Uncategorized

By: Austin Alexander-March 14, 2008 Two games separated by six miles, two different start times…sounds like a Diamond Prospects doubleheader! On Friday night, DP was able to pull into Carolina Forest at 4:15 for batting practice, pre-game infield/outfield and a 6:00 region battle between rivals. Across town, Conway hosted West Florence with the first pitch scheduled for 6:30. High hopes of catching the better part of two match-ups became a little scrambled when walks, errors and plenty of offense bogged down the first contest. But we made due and saw enough to recap for you… In the opener, the visitors jumped out to an early 3-0 lead when a lead-off walk, sac bunt and an RBI-single to left by David Rickenbacker scored Greg Pearson. Rickenbacker later scored on the backend of a double-steal. Tim Starkey’s run-scoring single pushed the lead to three. Chris Shover’s single in the second pulled the home team within two, Socastee 3-1. After a wild pitch allowed Socastee to tack on a third inning run, Carolina Forest stormed back in the bottom half when Gavin Torri’s two-run single and Cole Tompkins’ sacrifice fly knotted the score at four. Travers Woodward put the Braves up in the fourth but the Panthers’ Ryan Stewart (left) answered with a solo homer, 5-5 after four. The fateful fifth would prove too much to overcome for Carolina Forest. Two infield misplays and a dropped pop up eventually plated two runs. Though the Panthers staged a late rally and climbed back into the game, they fell to Socastee 9-8 in a conference match-up that could prove critical down the road for both clubs. Now to the nightcap! West Florence’s fate was sealed early on as Conway took a three-run lead into the fifth inning with their ace on the mound. The Tigers would tack on four late insurance runs but this one was in the capable hands on Colby Holmes (right). Arriving in the fifth, and only viewing nine outs for the visitors, only one ball was put in play against the right-hander, Chandler Smetana’s second hit of the game. They would be the only two hits Holmes would surrender during his 15-strikeout performance. Prospect Info: Socastee Braves David Rickenbacker-Junior, SS/Catcher: Rickenbacker (left) recently moved to South Carolina from Florida, what a nice surprise that had to be for skipper John Daurity! Rickenbacker has served mostly as the Braves’ catcher but showed plenty of athleticism in the middle on Friday. He showed every action and appearance that he is fully capable of playing shortstop at a high level…and word is that he is even better behind the dish. During batting practice, the kid gobbled up every single groundball he could get to, was turning double plays and never eased up. Rickenbacker hit in the three-hole and centered balls in all three AB’s that I saw. Swing is good, juice is adequate, runs enough. He was awfully good on this night and may just be a sure-fire player for quality programs to run a check on ASAP. Tim Starkey-Sophomore, Catcher: Also a utility guy, Starkey found his home with the gear on Friday night and proved that Socastee is as deep at the catcher position as any other time I have viewed in 2008. His catch and throw skills are solid and Starkey’s pegs were accurate in this game. I was not completely enamored with his swing in batting practice but Starkey proved me wrong against Carolina Forest pitching by having a big night at the plate out of the two-hole. Travers Woodward-Sophomore, 3B: Big, strong kid with plenty of pop in his right-handed bat. Woodward’s BP swing was very fluid as he juiced ball after ball; that stroke carried over to live pitching as he was on every pitch he saw on this night. This kid has a potent bat from the clean-up spot in the Brave line-up and projects to be a very good offensive threat. He played third base on Friday but a move to the other corner infield position appears likely in his future. Greg Pearson-Unsigned senior, INF/RHP: Pearson was the starting pitcher for Socastee and topped out at 73 but he projects much better as a position player. He looks very comfortable in the box and shows tremendous discipline as their lead-off hitter. Pearson (left) has had some success at this level and warrants a look from schools still in search of players. Notables: Gunnar Kines (Freshman, DH/LHP), Ayres Renfrow (Junior, OF) with a big-time Web Gem in rightfield and his out-stretched diving catch on the foul line! Prospect Info: Carolina Forest Panthers Ryan Stewart-Unsigned senior, SS: It makes no sense that this kid is still on the market. Plenty of power in his bat, a stronger arm than in previous viewings, improved hands and the kid runs well. Off to a good start in 2008, the right-handed hitter is playing for a future home and could be an impact in somebody’s line-up next spring. Matt Archer-Sophomore, Catcher: Good arm and pop times during a pre-game/workout setting. Impressed me immensely with his left-handed swing. To play the position and continue progressing in this game, Archer (left) must get stronger, BUT his swing is fundamentally sound right now. The kid has a feel for the game and appears to take his craft to heart. When it’s all said and done, Archer may end up being one of the better catchers in his class. Cole Tompkins-Sophomore, 3B: Tompkins’ coaches raved about his offensive start to the season and he proved why. The right-handed hitter is a very aggressive hitter that shows a pull-conscience approach but hits the ball on the button with regularity. Friday became a defensive struggle for him but the kid takes the game very serious and shows plenty of grit in every viewing. Notables: John Gump (Senior, 1B, Erskine signee), Justin Turbeville (Sophomore, INF), Chris Shover (Junior, RHP/DH), Matthew Jolly (RHP/OF), Josh Knab (Junior, OF) out due to sickness. Prospect Info: Conway Tigers Colby Holmes-Junior, RHP: Holmes (right) was …

