Westmoreland athletes of the week: Derry’s Haylee Myers, Belle Vernon’s Max Henson

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 9:08 PM

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Haylee Myers

School: Derry

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Softball

Claim to fame: Myers, a second-year starter for the upstart Trojans (6-1), has been effective in the pitching circle and at the plate this season. She went 4 for 4 with two doubles to help the Trojans defeat Indiana, 9-5.

Then, she went toe-to-toe with Greensburg Salem junior ace Alle Scarpa in Derry’s 3-2 win. Myers allowed three hits and struck out 13 for the Trojans. She capped the week with three hits, two home runs and five RBIs and struck out 14 in a three-hit shutout of Freeport, 10-0.

Last week, she had a five-RBI game in a 17-1 win over Valley. She pitched a one-hitter in a 15-0 victory against Jeannette.

Myers is 6-1 with a 1.71 ERA and has 73 strikeouts and 11 walks in 40 2/3 innings. She has three home runs and 13 RBIs as a hitter.

Derry coach John DePalma said what impresses him most about Myers is her ability to change speeds and make batters change their approach.

The team is playing well in several facets of the game. Did you expect a 5-1 start?

To be completely honest, no. After a rough season last year, this year’s turnaround has been fun and exciting. We are having a lot of fun right now and hope to continue what we have going.

What has been working well for you in the circle and at the plate?

In the circle, I really have been trying to work on my spin. Normally, if one pitch isn’t working, we try the next, and so far that has worked. At the plate, I can usually anticipate what I’m going to see, which is outside and occasionally change-ups. As soon as I step into the box, though, I think ‘hit the ball.’

How long have you been playing softball and what or who got you started in the game?

I started when I was 8, which is around eight years now. My dad has coached me from the start and is the main reason I even started playing.

What is your best pitch?

I don’t really have a best pitch, but my rise ball is definitely the one that works the most. Every day is different from the next, so whatever is working, we go with.

What did you learn from last season that has helped you this year?

I learned that anything can happen at any point in the game, and mental toughness is key at all times.

What did you learn about your team in the win over Greensburg Salem and pitcher Alle Scarpa?

Alle’s a great pitcher, and we put together great at-bats against her, and timely hits. When we got down a run we battled back, and that shows the kind of resilience this team has this year.

Who is the best hitter you have faced (high school or travel)?

If I had to pick one it would be Amarah McCutcheon, but the whole Southmoreland lineup last year. They were stacked from top to bottom.

Is Derry back in the WPIAL playoff conversation?

Absolutely. With the way we are playing right now things are looking up. We just can’t get ahead of ourselves.

How fast have you hit on the radar gun?

The hardest I’ve been clocked at is 63 (mph), but my main focus is my location and keeping hitters off balance.

What position do you play when you’re not pitching?

For school it would be the outfield, and for travel I play a little bit of first and outfield.

Why do you wear No. 18?

I usually am No. 25 because Gregory Polanco was the first lefty batter I saw on TV, but senior Sophia Doherty has that number.

Do you play other sports?

I still play volleyball and used to play basketball. Volleyball is something that keeps me active, and I enjoy it. Basketball never really was my favorite, and I thought after my freshman year I should focus on softball.

What do you like to do for fun?

I like to paint and listen to music. I also enjoy being with my friends, playing pickleball and spending time with my family. They are a lot of fun.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I don’t have any that I can think of.

Where is your dream vacation spot?

My dream vacation spot would be Brazil. I really want to go to another continent and see what else is out there.

Have you ever met a celebrity?

I haven’t met any celebrities, but I would love to meet Josh Allen.

What pro sports event would you like to go back in time and watch in person?

I would like to go back and watch the Pirates win a World Series because who knows the next time that will happen?

Do you have any pets?

No, I’m allergic to dogs, and my dad is allergic to cats. That limits it to about a fish.

How many games will the Pittsburgh Pirates win?

72.

Max Henson

School: Belle Vernon

Class: Junior

Sport: Tennis

Claim to Fame: The Belle Vernon junior rolled through the Class 2A bracket, losing a combined three games in four matches. He defeated North Catholic’s Justin Garvey, 6-6, 6-1, in the final. In his first year playing high school tennis he was proud of his performance on the WPIAL stage. Henson, a Cleveland State recruit, will go down as Belle Vernon’s first boys tennis champion even though the school does not field a full team. He joins Gabriella Dusi, who won the WPIAL Class 2A girls tennis singles championship for the second consecutive year. She defeated Hampton’s Grace Stitt. Belle Vernon does not have a girls team. “I’m happy to represent my hometown,” he said. “So, you know, it feels good and hopefully I’ll do my best to bring back a state championship.” He is ranked No. 6 in the state by HEAD sporting goods.

What was it like winning the title?

I’ve never played in WPIALs before. I’ve never even played high school tennis before. So, you know, it was pretty cool. And I got a medal. I like medals. It was nice.

When did you start playing tennis?

I was about five years old. My dad (Jody) to me for a private lesson. A woman named Molly at the Greensburg Racquet club taught me a lot about the game. She was really nice.

Who got you started in the game?

My dad got me started. He was a basketball player at Elizabeth Forward.

What’s the strongest part of your game?

100 percent my serve. I have a good mental game, too. They don’t let me down. The conditions and court at the WPIALs were horrible. It was all about mental toughness and staying focused.

What has been working well for you on the court?

Getting more consistent. I hit some great shots, but I must take it to another level if I want to be great.

Who is the best player you have faced (high school or travel)?

I do not have a name for you. Every player has a different style, and I have played against a lot of good players.

Because of your success and Gabriella Dusi’s success, should Belle Vernon consider adding a tennis program?

They definitely should. It is a great sport, and it would be great to have a team.

Do you play other sports?

When I was really young, I played recreation basketball, soccer, dek hockey and baseball.

What do you like to do for fun?

I like to work out, watch TV, talk to friends, hang out with family and I like to read books.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I can juggle three.

Where is your dream vacation spot?

My dream vacation spot? I like the Caribbean a lot, I like the beach. I also like mountains in Canada.

Have you ever met a celebrity?

I met professional tennis player Andy Murray and got his autograph.

What pro sports event would you like to go back in time and watch in person?

A classic Super Bowl game or a Mike Tyson fight. Also, some of the great Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal matches.

Do you have any pets?

I have two dogs: sheepadoodles (Old English Sheepdog and Poodle mix).

How many games will the Pittsburgh Pirates win?

I do not watch baseball. I like football.

Where would you go for a snack after practice or a match?

It depends on my mood. I like 5 Guys, and I like Chipotle.

What is your favorite meal your mom or dad makes you?

I like hot wings. Buffalo style.

Who is someone you’d like to have lunch or dinner with, and what would you talk about?

I would like to sit down with Roger Federer and talk about how he got so good and learn from one of the best so I can make myself better.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Derry Area