Early signing day marks big moment in lives of area standouts

Wednesday represented the first time that prep standouts from a number of sports could put pen to paper and make their colleiate choices official.

A number of area stars took advantage of the fall version of National Signing Day, including a quintet at Flowery Branch and a trio from Gainesville High.

The Red Elephants' D'Marcus Simonds inked to play baskteball for Georgia State, while Spencer Ralston made it official, signing for the University of Georgia , where he will play golf. Meanwhile, Gainesville baseball standout Jonathan Gettys also committed his future to Louisiana State.

At Flowery Branch five students signed Letters of Intent, including Johana Earnhart, who will play softball for George Mason University. Ashley Grant will run cross country for Columbus State University, while Maddie Hetzel will play basketball for the University of North Georgia. Her teammate, Bre Locke, will play for Lenoir-Rhyne University. Bailey Sims also signed to play softball for Belmont University.

(If you have a picture of a signing ceremony, please feel free to send it to us for publication: [email protected])

Flowery Branch standouts, from left, Ashley Grant, Johana Earnhart, Bailey Sims, Maddie Hetzel and Bre Locke pose after signing Letters of Intent on Wednesday.

Gainesville standouts, from left, Jonathan Gettys, D'Marcus Simonds and Spencer Ralston sign Letters of Intent on Wednesday at the school.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/11/349123/early-signing-day