KENNESAW — Elliott Martin and Lindsey Booker were in select company on Wednesday.

The upcoming junior and senior at Southland Academy participated in the Georgia Dugout Softball Club’s 2008 Georgia Underclassman Showcase.

They both said it was an experience they’ll never forget.

“It was awesome,” said Martin, who was an All-State selection last season. “Being there with great ball players, it was just an honor to be in it. When I got the phone call saying I got it, I hadn’t been that excited before.”

Close to 180 girls attended six showcases, and the top 80 girls were selected to come back for this showcase. For the different positions a variety of tasks were done and then an overall score was calculated. Martin was rated well above average in hitting, infield and outfield while Booker excelled in outfield, infield and catcher.

“We were told at the tryout to show everything we possibly have,” said Booker. “I don’t have just one position, I like them all. It was good to get that college feel for things.”

Lady Raiders softball coach Brook Peterson said the showcase should give them a lot of confidence as they will be two of the key players she looks to lead the team. Booker hadn’t played catcher before, but she was behind the plate in practice on Thursday. Peterson said Booker’s versatility will help in several situations.

Booker will probably see most of her time in center field or catcher while Martin will be in the outfield and pitch some.

“Lindsey has a quick release and is a smart softball player. We’re confident in her, and she knows what to do when she gets the ball,” said Peterson. “Elliott takes great angles to the ball in the outfield and has a cannon for an arm. She’s also going to be our power hitter for sure. We want them to keep the momentum going.”

With several college coaches in attendance, Martin said she had a lot of butterflies in the first of two games that everyone played. She also said that while she has to work on improving her throwing speed from the infield positions, she knows being a leader is also important.

“I want to be a light out there,” she said. “I was really trying to encourage everybody out there and keep their spirits up. If they knew I was a Christian and saw how I was playing and how I had a positive attitude, it would catch their eye.”

As softball season approaches with the first game set for Aug. 11, Booker said she has a lot to look forward to during her senior year, including improving as a player.

“You always have to improve in every aspect of the game,” she said. “I can improve my arm strength, my speed, my instinct to jump on the ball, everything.

“I’m ready to step up and be that leader on my team, and I hope they will lead by what I do.”