locust grove Newsletter

Message from AD Willis: 

Welcome to Locust Grove High School Athletics! We are excited to kick off the 2025-26 school year. Our coaches are eager to enhance achievement and instill pride in our student-athletes both in the classroom and on the field and court. We are committed to developing champions in both competition and character, and we look forward to The Year of The Grove! Thank you to our Wildcat families and the community for your continued support of Locust Grove High School Athletics.

Early Winter Season "Behind the Scenes" 

This winter, we want to highlight the incredible work of our SAAC students, who have been the backbone of our athletic operations throughout both the fall and winter seasons. Their leadership, commitment, and willingness to serve have made a tremendous impact on the overall game-day experience at Locust Grove.

Our SAAC students consistently go above and beyond what is expected. During football season, they routinely arrived on campus as early as 7:30 AM on Fridays to begin game-day setup. They handled logistics, organized materials, assisted with equipment, and greeted staff, players, and visitors with professionalism and school pride. Their presence ensured that everything was ready long before kickoff.

Their support has continued seamlessly into the winter sports season. SAAC members are actively involved in basketball game setup, takedown, and managing game-day procedures. From preparing the court and seating areas to helping with crowd flow and supporting gate operations, they play a vital role in creating an organized and welcoming environment for teams and spectators.

These students are truly behind-the-scenes heroes. Their dedication reflects their love for Locust Grove and their desire to elevate the athletic experience for everyone involved. Our programs run smoothly because of their hard work, reliability, and leadership.

We are proud of our SAAC team and grateful for everything they do to support Wildcat Athletics.

Celebrating Fall Sports Achievements

The Fall 2025 season was an outstanding one for Wildcat Athletics, filled with postseason appearances, individual honors, school records, and incredible team performances across multiple sports. Our student-athletes continue to represent Locust Grove with excellence on the field, in competition, and in the classroom.

Softball

Our Lady Wildcats had an impressive season, earning a trip to the state playoffs and producing some of the top athletes in the region and the state.

• Region Player of the Year & 1st Team All-State – Catee Maddox

Catee also signed her softball scholarship with the University of North Georgia, a tremendous accomplishment for an elite student-athlete.

• 1st Team All-Region – Bella Tullis

• 2nd Team All-Region – Casey Romano, Savannah Waits, Kayleigh Anderson, Ameriah Thomas, Brainnna Hinton, Charissa Gonzalez

• Honorable Mention All-Region – Hannah Lingefelt, Emma Tullis, Graycen Britt

A huge congratulations to Head Coach Huffman and Assistant Coach Brittani Crawford and the entire softball program for their continued success.

Football

Wildcat Football delivered one of the best seasons in school history, finishing 9–1 and winning the Region 2-4A Championship. The program earned major recognition across the region:

• Region 2-4A Offensive Player of the Year – Armond Parker

• Region 2-4A Defensive Player of the Year – Bryce Robinson

• Region 2-4A Coach of the Year – Coach Fisher

1st Team All-Region:

Kamare Matthews – WR

Zaymone Goodwin – DB

Timi Aliu – OL

Zach Adams – LB

Martavius Candies Jr. – DL

Javon Bowser Jr. – ATH

Ethan Robinson – DL

2nd Team All-Region:

Urijah Jordan – WR

Joshua Pope Jr. – DB

Darrion Newton – OL

Chrishaun Webb – OL

Honorable Mention All-Region:

Tayson Nealy – OL

Jamari Dubose – TE

Kiyon Wilson – WR

Donovan Barber – RB

Avery Hicks – LB

This was a historic season for Locust Grove Football and a testament to the hard work of the players and staff.

Girls Cross Country

Our Lady XC Wildcats capped off a tremendous season by finishing 20th in the state out of 61 Class 4A schools, an incredible achievement for a young and determined team. Nearly every runner posted a course PR at the State meet:

• Kaydee Armstrong – 21:47 (–1:39 from September)

• Norah Wilde – 23:32 (Course PR, –2:30)

• Jorie Young – 24:22 (Course PR, –1:56)

• Lilah Crawley – 25:44 (Course PR, –0:08)

• Lainey Crawley – 25:58 (Course PR, –1:50)

• Queen Brisbon – 26:10 (Course PR, –1:02)

• Somora Burgher – 26:33 (Course PR, –1:13)

Their progress throughout the season shows tremendous dedication and growth.

A Fall Season to Remember

From playoff runs to region titles, college signings, all-region selections, and state-level performances, our student-athletes embodied what it means to be Wildcats. Their commitment, discipline, and pride have set a strong foundation as we transition into winter sports. Congratulations to all of our fall teams and individual award winners for an incredible season. Go Wildcats!

