its second straight state finals is the long journey for the Kemp family Head coach Jeremy Kemp and his senior son Landon both cherish getting back to the championship series for the second straight season as the Bears prepare to take on Troup beginning Tuesday in Rome.

A few things before I take off for Cherokee Bluff's Class 3A state BB finals DH vs. Troup in Rome. First, here's an item on how this series is part of a lifelong journey for Bears 2B/RHP @landonkemp8 and his father, head coach Jeremy Kemp. #HallBaseball

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

10 months ago

The Bears will take on the winner of Game 3 between Pickens and Troup Co., which begins in LaGrange in about 90 minutes. The title series begins with a DH next Tuesday at 5 p.m. at AdventHealth Stadium in Rome. #HallBaseball

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

10 months ago

High school baseball playoffs: They're back! Cherokee Bluff earns spot in state finals with a 15-2 win at Peach County Bears score early and often to advance to the Class 3A state title series to take on the Game 3 winner between Pickens and Troup next week in Rome.

Congrats in order for @CBBearBaseball, which is back in @officialghsa.bsky.social Class 3A state championship series for the second straight year after a resounding 15-2 win over Peach Co. in Game 3 of their semifinal series. #HallBaseball

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

10 months ago

High school baseball: Eight Flowery Branch players honored on All-Region 8-4A team Honored Falcons were all major contributors to the team's region runner-up finish and berth in the Class 4A state playoffs.

In other some #HallBaseball news today, congrats to eight Flowery Branch players named to the All-Region 8-4A team, which was released this afternoon by the region's coaches.

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

10 months ago

High school baseball playoffs: Cherokee Bluff putting all the pieces together during another deep postseason run Here are five reasons why the Bears are still alive in the Class 3A state semifinals, and one step away from a return to the championship series, for the second straight season.

On to baseball, as the lone remaining #HallBaseball postseason team readies itself for a Class 3A semifinal series against Peach Co. on Tuesday in Ft. Valley. Here are 5 reasons why/how Cherokee bluff has made it this far.

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

10 months ago

High school baseball: Gainesville players selected All-Region in 7-5A Cohen Miller, Asher Stephens earn First-Team recognition for the Red Elephants

In other #HallBaseball news from yesterday, congrats to eight @RedElephantBSBL players who were named to the All-Region 7-5A team.

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

10 months ago

High school baseball state quarterfinals: Experience, fast starts send Cherokee Bluff past North Hall for doubleheader sweep Bears advance to the Class 3A state semifinals to take on Peach County in a best-of-three series next week in Fort Valley.

ICYMI, here's a look back at Cherokee Bluff's Class 3A state baseball doubleheader sweep of North Hall that propelled the Bears into next week's semifinals against Peach Co. #HallBaseball

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

10 months ago

High school baseball playoffs: Cherokee Bluff takes down Northwest Whitfield for second-round sweep Beau Bruns' walk-off RBI single caps 6-5 win in the nightcap, which followed a 6-4 win in Game 1 to send the Bears into the Class 3A state quarterfinals to meet Hall County rival North Hall on May 7 i...

Meanwhile, Cherokee Bluff did its part with a pair of close wins over Northwest Whitfield. #HallBaseball

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

10 months ago

CLEAN SWEEP! North Hall takes two from Heritage-Catoosa, advances to baseball state quarterfinals Inside the story is a photo gallery from Game 1 of the second-round playoff series in Gainesville

Speaking of last night's #HallBaseball action, I never did get around to posting our coverage of both second-round sweeps. First, @nthbaseball put Game 1 away early, but had to come up clutch late in the nightcap to sweep away Heritage-Catoosa.

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/high-...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

10 months ago

High school baseball playoffs: North Hall, Cherokee Bluff looking forward to resuming their rivalry in a playoff atmosphere Bears, Trojans renew acquaintances in the postseason for the first time when they square off in the Class 3A state quarterfinal series, which begins with a doubleheader Wednesday at Cottrell Field.

After last night's second-round sweeps, North Hall and Cherokee Bluff prepare to continue their diamond rivalry in next week's @OfficialGHSA Class 3A state semifinals. Should be an insane atmosphere at Cottrell Field #HallBaseball

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

11 months ago

High school baseball playoffs: Flowery Branch falls to Wayne County in thrilling Game 3 pitching duel Bases-loaded walk with two outs in the bottom of the seventh allows host Yellow Jackets to walk-off with a 1-0 win and end the Falcons' season at 19-13.

Flowery Branch gave a great effort, but came up just short in Game 3 of its @OfficialGHSA Class 3A state baseball playoff series with Wayne Co. #HallBaseball

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

11 months ago

High school baseball: North Hall dominates All-Region 6-3A teams Trojans place eight different players on one of the two teams honored by the region's coaches, while Chestatee also had three players selected.

