It may have taken a bit longer than any of them wanted, but Saturday’s conclusion to the Major League Baseball draft worked out just fine for a trio of area high school stars.
Soddy-Daisy’s Tre Carter and Trion’s Gabe Howell had expectations of being picked during Friday’s draft session, which covered rounds three through 10, but when the day ended each was left disappointed. Neither had to wait too long Saturday. Carter, the Trojans’ three-sport star, was nabbed in the 11th round by San Diego, and Howell, the Best of Preps player of the year, saw a dream come true when he was picked by the Atlanta Braves in the 20th round.
Heritage right-handed pitcher Dylan Bice was picked three rounds later by the Texas Rangers.
Each has agreed to sign, forgoing college scholarships. Carter, a speedy outfielder, was committed to Tennessee, while Howell was going to junior college baseball factory Chipola and Bice was headed to East Tennessee State.
The opportunity to begin life as a professional was too good to pass up for each of them.