While Excel Christian Academy and Woodland High were the lone Bartow County teams to make the Georgia High School Association state softball tournament, their respective seasons did not end as planned with the Lady Eagles failing in their attempt for back-to-back Elite 8 appearances, and the Lady Wildcats -- who also dreamt of making it to Columbus for the state quarterfinals -- also dropping their first-round series.

Four local players will have an opportunity, however, to suit up again as preps when they take part in the 2010 Georgia Dugout Club Fastpitch All-State Game Friday and Saturday at Mercer University in Macon.

The team from Region 7-8 will be comprised of players from those two regions, regardless of GHSA classification, and includes Woodland's Diana Wimpy and Olivia Rutledge and Excel's Janna Scheff and Kaye Sullins.

"Our season kind of ended on a sour note, but they get to go down there and show some college coaches -- I'm sure a lot are going to be down there -- that they can play," said Lady Wildcats coach Colman Roberts about Wimpy and Rutledge.

Lady Eagles coach Danny Deems also mentioned the presence of next-level coaches.

"It's expected, as has been in the past, (that) several college coaches will be there, which is another opportunity for each of these girls to be seen, giving them an opportunity to play at the next level."

In all honesty, each player -- Rutledge, Scheff, Sullins and Wimpy -- likely has her pick of which school to attend, but to be named among the state's best players is an honor in itself.

"They were both very surprised but, of course, they were excited about the opportunity to play in the all-star game and represent the school and our entire area," Deems said of Excel's all-star selections, Scheff and Sullins. "Both of 'em are just excited about the opportunity to pit their skills against some of the best players in the state."

"They're excited about it," Roberts said of his players, "and they do a home run derby on Friday and a couple (of) other skill-type things."

An hour or two after players check in to the hotel, a skills competition is slated for 7 p.m.

Roberts thinks both of his all-stars will perform well defensively.

"Both of them will shine," he said, noting that Wimpy, a catcher, was clocked throwing from home to second base in 1.8 seconds throughout the season and Rutledge, a three-year starter at center field, had nine assists without any errors all year.

Wimpy, who hit 12 home runs this season to become Woodland's all-time leader and is also tied for third all-time in the state with 19, stands a chance to do well when she swings for the fences in Friday's home run derby.

Roberts said Wimpy and Rutledge are both great players, who got better and better each year. Wimpy hit .577 with 49 RBIs, while Rutledge batted .374 with 17 RBIs.

Of Wimpy, a menace to opposing pitchers all season, he said: "She's kind of a quiet leader to start with. She got more vocal this year. She comes up clutch -- (a) hard worker (and) dedicated team leader."

Rutledge patrolled center field with aplomb.

"Olivia took hold of the outfielders and made them work hard," Roberts said. "They're both very valuable for us. All of our seniors are going to be hard to replace.

"Hopefully, our kids have watched (them) and see what it takes to become a great player."

Scheff, an Excel pitcher, has been just as invaluable for the Lady Eagles since coming over from Cartersville prior to her junior season.

"For the past two years, she has been a force every time she's (taken) the mound," Deems said of Scheff, who went 25-6 with a 1.04 ERA and 168 strikeouts. "(She has) incredible command of all her pitches (and) fields the position well. And then, of course, her hitting -- batting almost .600 her senior year with nine home runs also.

"Those contributed to the success of the team."

Sullins, a catcher who transferred from Cartersville to Excel along with sister Kelly before the season, also factored hugely in the Lady Eagles' success.

"Kaye (Sullins), defensively her skills are excellent; (she has a) strong throwing arm," Deems said. "Kaye understands the game, how to develop a plan and purpose with each batter, how to pitch 'em."

Behind the plate was not the only place Sullins excelled. At the plate, she hit .461 with seven doubles and 20 RBIs and added a home run.

"They both have worked really, really hard as softball players (and) became year-round players (who) work at their respective skills," Deems said of the two. "They're both team-oriented."

The Georgia Dugout Club all-star game begins Saturday with Region 1-2 vs. Region 5-6 beginning at 9 a.m. followed by Region 1-2 vs. Region 7-8 at 10:30 a.m.

An awards ceremony takes place at noon before the rest of the games conclude the day. Those games are as follows:

12:30 p.m. -- Region 3-4 vs. Region 5-6

2 p.m. -- Region 1-2 vs. Region 3-4

3:30 p.m. -- Region 7-8 vs. Region 5-6

5 p.m. -- Region 3-4 vs. Region 7-8