Wrapping Up the 2024–25 High School Season in Style

The curtain has closed on another electric year of high school athletics, and the 2024–25 season went out with fireworks, championship hardware, and unforgettable storylines. From historic sweeps to Hall of Fame inductions, Columbus and the surrounding Chattahoochee Valley once again proved why it’s a powerhouse in Georgia high school sports. Athletes rose to the occasion, coaches cemented their legacies, and programs ushered in bold new chapters. As the dust settles, this season will be remembered as one of the most meaningful in recent memory.

At Synovus Park in downtown Columbus, the Brookstone Cougars delivered the exclamation point on the season with a commanding two-game sweep over First Presbyterian Day to claim the GIAA 4A State Baseball Championship — their second consecutive title. The atmosphere was electric. Fans packed the stands, knowing they were witnessing something special — and the Cougars did not disappoint.

Game 2 was a display of grit, execution, and championship-level focus. Luke Lowry set the tone with four determined innings on the mound, neutralizing FPD’s early bats. In the fifth, Coach Greg Mathis turned to Brennan Neal, who closed the door with a dominant three-inning performance. Neal faced just nine batters, retiring seven of the last eight and allowing only one baserunner. He wasn’t done there — Neal ignited the Cougar offense with an inside-the-park home run, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and shifting momentum permanently in Brookstone’s favor.

The Cougars’ offensive burst came in the third inning, where they posted all three of their runs. Mercer Hudson led the way with a flawless 3-for-3 performance at the plate, continuing his stellar postseason. He was joined on the scoreboard by Chanwoo Kim, who crossed home safely, and Neal’s electrifying homer sealed the scoring. FPD responded with two runs in the fifth, but Brookstone’s defense locked in and refused to give up the lead. Brookstone ends the season with a 26-6 record, and for the seniors, it’s a sendoff filled with pride, legacy, and back-to-back state titles. Mercer Hudson earned Series MVP honors, putting a fitting cap on his standout career.

While one team celebrated its championship run, a local legend was being honored for a lifetime of achievement. Coach Charles Flowers, a titan in Georgia high school sports, was officially inducted into the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame — a historic honor as the first individual recognized for excellence in two sports: football and baseball.

Coach Flowers' impact reaches far beyond wins and championships. With a career football record of 161-82, he left his mark at several programs, including a 124-45 record at Shaw High School, where he guided the Raiders to a GHSA State Championship in 2000. He also found success on the baseball field and was known for his unmatched leadership and development of young athletes. His legacy is layered with more than just athletic success. He broke racial barriers throughout Georgia, becoming the first African-American head football coach at Shaw and at Troup County High School after desegregation. He later made history as the first African-American Athletic Director in the Muscogee County School District. During his induction speech, Coach Flowers spoke about faith, mentorship, and community. “Coaching was never just about sports,” he said. “It was about shaping lives, helping kids believe they could go further than their circumstances.” His induction is not only a celebration of his personal accomplishments but a powerful reflection of progress and leadership in Georgia athletics.

While we honor the past, we also look toward the future — and one of the city’s most respected programs is entering a new era. St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School announced Matt Ward as its new head varsity baseball coach. Ward steps in for Coach Case Rasmus, who is relocating to accept a new coaching opportunity in Guntersville, Alabama. Ward brings 18 years of experience at both the high school and collegiate levels, most recently serving as an assistant coach at Chattahoochee Valley Community College. He also held previous roles as head coach at Valley High School and pitching coach at Harris County High School. With a reputation for building strong player relationships and a deep knowledge of the local talent landscape, Ward is expected to elevate the Vikings program to new heights. The school is hosting a “Meet the Coach” event on June 9 at 7 p.m. at The Beck Center for all rising 9th–12th grade boys and their families.

Meanwhile, travel basketball teams from the region continue to make headlines. PorterSports SE Girls Basketball put on a dominant display at the Prep Girls Hoops Summer Championship, capturing both the 7th and 8th grade division titles. With tenacious defense and elite guard play, PorterSports continues to build its brand as one of the most formidable girls basketball programs in the Southeast. In boys’ AAU action, Tri City Elite made noise of their own with a thrilling 56-48 win over PY Elite to claim the YBOA Columbus Summer Classic Championship.

All in all, the 2024–25 high school sports season in Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley delivered in every way. Championships were won. Legends were honored. New leaders were introduced. From emotional title wins to Hall of Fame moments and exciting summer previews, this year was filled with moments that will be talked about for years to come. As we head into summer ball, offseason training, and the beginning stages of next year’s journey, one thing is clear — the passion for sports in this region runs deep, and the future is brighter than ever. From the fields to the hardwood to the dugouts, excellence lives here — and it’s only getting started. Until next time, this has been Time-Out.