West Forsyth's Rood returns from cancer treatments in Germany

By Michael Carvell

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

West Forsyth defensive back Trey Rood, who is battling Stage IV malignant melanoma, just returned from his fourth round of alternative cancer treatment in Germany.

"This time, they put Trey on the treatment for 60 hours straight after the first couple of days, but it made the trip much quicker," said Trey's mother, Cherie Rood.

The Rood family says that Trey has appeared to make progress, but they will know more after medical scans in two weeks.

West Forsyth is having a flag-football tournament and a carnival on Dec. 5 as fundraisers for Hood, whose medical costs are around $80,000 per month. For more information, go to PrayforTrey.org.

Boys basketball

*Hillgrove's Heath Houston, a 6-foot-8 forward who signed with Auburn, has only begun to show glimpses of his potential. "He's an outstanding young man with a great work ethic," coach Ed Morris said. "His best basketball is still ahead of him. He continues to get better and better." Dominic Early, a 6-6 guard, also draws defenders to take pressure off Houston.

*Campbell's loss of nine players to graduation has taken a hit on the team, at least early. However, Campbell is counting heavily on guard Justin Haffad, who is being recruited by the University of Chicago, and a host of young players, including sophomore Justin Seymour.

*Creekside has two intriguing seniors who will be scouted by colleges this season. Point guard Travious Relaford made all-region last season, while Jyles Smith is a 6-8 forward who runs the floor like a guard and is known for his shot blocking.

Girls basketball

*Centennial's sting from missing last season's playoffs has motivated the team ever since. "From the beginning of the offseason, we started having hard workouts, and the girls were ready to go," coach Lindsay Meekhof said. "They still remember what it was like to lose their last game and just missing making the state tournament. They don't want that to happen again." Shooting guard Paige Biringer (11.7 ppg) is one of two returning starters, while center Morgan Moynihan (9.9 ppg., 10.7 rebounds) has been heavily scouted by Oglethorpe.

*GAC's Chaney Means, who signed with Western Kentucky, has shown her versatility with her career stats across the board -- more than 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 300 steals, and 300 assists. She will be joined in the backcourt this season by fellow senior Clarke Boards.

*Allatoona, a second-year Cobb school, has a long way to go but is excited about a couple of freshmen -- Elise Spann for her ballhandling skills and Alyssa Dobson for her outside shooting skills.

Etc.

*The state cheerleading champions are Mill Creek (AAAAA), Northgate (AAAA), Johns Creek (AAA), Calhoun (AA), and Commerce (A), while Peachtree Ridge won the Co-Ed division.

*Whitewater lacrosse player Kate Ferrell, who scored 106 goals last year during the regular season (sixth on national all-time list), has signed with Limestone College.

*Surburban Lanes has created a bowling scholarship fund for DeKalb County students.