Lauren Howard
School: Hempfield
Class: Senior
Sport: Softball
Claim to fame: Howard, known as “Lou” to family and friends, had one of her best games of the season as the No. 1-seeded Spartans plowed past No. 4 Canon-McMillan, 13-0 in five innings, in the WPIAL Class 6A semifinals. Howard went 3 for 3 with a walk, double, triple and five RBIs as Hempfield (20-1) returned to the WPIAL finals where it will try to defend its title. Howard, a Virginia commit, was hitting .391 with a team-leading 29 RBIs and 30 runs scored. Howard has the program record for career hits (95) and runs (92).
Are you starting to find a groove at the plate?
Yes, I think the whole team is peaking and going into each at-bat confidently.
What will it take for Hempfield to repeat as WPIAL champions?
We need to stay focused on this game only and not make the game bigger than it needs to be.
The entire lineup was hitting in the semifinal win. Was it being cooped up so long that brought out the bats?
Our hard work during the long break definitely seemed to prepare us for this game. We were all excited and ready to play.
How did the team pass the time during a 13-day layoff between games before the playoffs, aside from scrimmages?
We took days off like we needed and we also had hour-long practices to just get some swings and make sure we were staying loose.
How has it been playing shortstop this season since you played second last year?
It’s been fun. I love to play shortstop. It’s not too much different from last year; Julia (Varhola) does a good job at producing ground balls to both me and Joce (Jocelyn Luft).”
What do you like most about this year’s team?
I like how close we all are. In the past, I have always played with girls who I have played with for a long time. This year is a little different, but we are all such good friends, so that it makes it’s so fun to play and win together. I also love the energy we had this year. It’s not like any other year.
What has it been like being a senior leader?
It been cool to get to experience this year with my other senior friends for the last time. I have been playing with Ella (Berkebile) and Claire (Mitchell) forever, and it’s so full circle to lead this team with them for the last time. It’s also a goal to be able to give the underclassmen these awesome playoff experiences like I got my past few years.
Do you have any pregame rituals?
I have pancakes the morning before games.
The team has won 18 straight games. What has been consistent in all of the wins?
Our energy and attitude. Not everyone is going to have their best game every day, but we always are the loudest team and are there for each other. Even when we were trailing in runs, we stayed up and made a comeback.
Are you looking forward to playing Seneca Valley again?
Yes, we are both talented teams, and it is always a good game.
You focused on hitting line drives last year. What is your focus on at the plate now?
The same thing. My dad always tells me to try and hit the ball on the ground. Line drives and ground balls are harder outs than fly balls.
Do you still seek out your sister, Maggie, for hitting advice, or softball advice in general?
Of course, she is always giving me both hitting tips and also confidence tips. I trust her advice.
Who is the best pitcher you have faced?
This year … Bria (Bosiljevac) from Shaler.
What are some of your hobbies?
Playing pickleball and swimming.
Who is your favorite pro athlete?
Sydney McLaughlin.
Have you been following Virginia this season? How are the Cavaliers doing?
Yes, I watched almost every game. They had a good season and made it to the regional finals.
What was it like winning homecoming queen in September?
It was a super cool moment. It will forever be a special memory. I specifically remember how happy my friends were after I won, which I will always be thankful for.
You won the Excellence Award at the Westmoreland County Scholar/Athlete banquet in April. What did that accomplishment mean to you?
This accomplishment meant a lot to me because I feel it represents my entire high school career. It was an award that honored both my accomplishments in my sports but also my dedication in the classroom. It was an honor to be recognized among the other impressive candidates from this year and former winners.
Alec Martin
School: Greensburg Central Catholic
Class: Senior
Sport: Baseball
Claim to fame: Martin was the winning pitcher in the WPIAL Class A semifinals as the Centurions defeated Serra Catholic, 2-1. Martin pitched into the sixth inning and drove in a run with a single. The senior plays first base when he is not on the mound.
What was the key to victory against Serra?
It was a collective effort by the team. I pitched to contact and trusted my defense to make the plays.
Despite graduating four starters and having two other top hitters transfer, the team found away to be successful. What was the key?
This was a long time coming. Me, Anthony (Grippo) and Tyler (Samide) pulled together, and coach (John Boyle) did a great job preparing us. We were able to reload with some talented underclassmen.
Talk about defeating Serra.
We had never beaten Serra during my career. They are well coached. Even though we took a punch from them early in the game, we punched back. We knew if we played solid defense and got timely hits, we could beat them. They beat us in the WPIAL semifinals (3-2) last year. We wanted another shot.
What was the key to shutting them down?
Their batters one through four are very good. So, I used my off-speed pitches to keep them off balance. I was able to establish my fastball with the rest of the lineup.
Talk about Grippo’s presence behind the plate?
Anthony calls a great game, and he shuts down the opponent’s running game. He calls an aggressive game, and I have never shaken him off. I have so much faith in him.
What are you expecting in the championship game against Eden Christian?
A tight game. We have Tyler pitching, and he gets the job done. He has a great fastball. We have to play aggressively and play together.
Does defeating Serra help the team’s confidence?
Definitely. It will give us a boost of confidence.
Was defeating Serra your most memorable moment at Greensburg Central Catholic?
All the playoff games my junior season were memorable. This one is up there.
What do you think about the Pirates’ season so far?
It has been good. They need to add to their bullpen and Bubba (Chandler) needs to throw more strikes. They also need to be more consistent.
Are you excited to see Konnor Griffin play?
He is fun to watch. Fans need to be patient with him. He is one of the most exciting players in baseball. I would like to see him steal more bases.
Are the Pirates your favorite team?
No, they are 1B. I like the Yankees.
What did you think of the Steelers’ draft?
I wish they would have traded up for Makai Lemon. Overall, I liked their draft.
Who is your favorite Steelers player?
Jaylen Warren.
Where do you and your teammates go for a snack after practice or a game?
We go to Chipotle or get a pizza in Mt. Pleasant.
What is your favorite meal your mom makes?
I like her Buffalo Protein Pasta.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Outer Banks.
Where has travel baseball taken you that you want to return and visit?
Charlotte, N.C.
Is there a dream vacation spot?
I would like to visit Alaska and fish.
Do you have a favorite fishing spot?
I like to fish for bass at Indian Lake in North Huntingdon.
Who is the toughest batter or pitcher you have faced?
Anthony Grippo or Brady Hull from Eden Christian.
What is your favorite class at GCC?
I like psychology.
What type of music to you listen to?
I like hip-hop.
What is your favorite movie?
”Wolf of Wall Street.”
Who would you pick to have lunch or dinner with and what would you talk about?
My grandmother (Pauline Scholl), and we would talk about life and my experiences in his school and how she feels I am doing.