Read More

Tentative Schedule for Monday and Tuesday June 9-10, 2008 9:00 AM            Session 1 Check-in at AC Flora HS (Pick-up jersey) 9:45                 Session 1 players report to the field for a meeting and stretching 10:00-12:00      60’s, Defensive Workout, Batting Practice 11:45               Session 2 Check-in at AC Flora HS (Pick-up jersey) 12:00 PM           Lunch 12:05                Recruiting Seminar 12:45                Session 2 players report to the field for a meeting and stretching 1:00-3:00          60’s, Defensive Workout, Batting Practice 3:30-9:30          Games 9:00 AM-4:00     Tuesday: Games Rosters will be set and exact times will be posted on June 6. Stay tuned to the website in the preceding days for updated information, DP will be our way of communicating with you. *Note-Concession stand will be available each day. ——————————————————————————————————— Diamond Prospects Showcase Application Please PRINT the following form neatly, the information you provide us will be listed in the Scout Book for coaches and scouts. Detach this section and mail back with payment to: Diamond Prospects : PO Box 1262 : Conway, SC 29528 Stay tuned to TheDiamondProspects.com leading up to the event for hotel information, directions, rosters, last second announcements, etc. Name _____________________________ High School ____________________ Grad Year ___________ Address _______________________________ City ____________________ State ______ Zip ________ Home # _____________________ Cell # __________________ Email ___________________________ DOB _________________ Fall/Summer team ________________________________________________ 1st position ________ 2nd position _________ HT __________ WT _________ Bats _____ Throws_____ GPA ___________ SAT (total, math, verbal) __________/__________/__________ ACT _____________ Medical Waiver: I waive and release Diamond Prospects, its staff and AC Flora HS from any injury that may occur during the camp to the above-mentioned camper, on site or involving travel to and from the event. I also take responsibility for any expenses that incur during the camp due to necessary treatment of injury. I also give permission for emergency treatment if needed. I understand by signing this waiver, I give consent to participation in the event and assume all risk arising from it. Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________ Date ________ Recruiting 101 If you wish to attend the Recruiting Seminar, please check the corresponding box below. _____ Yes, I would like to attend the Recruiting Seminar. In my family, _____ person(s) will attend. Please include an additional $25 to your showcase tuition. Be sure to pick up a seminar ticket at the check-in table. Early Registration Fee:     $145-Please make checks payable to Diamond Prospects, Deadline April 15 Late Registration Fee:      $195-Please make checks payable to Diamond Prospects, Deadline June 5 Due to insurance, facility fees and other expenses involved that are paid-in-full prior to the showcase, this event is NON-refundable. In the event of inclement weather, every effort will be made to move the showcase indoors. Note: Showcase application and tuition must be received, not post-marked, by the posted deadline. Total amount enclosed: $_______________ .

