National spotlight shines on local teen

For a few weeks now, I've been helping you follow the story of Evans Middle School seventh-grader Kevin Millward.

The 13-year-old had worked his way to the national Punt, Pass and Kick finals in the 12-13 age division.

On Saturday in Nashville, Tenn., Millward dispatched the competition and joined the likes of NFL legends Dan Marino and John Elway as a Punt, Pass and Kick national champion.

After the competition, the winners were shuttled to The Coliseum for an on-field presentation during a second-half break of the AFC Divisional Playoff game between Tennessee and Pittsburgh.

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There he was, on the television screen, as the announcer boomed, " ... and the 12-13 year old boys champion, Kevin Millward of Martinez, Ga.!"

My phone began ringing immediately.

I must admit it was a thrill to see a local kid advance all the way to the finals, and then come through under pressure to win it all.

Now, if only my Steelers had won, it would have been a perfect day.

Marshall, Scott dominate

Greenbrier High School senior Eric Marshall and Lakeside High School junior Matt Scott continue to lead all area prep basketball players in scoring this season.

Scott is the CSRA's leader, averaging more than 26 points per game, and Marshall is in hot pursuit, standing second with just under 26 point per game.

If the standings remain through the rest of the high school hoops campaign, Columbia County will have its first CSRA scoring champion.

Really, it's just a matter of who will win between Marshall and Scott.

Obviously, team success is more important than individual honors and statistics, but it's great to see two Columbia County players doing so well.

Last week, the two stars went head to head. Greenbrier blew a big lead against Lakeside on Friday night at the Brierpatch, but the Pack eventually pulled out a four-point win.

Marshall poured in 37 points, and Scott got hot in the second half and finished with 30.

Both players do more than just score. Marshall is averaging 11 rebounds and five assists per game, and Scott grabs nearly seven boards per contest, and dishes out an average of four assists.

If you haven't seen these two play this season, you should make it a point to do so as soon as possible. You won't be disappointed.