North Gwinnett News

The Lanier High School Bass Fishing Team has achieved remarkable success in the 2024 15th Annual High School Fishing World Finals and National Championship. The event took place earlier this summer at Lake Hartwell, located on the Georgia-South Carolina border. Competing against 435 teams from 48 states and three countries, Lanier High secured second place nationally and third place in the world.

Under the guidance of Head Coach Tyler Nemec, six anglers and three boat captains represented Lanier High at the championship. Among them were Angel Cornejo, a recent graduate, and Bryson Dover, a rising senior, who participated with Boat Captain Randy Dover, Bryson's father. Blaine Garner, another graduate, and Cooper Martin, also a rising senior, competed with Boat Captain Tony Martin.

Dr. Christopher Martin, Principal of Lanier High School, expressed pride in the team's achievements. “These accomplishments are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship of our Bass Fishing Team,” Dr. Martin stated. “Their success brings immense pride to our school and community, and we are excited to see what they achieve next season.”

The national champions were determined by their combined fishing catch weight over three days. Winners received $5,000 in scholarships for their chosen schools. The top ten finalists from this competition moved on to compete for the World Championship title on day two after weights were reset. Prizes included scholarships as well as laptops, gift cards, big-screen TVs, electronics, and fishing gear.

Lanier High's team was established by Coach Nemec during the 2022-23 school year and quickly gained recognition both locally and nationally. In its inaugural year, the team won the 2023 Georgia High School Association Bass Fishing State Championship. Additionally, Blaine Garner and Cooper Martin placed eighth in the 2024 Student Angler Federation State Tournament.