BRIEFS

Knights of Columbus to sponsor FT contest

All boys and girls ages 10 to 14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition for the 2008 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship. The local competition will be held Saturday, January 26 at 10:00 am at Limestone Central Elementary School on Pacolet Hwy. in Gaffney.

The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship is sponsored annually, with winners progressing through local, district, and state competitions. International champions are announced by the K of C international headquarters based on scores from the state-level competitions. All boys and girls 10 to 14 years old are eligible to participate and will compete in their respective age divisions. Last year more than 179,000 sharpshooters participated in over 3,000 local competitions.

All contestants on the local level are recognized for their participation in the event. Participants are required to furnish proof of age and written parental consent. There is no charge to participate in the event and registration will be accepted at the door the day of the event. For entry forms or additional information contact Fred Knowles at 487-0446 or fok3@bellsouth. net.

Ewing upsets

Lady Warriors

The Granard Lady Warriors' undefeated season came to an end on Thursday as the Ewing Lady Eagles walked away with a 42-40 victory.

"We started slow and didn't get it together until it was too late," said Granard coach Kathy Littlejohn. "We'll just have to put this game behind us and keep moving forward."

Tiana Logan led the Lady Warriors with 13 points, while Rodrika Oglesby chipped in 12, and Yasmine Ellis added eight.

The Lady Warriors fall to 8-1 on the season and will host Carver on Tuesday.

Granard captures

conference crown

The Granard Warriors captured the Little Six regular season title with a 56-33 victory over Ewing on Thursday.

"The kids worked hard and played hard this year," said coach Bobby Rodgers. "I'm proud of every player on this team."

Ron Best fired in 19 points to lead the Warriors. Russell Hughes added 16 points.

The Warriors, 12-1, will host Carver on Thursday

Panthers DE still

mulling future

It's been nearly a month since the Carolina Panthers ended their season, but defensive end Mike Rucker still hasn't decided if he'll retire.

''I'm still relaxing,'' Rucker said Thursday while attending a news conference about a new dragstrip at Lowe's Motor Speedway. ''I do feel we are getting close to a decision.''

The 32-year-old Rucker has been hinting for some time that he may walk away from the game. He teared up as he walked off the field during Carolina's final home game on Dec. 22. He's openly questioned whether his body can withstand another NFLseason.

Rucker's contract expired at the end of the season

Woods two shots

behind Buick leader

Tiger Woods delivered the score he expected in his 2008 debut, just not the game.

Despite playing from the sand, rough and behind a few trees early in his round, Woods began a muchanticipated season Thursday with a 5- under 67 on the tougher South Course at Torrey Pines. That left him two shots behind Troy Matteson, and gave him a strong presence on the leaderboard as he goes for his fourth straight title in the Buick Invitational.

''It wasn't pretty off the tee, but I hung in there,''Woods said. ''Shooting 67 is always going to feel pretty good on the South Course.''