Pocahontas High School Warriors infielder Steve Halterman was the best player on a team with many talented young players last season. Halterman led the team with a .423 batting average and 29 RBIs. He was solid at shortstop with a .938 fielding percentage and was second on the team in pitching with a 6.66 ERA. Halterman ended the season with a bang when he hit a grand slam in a regional playoff game against the Valley Greyhounds.

Despite the impressive numbers, it's hard to get noticed in remote Pocahontas County. So Halterman went to a tryout in Charleston on June 13, where a professional baseball scout gave him an unbiased evaluation of his baseball skills.

The youngster fielded grounders, ran sprints, lifted weights and was tested in several ways.

The scout's final report concluded what we already knew - that Steven is a good ballplayer. But the report provided details of the youngster's strengths and weaknesses and what he needs to do to get a scholarship and play college ball.

The scouting summary reads:

"Steven is a tall, thin SS who will graduate in 2012. Foot speed is solid average as indicated by his 7.23 60 time. Feet are active but needs to be more aggressive in playing through ground balls with his body. Hands are clean but late and deep due to feet stopping through the fielding process. Throws are accurate, flashing carry as he will benefit by getting on a long toss program to build more arm strength. Offensively, Halterman shows a balanced approach and has raw strength with baseball exploding off his bat when centered, mainly to the pull side due to long swing path. For hitting grades to improve, he needs to correct some mechanical flaws that are hindering him from reaching his full potential. Steven has potential with the makings to be a solid player as he continues to improve."

The report concluded that Halterman has the current potential to play for a Division II college baseball team, a class that includes West Virginia State, Fairmont State, Shepherd University and Concord University in West Virginia. However, if the Warrior can improve in his weak areas and expand on his strengths, his potential is unlimited.

As a result of his tryout in Charleston, Halterman was invited to play with other top high school players from around the country in the Under Armour Baseball Factory World Series (BFWS) in Bradenton, Florida. At the BFWS, held August 3 - August 7, Halterman will have the opportunity to train for more than 10 hours each day for five days with professional scouts, former professional players and former college coaches. The event combines training with tournament play and a winning team takes home the BFWS championship trophy.

Although players must pay to attend the BFWS, Under Armour programs are recognized as legitimate scouting programs. Baseball Factory and its acquired partner, Team One, have helped players secure more than $500 million in college scholarships. More than 30,000 Baseball Factory alumni have played college ball and 260 have progressed to the big leagues.

Which leaves the PCHS star athlete in a quandry. He's determined to attend the BFWS next month and has saved $900 for his trip to Florida. But he needs to raise $2,500 more. A variety of local groups are scrambling to raise money, and a cakewalk will be held on July 23 at the Dunmore Community Center to help raise funds.

Anyone interested in helping Halterman attend the BFWS should contact Theresa Halterman at 304-456-5264 or theresahalterman@yahoo.com.

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