Prospects will have showcase

The second annual CSRA Prospect Showcase takes place Saturday at Lake Olmstead Stadium. This event pits the top rising high school seniors in Georgia against the best prep players South Carolina has to offer, with all players hailing from the area.

Last year, several area players earned scholarships based on the recognition they received in the showcase. Lakeside infielder Paul Bordon signed with Gordon College after the school's coaches saw him at Lake Olmstead in last year's game.

In addition to the game, the event will also feature a workout session for scouts and a home run derby. Last year's home run derby winner, Shawn Ward, of Evans, was selected in this year's major league baseball draft.

Nine players from Columbia County schools have been selected for Team Georgia. Jeff Rowland and Brandon Cumpton, of Greenbrier's state championship squad, were unanimous selections to the team. Rowland hit better than .400 for the Pack this spring while Cumpton was sensational on the hill for Greenbrier. The 6-3 right-hander was 14-1 with an era of 1.89.

Another unanimous choice was Augusta Christian star Josh Whitaker. Whitaker was this year's SCISA Player of the Year as he guided the Lions to their second consecutive state crown. He hit better than .500 with 10 homers this spring.

Joining that talented trio on Saturday will be six other prospects from Columbia County. Evans pitcher Kyle Golden, who was 9-3 on the mound for the Knights, and Harlem hurler Mike Sanders will help shore up Team Georgia's pitching, while a quartet of Lakeside Panthers will aid the offense. Infielder and pitcher J.C. Huffman, a first team All-Columbia County pick, brings his .430 batting average and 10 homers to the game. He will be joined by Panthers outfielder John Arena, infielder Zach Lawson and outfielder Matt Zelgewicz.

EVENT DETAILS

- Second annual CSRA Prospect Showcase:

- Saturday

- Homerun Derby, 1 p.m.

- First pitch 2 p.m.

- Lake Olmstead Stadium