National publication has Belcher in top 50

Greenbrier junior Nolan Belcher has been listed among the top 50 high school baseball players in the United States, according to Baseball America's latest rankings.

//

The diminutive lefty led the Wolfpack to the 2006 Class AAAA state baseball crown, compiling the finest season for a pitcher in county history. He finished the season 15-0, with 156 strikeouts in just 91 innings pitched - all of that as a sophomore who was facing public school competition for the first time.

Below is a list of the Georgians ranked among the top 50 by Baseball America.

No. 4 Ethan Martin, 3B/RHP, 6-3, 185 lb.; Stephens County High School

No. 7 Michael Palazzone, LHP, 6-4, 200 lb.; Lassiter High School

No. 11 Tim Beckham, SS, 6-2, 180 lb.; Griffin High School

No. 25 Payton Hart, SS/2B, 6-1, 170 lb.; Franklin County High School

No. 39 Chase Davidson, 1B, 6-4, 215 lb.; Milton High School

No. 46 Nolan Belcher, LHP, 5-7, 145 lb.; Greenbrier High School

My apologies

In all my years of writing this column and compiling the various all-county teams I have never had to do this, but I owe a huge apology to a local football player - Greenbrier defensive back Alan Lanier.

The talented junior was on all of my notes for the Football All-County First Team; however, when I typed in my final list I somehow left him off. I sincerely apologize for the omission. There is no doubt that Lanier was deserving of being on the first team. He was second on Greenbrier's squad with 76 tackles, and he had two interceptions. So Alan, please accept my apologies, and congratulations on the terrific season.

Signing Day party

I will be holding a party for all of the Augusta area's football signees on college football's National Signing Day. Any area player who will be signing a football scholarship is welcome.