Athlete Spotlight: Who’s Stepping Up Early?”

Tyler Jones – Boys Basketball | Senior | District SAAC Representative

GPA: 4.1

SAT: 1100

College Update: Verbally committed to Georgia College & State University

Tyler Jones has emerged as a strong early-season leader for the boys’ basketball program. As a senior captain, he models commitment through consistent attendance, focused effort, and a steady presence on the court. Tyler also represents Locust Grove High School on the district-level SAAC team, contributing meaningful leadership at the county level. His academic excellence paired with athletic leadership sets a high standard for all student-athletes.

Trinity Hope – Flag Football, Tennis, Track & Field | Senior | District SAAC Representative

GPA: 4.1

SAT: 1050

College Update: Awaiting acceptance from Georgia State University

Trinity Hope continues to excel across multiple sports while setting the tone in early December preparations. Her work ethic, versatility, and leadership have made her a standout in flag football, tennis, and track & field. Trinity also serves on the district-level SAAC team, where she helps shape student-athlete leadership initiatives across the county. Her academic performance and multi-sport dedication make her a true example of excellence at LGHS.

Meet Our Captains

Basketball Cheer

“Great leaders create great teams, and great teams create unforgettable memories “. -Senior Jayden Tucker 

Goals: 

1. Set a positive example with attitude, effort, and punctuality.

2.  Respect your coach’s directions and help others stay on track.

3. Handle mistakes with maturity — reset, smile, and try again. -Senior Ariel Lane

As a senior, my goal this season is to push myself harder than ever, enjoy every moment, and end the year knowing I gave everything to this team.-Senior Miriah Lamar

“Be the kind of leader you’d want to follow” -Senior Taliyah Amey

Boys Basketball – Kennedy Union, Captain

Quote on Leadership & Goals:

“My goals are to graduate high school, win a region championship, become a real estate agent, and buy my mom a house.” Kennedy leads with purpose and maturity, consistently modeling effort, discipline, and a team-first approach. His vision for success drives the boys’ basketball program.

Boys Basketball – Kaden Union, Captain (Senior)

Quote on Leadership & Goals:

“Never let somebody tell you you can’t, even when it seems impossible. My goal is to become a region champion and pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon.” Kaden’s leadership is defined by resilience, accountability, and academic ambition. He sets a strong example for the entire program.

Girls Basketball – Taylor Jones, Captain (Freshman)

Quote on Leadership:

“A good leader gives good advice but also applies those same expectations to their own game. A leader supports their team and never looks down on anyone. If you are playing bad but trying to tell others what to do, then you are not a good leader whatsoever.”

Taylor leads through consistency, humility, and action. Her influence is already shaping the culture of the girls’ basketball program.

Girls Basketball – Alyasia Webb, Captain (Freshman)

Quote on Goals & Leadership:

“Never be scared of sacrifice; sacrifice leads to success. If you have the shot, take it—never wonder ‘what if.’”

Alyasia brings competitive fire and confidence to her role. Her leadership encourages teammates to play boldly and pursue excellence.

Wrestling – Jarett Daniels, Captain (Senior, 132 lbs)

Quote on Leadership & Life:

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. It talks about how some things in life you can’t change.” Jarett leads with maturity, discipline, and perspective. His presence on the mat and in the locker room sets the tone for the wrestling team.

Wrestling – Brandon Armstrong, Captain (Senior, 113 lbs)

Quote on Leadership & Work Ethic:

“If you are going to do something, why not do it 110%?”

Brandon embodies total effort and commitment. As a senior at 113 lbs, he leads by example, pushing himself and his teammates to give maximum effort in every drill, match, and moment. His mindset elevates the standard of the wrestling program.

Student-Athlete Academic Highlights

Student-Athlete Academic Highlights

Kaden Union – Boys Basketball

Kaden Union, a senior guard on the boys’ basketball team, holds a 3.2 GPA. He scored an 860 on the SAT and has been accepted to more than six colleges. Kaden continues to demonstrate strong leadership, balancing academic success with athletic performance.

Kennedy Union – Boys Basketball

Kennedy Union, a starting guard on the boys’ basketball team, maintains a 3.1 GPA. He earned an 890 on the SAT and has been accepted to over ten colleges. Kennedy’s work ethic in the classroom and on the court exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated student-athlete.

Athletic Director Contact: michael.willis@henry.k12.ga.us          School Website:  lgh.henry.k12.ga.us/     Address:  3275 S Ola Road, Locust Grove, GA 30248