A-K Valley athletes of the week: Deer Lakes’ Maddie Kee, Riverview’s Jack Loughren

By: Bill Hartlep
Saturday, March 30, 2024 | 9:39 PM

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Maddie Kee

Class: Senior

School: Deer Lakes

Sport: Softball

Report card: Deer Lakes senior Maddie Kee was 3 for 4 with five RBIs and earned the win in relief in a 7-0 victory over Kiski Area on Wednesday and then struck out 15 batters in a 3-1 victory over Laurel on Thursday. Kee also threw a five-inning no-hitter in a 13-0 victory over Highlands earlier this month. She was 10-5 with a 2.64 ERA and 127 strikeouts last season.

How did the team play against Laurel on Thursday?

The team played really great. We strung some hits together and found a way to win. Our defense was good.

What was going well for you at the plate against Kiski Area on Wednesday?

The whole team was hitting really well on Wednesday. All of the hits were right to the girls. Whenever we could get the hits, we put them together when we could.

What are some of the strengths of the team this season?

Definitely our hitting, and the communication is really strong also.

What are the team’s goals this season?

We want to make it far in playoffs for sure. We want to win section. We want to beat Avonworth.

How would you describe your pitching style?

More of my spin pitches and movement pitches is what I work on most. Everyone can hit a fastball now a days.

What do you think of the renovated field?

I love it. I’m excited for it to be fully complete. It still has work to get done.

You throw and hit left-handed? Do you do everything left-handed?

I do everything left-handed.

Is there an advantage to being a lefty pitcher?

I find it as an advantage.

Have you made plans for next fall?

I have not. I’m not sure with the career path I’m choosing (if softball is going to be in the my future).

What do you want to study?

Physician’s assistant. I just like to help people, and I like the healthcare field a lot.

How many states have you visited for softball?

I visited Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland.

Do you have a goal for strikeouts this season?

I honestly don’t even look at my stats. I don’t have a goal for it. I just want to make sure I’m hitting my spots I’m supposed to be hitting.

What do you like more, hitting a home run or throwing a no-hitter?

Throwing a no-hitter. They both feel really good, but I just feel like a home run is one singular hit whereas pitching a whole game is a completely different aspect.

What’s your favorite local restaurant?

I like Chili’s.

Do you have a favorite home-cooked meal?

Chicken stir fry.

How many wins will the Pirates have this season?

Like 8 (laughing).

Jack Loughren

Class: Senior

School: Riverview

Sport: Baseball

Report card: Riverview senior Jack Loughren was 3 for 4, including a walk-off single, to lead Riverview’s baseball team to a 2-1 win over Brentwood in Section 3-2A play Thursday. He also struck out 14 batters in the Raiders’ 11-2 win over Brentwood on Monday. The Raiders are 4-0 overall and 2-0 in Section 3.

How did the team play in the win against Brentwood on Thursday?

We came out a little flat but we battled. We brought the energy when it mattered. We didn’t quit when we got down 1-0. The guys banded together. It’s a good group of guys. We got the job done when it really mattered.

What felt better, the walk-off single or striking out 14 batters on Monday?

I’d have to go with the walk-off single. My teammates put me in position to succeed there. If three guys didn’t get on base, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity. Even in the 14-strikeout outing, my teammates came through; we didn’t have any errors. It felt really good.

What are some things the team is doing well early in the season?

Our fielding has been really good and our pitching. Obviously, the bats are there. We have a lot of guys back from last year. We’ve shocked people. We’ve thrown well and fielded well, making routine plays and made tough plays. We’ve been coming together as a team. We’ve been jelling together, a young group of guys jelling together. We’re playing as a team.

What are the team’s goals this season?

We have three goals – win section, win WPIAL, win state. We know we can do all three. We went to the WPIAL championship my freshman year and lost to Union. The motivation is to get back there and win. We just have to show up every day and compete. If we can beat any team in our section, we feel like we can beat anybody in the state. We just have to take care of business every day.

What will it take to advance in the playoffs?

Just staying together as a team. I think we did really well my freshman year. We didn’t have as much talent as other teams in the WPIAL, but we banded together as a group of guys, emphasizing that a team comes first. We have a we is greater than me mentality, showing up everyday embracing whatever role you have. We’re going to have to hit well in the playoffs too.

How did you get started playing baseball?

I’ve been playing since I was 4 years old in RAA tee-ball. My dad (Michael) played in high school, and it’s something we’ve loved doing together. It’s something I’ve cherished doing with my dad and my brother (Carter).

Is there anything with basketball that helps you with baseball?

This basketball season helped me get in shape. I did go through a little bit of injuries during basketball season, but overall it was a positive experience. It also helped me become a leader. I was captain of the basketball team this season as well. Knowing what it takes to be a leader, helped prime me to lead these guys in baseball as well.

Are you involved in any other sports/activities at Riverview?

I played football for three years. I broke my leg junior year, so I decided to step away this year and focus on baseball.

Have you made plans for next fall?

I haven’t made any plans net. I have a few opportunities to play, a few Division III offers, a couple D-1 walk-on spots. Just keeping an open mind. The education comes first. If baseball comes along, that’s a privilege to have that as well.

What do you want to study?

Probably business or finance.

What’s your favorite home-cooked meal?

Anything my mom makes. My mom is a great cook. She makes really good steaks and mashed potatoes.

What’s your favorite local restaurant?

I love going to Chick-fil-A and Chipotle with the guys on the baseball team. I do like The Lot (at Edgewater) in Oakmont.

What’s your favorite item at Oakmont Bakery?

The Oakmonter. I love that. I kind of have a sweet tooth.

What’s something people might not know about you?

I’ve really taken up golf as a hobby. My brother is on the golf team. He smokes me every time we play. I’ve had fun coming on the course with him and my dad, as well and my buddy Nathan (Sprajcar). I also have a younger sister (Elizabeth) who is in seventh grade.

Bill Hartlep is the TribLive sports editor. A Pittsburgh native and Point Park graduate, he joined the Trib in 2004, covering high school sports. He held various editing roles before assuming his current position in 2019. He can be reached at bhartlep@triblive.com.

Tags: Deer Lakes, Riverview