 -Diamond Prospects Showcase- A.C. Flora High School – June 9-10, 2008 Diamond Prospects announces a two-day showcase on June 9-10, 2008 at A.C. Flora High School for 2009, 2010 and 2011 graduates. This showcase is designed for the player who possesses the abilities to play at the collegiate level or beyond. If you think you are that caliber of player, it would strongly benefit you to attend this event! TheDiamondProspects.com provides the #1 coverage of high school baseball in the state of South Carolina. We watch more prep baseball than anyone and write articles about the teams and players we see. We also conduct interviews with the top players across the Palmetto State, past and present. Our goal is to ensure that no player in our state gets overlooked! Diamond Prospects has quickly become highly regarded among college coaches and professional scouts in the Tri-State area, many staff’s and scouts across the Carolina’s have told us that checking the site’s contents have become part of their morning routine! How can DP Showcases assist you? Unmatched exposure to the top decision-makers in our area, we’ll give you the opportunity to display your talents to the people who matter! Over 75 different schools or professional clubs attended at least one of our events in the past year. It puts you on the radar for Diamond Prospects to further publicize you and your high school team. Following the showcase, we’ll list the top 60 and Pop times, peak velocity’s and put together a top prospect list, all of this will be posted on the website! The top traveling teams in the Carolina’s will be on hand looking for players. Understand this, it is never too early, or too late, to showcase yourself to coaches and scouts. Most colleges have a ‘follow list’ of players for each class, even freshman! Kids are committing to schools earlier and earlier each year, make sure you don’t let this time in your life pass you by. The showcase was full the past two years before the deadline. It will, again, be limited to the first 150 players who sign-up. At this very same showcase a year ago, we had over 40 college coaches and pro scouts in attendance. If you have baseball in your future beyond high school, you don’t want to miss out on this opportunity that could alter your career forever! The application is on the second page, please return it ASAP to ensure yourself a spot. Registration will begin at 9:00 AM on June 9th, we hope to see you there! Good luck in 2008, Diamond Prospects ——————————————————————– Bonus: Following the morning workout, as the coaches and scouts are eating lunch, Diamond Prospects will provide you with the option of sitting in on "Recruiting 101", a crash-course on the recruiting process. We will take approximately 45 minutes to counsel you through the maze that is often very confusing for players and their families. For more information on aspects that we will cover, please go to TheDiamondProspects.com. The cost for the seminar is $25 for the entire family. Payment details are on the second page. .

In our continual efforts to improve the visibility of high school baseball in South Carolina, Diamond Prospects is very excited to introduce the website’s newest feature! In 2008, subscribers will have the ability to post the following information on DP’s Scoreboard for everyone to view: final score, winning/losing pitcher, as well as the save if it applies. We are presently looking into a way to recognize offensive exploits. Diamond Prospects has developed the reputation of providing factual information. We have never opened our site up for biased opinions, nor will we ever. We ask that our loyal subscribers use complete discretion and only report indisputable info. Objectivity and accuracy is critical to the success of our mission, if this feature is abused, we will be forced to remove it. A few ground rules for our viewers that post: For a starting pitcher, the winning pitcher must throw 4 complete innings in a 7 inning game, 3 complete innings in a 6 inning game and 3 complete innings in a 5 inning game. All other MLB rules apply for a reliever and losing pitcher/save situations. We ask that if you are unsure who the pitcher of record was, leave that space blank. Also, please make every attempt to spell the names of schools and players accurately. DP has the ability to view which subscriber makes each post. If bogus information becomes routine, or this feature is not treated with integrity, that subscriber will forfeit his/her account. Again, we want our viewers to know what they read is legitimate and factual, your assistance in patrolling that will be greatly appreciated. So with a new baseball season upon us, we want to provide you the most comprehensive and updated hardball information. The new DP Scoreboard is here and open for business! It has been designed to be user-friendly for our subscribers and we hope that you agree. Check it out and see what you think. It is located along the tool bar on the front page or can also be viewed by clicking here. .

Name:  Alex Roberts High School (coach): Myrtle Beach High School / Tim Christy Graduation year: 2011 Position(s): 3B/SS/P Other sport(s) played in high school: None Height: 5’8" Weight: 150 Bats: R Throws: R GPA: 3.6 SAT: N/A PSAT: N/A ACT: N/A Class rank: Top 8 percent of class Academic awards: Honor Roll Intended major: Sports Medicine Parent’s names (college attended, if any): Kenneth & Stacey (Penn State) Summer team (coach):  N/A Fall team (coach):  N/A High School statistics: N/A Athletic awards: N/A 60-yard dash:  7.2 P’s-Top MPH: 79 Hobbies: Baseball/Surfing List any community service or charity work you have done: Baseball Camp Instruction Would you consider a junior college? Yes What do you want a college coach who is reading this to know about you? I’m a hard worker. Hustle is priority number one. List your top five college choices: Undecided .