Speaking of #HallBaseball, congrats to a number of North Hall and Chestatee players included in the All-Region 6-3A teams when it was released earlier today.

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

11 months ago

High school baseball: Tough decision pay off big for Hall's three remaining playoff teams heading into the second round Important strategy choices prove productive for Cherokee Bluff, Flowery Branch and North Hall in their respective first-round victories.

As the @officialghsa.bsky.social state baseball playoffs head into the 2nd round, three #HallBaseball teams can look back at some decisions that helped them get there, and whether they can continue that momentum this week.

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

11 months ago

High school baseball playoffs: Late-inning clutch moments propel Cherokee Bluff to first-round sweep of Lumpkin County Bears get the big hits and outs when they needed to in sweeping the Indians and earning a Class 3A state second round series on the road at Northwest Whitfield.

Meanwhile, Cherokee Bluff also swept its 1st round DH. The Bears had to work a little harder for it, but came up big in multiple clutch moments. #HallBaseball

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

11 months ago

High school baseball playoffs: North Hall hammers Richmond Academy in two-game sweep Trojans advance to host Heritage-Catoosa in another best-of-three series, starting Thursday.

Wrapping up plenty of HS postseason sports from Friday night, starting with the 1st round of the @officialghsa.bsky.social Class 3A state baseball playoffs. First, North Hall rolled past Richmond Academy for a DH sweep at Cottrell Field. #HallBaseball

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

11 months ago

High school baseball playoffs: Flowery Branch climbs out of big early hole to beat Jones County in extra innings Falcons rally from an early five-run deficit to sweep the best-of three series and earn a second-round match up next week at Wayne County.

Flowery Branch rallies for dramatic extra-inning win to earn sweep of Jones County in an opening-round Class 4A state baseball series. #HallBaseball

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

11 months ago

High school baseball playoffs: Flowery Branch takes weather-shortened Class 4A opener from Jones County Lightning and rain halts Game 1 after six innings and pushes Game 2 to Thursday.

While Mother Nature rained on the parade a bit, Flowery Branch still gets an impressive win in Game 1 of their first-round Class 4A state baseball playoff series with Jones Co. #HallBaseball

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

11 months ago

@OfficialGHSA Class 4A state baseball playoff score: @Branch_Baseball 7, Jones Co. 3, Game 1 FINAL (6 innings). Falcons take a 1-0 lead in the Best of 3 series in a game shortened by first lightning, then rain. Game 2 set for tomorrow at 4 p.m., weather permitting. #HallBaseball

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

11 months ago

High school baseball: Hall teams gearing up for the opening round of the state playoffs Here's a look at the county's five state postseason teams as they prepare for their opening round series in their respective classifications.

With the @OfficialGHSA state baseball playoffs getting underway tomorrow, here's a brief look at all five #HallBaseball who will be participating in opening-round series this week.

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

11 months ago

High school baseball: Clutch pitching and timely hitting key Flowery Branch doubleheader sweep of Walnut Grove Javy Ojeda's no-hitter and a solid start from Riley Castaneda help the Falcons secure second place in Region 8-4A and a home state playoff series for the first time in three seasons.

ICYMI, there were a couple of dramatic moments around the Hall Co. HS sports scene last night. First @Branch_Baseball swept Walnut Grove in a Region 8-4A DH to earn a 1st-round home playoff series, including a no-hitter by Javy Ojeda in Game 1. #HallBaseball

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

1 year ago

High school baseball: Gainesville continues playoff push by taking down No. 5 Seckinger at Ivey-Watson Red Elephants have a chance to complete series sweep Friday in Buford

Don't look now folks, but Chan Brown has Gainesville playing some REALLY good ball right now after the Red Elephants took down No. 5 Seckinger for the second time this week for their sixth win in the last seven games. #HallBaseball

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

1 year ago

Baseball scoreboard: North Hall takes down Lumpkin County Junior Smith McGarvey had a homer, run-scoring single for the Trojans

Another key win by @nthbaseball highlights the rest of the the reported #HallBaseball scores from last night.

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...

David Friedlander

@deepfrieddave.bsky.social

1 year ago

High school baseball: Patience at the plate and the mound propel Cherokee Bluff past Jefferson Gabe Gowder recovers from early deficit, while Bears cash in 10 walks to win the opener of their important Region 8-3A series with the Dragons.

Taking a look back at yesterday's news, starting with a big win for Cherokee Bluff in its key Region 8-3A baseball series against Jefferson. #HallBaseball

www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/baseb...