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Erin Steele signs with Georgia Southwestern
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Joy Bratcher
Published: Apr 20, 2012, 12:43 AM

Erin Steele was one of the top hitters on Eastside's softball team throughout her high school career and now will have the chance to do the same in college.

Steele signed a letter of intent to attend and play softball at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus on Wednesday.

She received a full scholarship to play on their softball team due to her extraordinary abilities on and off the field. During her senior season, Steele had a .355 batting average and 17 stolen bases. She was named to GHSA All-State second team, Georgia Dugout Club All-State and All-Region first team.

"I'm so excited that this day has finally come," Steele said. "I feel like all of my hard work has finally paid off."
Jakai Newton enters transfer portal after two years at Indiana
Newton was a standout player at Newton High School
Jakai Newton
Jakai Newton (0) during his time at Newton High School. - photo by Covington News/File Photo
Evan Newton
Updated: Apr 1, 2025, 9:32 PM
Published: Apr 1, 2025, 9:29 PM

Former Newton Ram standout Jakai Newton will officially be searching for a new home.

Newton formally declared his intent to transfer from Indiana University on March 24 after entering the NCAA transfer portal.

Newton has struggled with injuries throughout his basketball career, which has kept him off the floor. 

The 2023 Newton Ram graduate suffered a knee injury during his senior year of high school. The same injury cost him his first season at Indiana.

After receiving a medical redshirt from the NCAA, Newton would only play four games in the 2024-25 season due to numerous lower body injuries. In those four appearances, he averaged 1.5 PPG and 0.8 RPG at 4.5 MPG.

However, when on the court, Newton was efficient. In just his sophomore season at Newton High School, Newton shot 34 percent from three-point range and was an efficient contributor to several Newton teams alongside players like Stephon Castle, Jabez Jenkins and Marcus Whitlock, among others.