Gators' Shell tabbed as state's top lineman by SC Varsity

It won't be long before high school football teams begin spring practice, and SCVarsity.com is busy evaluating the top players for next season.

SC Varsity released its top offensive prospects and Goose Creek's Brandon Shell is listed as the top lineman in the state.

Here is what SC varsity's Kim Baxter has to say about Shell, a 6-7, 315-pound tackle.

"With no doubt, Shell is one of the most menacing presences in the trenches in South Carolina. He is a great physical specimen for the tackle position at the next level, and at times displays incredible athletic ability. Probably a bigger upside than any other lineman on this list. Would like to see him more physically punishing, but right now he doesn't have to be. He is fundamentally very sound."

Woodland quarterback Robert Smith (5-11, 185) is listed as the No. 5 QB prospect in the state. He's committed to Clemson, and don't be surprised to see him play defense at the next level. He missed a good part of the '09 season because of a knee injury.

Northwestern's Justin Worley edged out Myrtle Beach's Everett Golson as the state's top quarterback. Shon Carson of Lake City is the top running back prospect in the state, while Charone Peak of Northwestern is listed as the top receiver. SC Varsity's Baxter thinks Peak is better than former Summerville star receiver A.J. Green was heading into his senior year.

Pinewood wins again

Pinewood Prep and Northwood Academy met in baseball Thursday, the first time since Pinewood topped the Chargers to win the SCISA Class AAA state championship.

Once again, Pinewood prevailed with a 19-4 victory as freshman J.D. Waite pitched a complete game, allowing seven hits. He is 3-0 on the young season. The Panthers caught a break as Northwood committed eight errors. Reed Cole hit the first two homers of his career and went 4 for 6.

Nominations

The Post and Courier is accepting nominations for its All- Lowcountry basketball teams. Coaches can nominate players and should e-mail the player's size, weight, position and grade with all pertinent information and statistics to pbowman@postandcourier.com

Attention, coaches

The Post and Courier will publish baseball statistical leaders on the Prep Zone page, which runs on Friday. Coaches are asked to provide their top players in all hitting and pitching categories. The deadline to submit statistics is at noon on Thursdays. Send to pbowman@postandcourier.com or at 937-5592. The fax number is 937-5579.