Time-Out: Tri-City Athletes Shine on the National Stage

The heartbeat of Tri-City sports didn’t skip a beat this past week. From national championship hardware on the hardwood to All-American performances on the track, and a youth camp that continues to shape tomorrow’s stars, the local athletic community has been in full stride. And with the high school football season right around the corner, the buzz around town is only growing louder.

We begin with a championship run that now has the attention of the entire country. The 2026 Run 4 Roses basketball tournament in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the premier girls' youth basketball events in the nation, and this year it had a familiar name standing tall at the top. The Porter Sports SE 2029 girls brought the Platinum Division championship back to the Tri-City area, cementing their place as one of the elite programs in the country for their age group.

Coached with passion, precision, and purpose, this squad played with a level of poise and maturity well beyond their years. Each game, they faced high-level competition, with rosters stacked with the best young talent from across the nation. But Porter Sports stayed the course, trusted each other, and elevated their game when it mattered most. From clutch free throws to tenacious defense, they delivered in every phase of the game. Their Platinum title wasn’t just a win it was a moment of validation for the work they’ve put in all season. This victory shines a light on the kind of talent that’s brewing here in the Tri-City area young athletes with discipline, skill, and the hunger to compete on the biggest stages. With players like these at the foundation, the future of girls’ basketball in our region is in great hands.

Meanwhile, down in Jacksonville, Florida, a different kind of competition was unfolding — but the results were just as golden. Sunday to Saturday, three powerhouse local track & field clubs — the West Georgia Jets, Quick Feet Elite, and Tri-City Striders — traveled to North Florida University to compete in the prestigious AAU Club National Championships. These athletes, ranging from elementary school to high school, represented our region with pride, pushing through the Florida heat and intense competition to earn spots on the podium.

There were several standout performances, but none shined brighter than Quick Feet Elite’s own Dontareus “DT” Taylor. Competing in the 13U Boys 400-meter dash, DT blazed around the track with a blistering time of 53.59 seconds, capturing the national title and earning All-American honors in the process.

DT’s victory was just one of many medal-worthy performances. Across all three teams, athletes stepped up in both track and field events from hurdles and relays to long jump and shot put bringing home hardware and putting the Tri-City name in the national spotlight. Beyond the medals, what stood out most was the energy, the discipline, and the sportsmanship these young athletes carried with them. Their success is a credit to the coaches, parents, and communities behind them, all working together to build something special.

Back home, on the turf and under the sun, another legacy continued to grow. The 5th Annual Phoenix Initiative Tommie Robinson Youth Summer Football, Girls’ Flag Football, and Cheer Camp was held last Saturday, and once again, it delivered on all fronts. The camp, named in honor of legendary coach and community advocate Tommie Robinson, brought together young athletes from all backgrounds to learn, grow, and have fun. Participants rotated through skill stations led by experienced coaches and athletes, learning everything from footwork and passing technique to teamwork and character-building lessons. The girls’ flag football segment saw growing participation this year, a testament to the rising interest and visibility of the sport.

As summer continues to roll on, our attention turns to Friday nights and the roar of stadium crowds. As part of our 2025–26 High School Football Season Preview series, we turn the spotlight toward the Shaw Raiders a program on the rise, fueled by a new wave of talent and a head coach determined to restore the school’s proud football tradition. Head Coach Johnny Garner enters the season with renewed energy, guiding a team that finished the 2024–25 campaign with a 5–6 overall record, including a 4–3 mark in Region AA. While the final record might not turn heads at first glance, those who watched the Raiders closely know just how far this team came over the course of the year.

Shaw put together a trio of commanding victories that showcased their potential a 60–0 blowout against Kendrick, a dominant 54–0 shutout of Jordan, and a 35–7 thumping of Columbus. Those wins weren’t just lopsided scores; they were statements. They were glimpses into what this group could be when firing on all cylinders. Though the season ended with a tough first-round playoff loss to a juggernaut Carver-Atlanta team (36–0), the experience gained under the postseason lights will only fuel the fire heading into this fall.

This year’s team is stacked with promising talent. Senior Aaryn Grant returns as a do-it-all weapon who can line up at quarterback or wide receiver. Whether making plays with his legs or stretching the field with his arm, Grant is a seasoned veteran with a knack for delivering in big moments. Defensively, sophomore lineman Lebron Raybon will anchor the trenches. At 6'0", Raybon has the power and quickness to wreak havoc in the backfield. He posted 18 tackles and two sacks in limited varsity action last year, and coaches believe he’s primed for a breakout season.

The Raiders will open their 2025 season at home on Thursday, August 7, against Seminole County at Kinnett Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM, and fans are already marking their calendars. This team has the pieces. This team has the hunger. And come August, this team will have their shot.

As we reflect on a week filled with wins, growth, and inspiration, one thing is clear: Tri-City sports are alive and thriving. From national titles to future Friday night legends, our athletes are showing the world what we already know — greatness lives here. Stay locked in, because this summer still has plenty of magic left.