A-K Valley athletes of the week: Burrell’s Jack Henderson and Knoch’s Amanda Fischer

By: William Whalen
Tuesday, May 7, 2019 | 5:42 PM

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Jack Henderson

School: Burrell

Class: Junior

Sport: Baseball

Report card: Previously a full-time reliever, Henderson started for the first time last week and earned a win for Class 3A No. 4 Burrell (9-4, 6-4). The right-hander gave up three hits and struck out four over 6 2/3 innings in the Bucs’ 2-0 victory against Section 1-3A rival Deer Lakes, which was ranked No. 1 at the time. A first-year starter at shortstop, Henderson is batting .395 with nine RBIs and 15 hits. He is tied for the team lead with 10 runs. Henderson starts at cornerback and wide receiver for the football team and plays shooting guard for the basketball team.

How long have you been playing baseball?

I think I started playing baseball when I was 5 years old.

How have you changed as a player since your freshman season?

I physically matured. My hitting approach has changed, and the mental aspect to the game.

What do you like most about baseball?

I like the battle between the pitcher and the batter. I like the team aspect of it.

Is this team playing its best baseball at the moment?

We have our games where we are really on the ball, and there’s some other games where we’re not in it mentally.

Where do the Bucs need to improve before the postseason?

Definitely cut down the strikeouts and the mental mistakes. Talent-wise, we can match up with anybody.

How is this team motivated by the 4-3 loss to South Side Beaver in last year’s quarterfinals?

Oh, it’s a crazy motivator because South Side Beaver went on to the state finals last season, and we only lost to them by one run.

Is there a regular-season loss that you’d like to have back?

There’s definitely a couple of them. The one major one would probably be Freeport.

Who is the most underrated player on the team?

I’d probably say junior Trent Valovchik. He’s our No. 9 hitter. He’s a small dude, and he hit a home run in the Deer Lakes game.

If you could have walk-up music on the way to the plate, what song would you use?

I’d say “Kickstart My Heart” by Motley Crue. I usually listen to it every day on my headphones.

How many games will the Pittsburgh Pirates win this year?

I’m hoping they’ll bring it back up, 81-81. I hope they break even.

Who is your favorite current Pirates player?

Josh Bell. He’s got a real good bat this season.

Which MLB player do you look up to?

The Houston Astros shortstop, Carlos Correa.

What’s your favorite subject at school?

Physics.

Do you have a favorite school lunch?

Definitely the popcorn chicken bowl. It’s amazing, and I even make it at home sometimes.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

I taught myself how to play the guitar and ukulele a few years ago.

What’s your go-to song to play on the guitar?

It would probably be “Wanted Dead or Alive.” It’s the first song I ever learned.

What’s more difficult to play, the guitar or ukulele?

I’d say the guitar because it has more strings.

Amanda Fischer

School: Knoch

Class: Junior

Sport: Softball

Report card: Fischer has dominated as a hitter and pitcher for the Class 4A No. 2 Knights (14-1, 10-0) this season. She struck out 11 and gave up one hit in a 10-0 Section 3-4A win over New Castle last week. She returned two days later to strike out seven more in a 5-0 win over Central Valley. She holds a 1.75 ERA and has 97 strikeouts through 70 innings. She is 9-1 as a starter, including five shutouts. Fischer also singled, doubled and knocked in three runs in a 9-1 win over Quaker Valley. Fischer plays for Pittsburgh Nitro Showcase under-16 travel softball team.

How long have you been playing softball?

I’ve been playing since I was 8 years old.

Knoch had a big week last week. Can you sum it up?

It was definitely important that we kept an even mindset after facing section teams a second time. We didn’t want to get too cocky about it and needed to finish the section strong.

How many pitches do you have, and which one is your best?

I have five pitches, and my curve is definitely my go-to (pitch).

What are the other four pitches?

Fastball, changeup, “drop-in” and screwball.

Where does this team need to improve going into the postseason?

I think we definitely could improve in our overall communication on offense and defense. It could definitely benefit us in both ways.

How does the No. 2 ranking feel?

It’s definitely new to the team. This season has gone a lot better than what we expected. We have to stay humble.

How did last year’s 10-0 loss to Mt. Pleasant shape this team?

It definitely gave us motivation for this year. For us to make it to the (quarterfinals) last year was new for us.

How is this team different than last year?

I think the overall chemistry. Last year we had six seniors, all very talented. This year we have two (seniors).

Who is the most underrated player on the team?

I’d say freshman Brynnae Coe. She started the season jittery and has come around and has hit the ball solidly.

If you could have walk-up music to the plate, what song would you use?

I would use “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen.

Do you have a favorite softball school that you’d like to play at?

Right now, it’s Coastal Carolina.

What’s your favorite subject at school?

Calculus.

What is your favorite school lunch?

It’s a popcorn chicken bowl. That’s my go-to.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

It’s weird, but I can clap with one hand.

How did you pick that up?

My cousin did it. I practiced and I finally did it.

William Whalen is a freelance writer.

Tags: Burrell, Knoch