By: Austin Alexander-February 16, 2008 What a beautiful day for baseball! On Saturday, Diamond Prospects was treated to quality teams with quality players on a quality field with a quality atmosphere! What a day it was as we were back at AC Flora for our first Pre-Season Invite event, four scrimmages with eight well-established baseball programs. Sitting in my place for a moment, you must understand a couple of things. In order to provide the coverage we do across the state, we often-times subject ourselves to unsightly baseball in very drab environments… but not on this day! All eight teams arrived in full uniform, every coach with their rosters in hand, then eight clean and crisp rounds of pre-game infield/outfield gave way to well-coached baseball played among eight teams with plenty of talent. It was a banner day for DP and some of the men that crossed the white lines. You want star power on the field? We had that part covered when the teams were lined up several months ago. But then Gamecock headliners Justin Smoak, Reese Havens, Mike Cisco and Phil Disher – among others – strolled in and were endlessly signing autographs for young fans. Allow DP to take you there. Imagine bright green grass, a steady dose of tunes, the smell of grilled burgers and good crowds…all under a February sun with 70-degree temps. And the action on the field did not disappoint either! This Saturday had it all, especially when you consider that these games would not show up in the standings or have any playoff implications. What this event did have were eight teams that were no stranger to pre-season expectations and post-season success. Pic #1: AC Flora senior RHP Pat Sullivan, Pic #2: North Augusta senior SS/RHP Austin Stuart, Pic #3: Mid Carolina sophomore RHP Krishawn Holley -Game Summary- Landrum Cardinals 5 Mid-Carolina Rebels 5, 8 innings Tevins Walker’s solo job and Krishawn Holley’s two-run double staked Mid Carolina to a three run cushion early on but the scrappy Cardinals would work their way back into a ballgame and eventual tie. Hilton Head Seahawks 9 Barnwell Warhorses 1, 9 innings  A pair of Greg Harrison three-run homers led to 7 RBI on the day as the Seahawks rode his arm and bat to a convincing showing against the Warhorses. North Augusta Yellow Jackets 8 Wando Warriors 4, 8 innings  Robbie Scaggs’ big day at the plate paced the Yellow Jacket offensive effort early on to build a lead for Marty Gantt, Austin Stuart and Taylor Rozier to secure. AC Flora Falcons 16 Lexington Wildcats 6, 8 innings Ten runs for the host team over the first three frames set the tone for this one. Flora bats had balls flying all over the field, and few of them were cheapies, Will Freeman led the way. ——————————————————————— -Prospect Info: Landrum Cardinals-  The defending 1A champions, and winners of three crowns over the past four years, lost a great deal of their line-up and rotation from a year ago but return the bats of junior Dustin Morris and senior Zeke Rollins. Travis Henson’s club plays with energy and they have a young crop of talent reloading the Cardinal attack.  Pitchers  Name  Class  R/L  FB  CB/SL  CH  Justin Henson  Jr  R  73-78  67-69  69-70  Jared Corn  Sr  R  79-80  68-71  – Top Prospects  Rank  Name  Class  Pos  Scout Notes  1  Dustin Morris  Jr  INF  Ultra-aggressive hitter poised to strike, yet disciplined; used the entire field to spray bolts, two of which that were pitcher’s pitches; plays very hard and is versatile-can play 3 infield positions and roam the outfield; DP’s pre-season POY in 1A  2  Zeke Rollins  Sr  OF  Hard-nosed, hard-hitting outfielder committed to Limestone; has had prolific prep career, his swing and energy level should prove collegiate success as well; though it is only February, he may have already made the catch of the year but it cost him a trip to the emergency room  3  Alex Wilson  Jr  3B/RHP  Slender frame and athleticism grab the eye; fresh off the hard court; strong arm and good-looking right-handed swing; a very interesting player to follow  4  Tyler Burrell  Sr  OF  Yes, the brother of Alex, but a solid player in his own right; an above average runner and flat swing should find this Burrell with a place to play beyond high school  5  Jon Humphries  8th  OF  Subbed in for Rollins after his departure and battled a quality arm strength pitcher in an 11-pitch AB; young, fearless, talented -Prospect Info: Mid Carolina Rebels- Clyde Livingston’s club made a run all the way to the State Championship in 2007, while many of those faces are gone, the cupboard is not bare. Led on the bump by sophomore Krishawn Holley and at the plate by Will Bedenbaugh, the Rebel line-up will continue to sport athlete’s from top to bottom. Pitchers  Name  Class  R/L  FB  CB/SL  CH  Krishawn Holley  So  R  83-87, cuts it at 86-87 glove side, sinks it at 83-85 arm-side, filthy movement  69-72, hard with depth; an out-pitch  –  Cody Paige  Jr  R  79-80  64-65, solid  –  Will Bedenbaugh  Jr  R  81-82 with some sink  –  –  Stephen Ariail  Sr  R  72-76  61-62  – Top Prospects  Rank  Name  Class  Pos  Scout Notes  1  Krishawn Holley  So  RHP  Legit arm with pitchability; good command and quality breaking pitch; no evidence of CH; Projectable and athletic; more polished than past viewing; pro prospect  2  Will Bedenbaugh  Jr  C/RHP  Seviceable HS pitcher, future is behind the dish; solid arm and release; good receiver with low target; blocking machine and athletic; 3-hole hitter for Rebels and bat-speed plays past HS; certain college prospect  3  Tevins Walker  So  OF  Just landed on diamond after basketball season; very athletic with some pop in his left-handed bat; interesting player to follow  4  Cody Paige  Jr  RHP/OF  Reportedly has more MPH in his right arm than this viewing; another good athlete  5  Alex Bedenbaugh  Jr  INF  Solid bat and defender who had a good day -Prospect Info: …

Read More

  -Scrimmage Saturday- February 16, 2008 10:00                      Landrum vs Mid-Carolina 1:00                        Barnwell vs Hilton Head 4:00                        North Augusta vs Wando 7:00                        Lexington vs AC Flora Games are scheduled for 9 innings or 2 and a half hours. There will be a $5 charge at the gate, the pass is good for all four games. The concession stand will be run by AC Flora and will be open all day. Diamond Prospects apparel and baseball jewelry will be available for sale on Saturday. For directions to AC Flora, click this link: click here. .

Name: Kolby Floyd                           Nickname(s): Pee Wee       High School (coach): Green Sea Floyds High School (Jason Nance) Graduation year: 2009 Position(s): 3B and Pitcher Height: 5-11                                                                                                  Weight: 150 Bats: Right Throws: Right GPA: 3.2                                                         SAT: N/A PSAT: N/A ACT: N/A Class rank: N/A Academic awards: Certificate for competing at competition for DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), Perfect Attendance, All-State Award Intended major: Marketing, Management, and Promotions Parent’s names (college attended): Keith and Debbie Floyd (Horry Georgetown Technical College and Francis Marion University, Horry Georgetown Technical College) Summer team (coach): Loris Post 41 Legion (Lacy Hardee) Fall team (coach): Cheraw Braves (Jay Chapman) High School statistics: Pitcher: 3-1 W-L, 3.90 ERA, 19 IP, 12 SO, 6 BB Hitter: .340 AVG, 6 R, 3-2B, 1-3B, 0-HR, 6- RBI, 2-SB Athletic awards: All-State Award 60-yard dash: 7.39 P’s-Top MPH: 84 Hobbies: Playing sports especially baseball, going to Nascar events, working with computers List any community service or charity work you have done: Cleaned athletic complex at school, helped neighbor obtaining firewood for heating this winter, helped with fundraiser at school for the Humane Society, helped elderly great grandparents with maintenance of home and yard. Would you consider a junior college? Yes, I just want to play baseball at the next level and there could be more of an opportunity for advancement by taking that route. What do you want a college coach who is reading this to know about you? I am very dedicated to the game of baseball, I always give 110%, and I’m committed to reaching the next level of baseball and goals that I have set. List your top five college choices: Clemson, Coastal Carolina, Wofford, College of Charleston and Newberry .

By: Name-February -, 2008 Text  60 Times  Name  Class  60 Time                                                                                                                                                 Catchers-Pop Times  Name  Class  Pop Time                               Top Outfield Arms Rank  Name  Class  1      2      3      4      5     Top Infield Arms Rank  Name  Class  1      2      3      4      5     Top Infield Actions Rank  Name  Class  1      2      3      4      5       Top BP Round    Rank  Name  Class  1      2      3      4      5      6      7      8      9      10         Pitchers  Name  Class  R/L  FB  BB  CH                                                                                                               Top Prospects  Rank  Name  Class  Scout Notes  1        2        3        4        5        6        7        8        9        10                 End .