Westmoreland County high school athletes of the week: Southmoreland’s Maddie Brown, Greensburg Central Catholic’s Ian Shipley

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, March 30, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Maddie Brown

School: Southmoreland

Class: Junior

Sport: Softball

Claim to fame: Brown, the Scotties’ stalwart in the pitching circle for the last few years, has helped the team to a 5-0 start. To boot, the Scotties have yet to allow a run. They have outscored teams 52-0, and only one game has gone a full seven innings.

Brown is 5-0 and has allowed 12 hits while striking out 30 in 23 innings. She had 11 Ks in a 10-0 win over Greensburg Salem, then fanned seven in a 1-0 win over Latrobe before allowing one hit in a three-inning win over Valley.

She also is a key offensive player. She homered and drove in five runs earlier in the season in a 16-0 win over Burrell.

Did you expect the team to get off to such a strong start?

I am not surprised at all by what the team has accomplished this early in the season. As a whole, we all practiced hard throughout the offseason and we prepared ourselves well to play against our competition.

What has been more impressive to you, the bats or the defense/pitching?

Both of these aspects of the game this year have been phenomenal. It is comforting knowing that my teammates have my back defensively, and offensively. It takes a lot of pressure off of my own shoulders.

What has worked well for you in the circle?

I feel that trusting my spin pitches and mechanics have been two of the biggest factors in my development as a pitcher.

Are you nearing a college decision? Do you have interest from schools?

I had a handful of interest from coaches ranging from all levels of college softball in the past two years. However, I recently decided to accept a full-ride academic scholarship to Denison University in Ohio.

How motivated is the team after losing in the WPIAL finals last year?

Losing last year in the WPIAL finals was motivation to not just me, but the entirety of my team, to improve upon last year. This year my team and I plan on coming out on the opposite side of that game.

Does this team have the potential to be better than last year’s?

This team easily can be better than the team we were last year, though we lost our singular senior, who was a big contributor in many aspects. All of our returning players gained strength, speed and a better understanding of softball itself in the offseason. We all want to be successful, and we realize that this year’s team is the team that can achieve all of our goals if we set our minds fully to it.

Do you consider yourself a power pitcher or pitch-to-contact pitcher?

I try to see myself as a pitcher who works efficiently to get outs for the team behind me. The quicker and more effectively I do this, the better. No matter if it’s a weak ground ball or a strikeout, my job is to not let runners on base. That’s the mentality I am establishing for myself this year especially.

How tough would it be to pitch to this lineup?

I actually have the chance to live pitch to my teammates at practice quite frequently. It is very beneficial to me to face my fellow teammates because as aggressive hitters, they challenge me to be a better pitcher.

What advice from coach Todd Bunner never gets old?

One crucial piece of advice that sticks with me from coach Todd is to not let mistakes “snowball.” He has fostered an environment that allows us to move forward on the field even after mistakes are made. It is so important as an athlete to not let one mistake define the outcome of an entire game, and I believe coach Todd really pushes this idea across to my teammates and I.

What makes you happy?

Being able to spend time with my family, working out, getting good grades on my schoolwork and softball all make me happy in my day to day life.

What makes you sad?

I sadly lost my grandfather in October 2023, due to cancer. He was my biggest and proudest supporter. Even through his chemo treatments last high school season and the side effects and pain he experienced, he made an effort to attend every single game. He wasn’t just my biggest supporter, but my team’s as well. He would even cheer for the other team when they made a good play too. It’s hard adjusting to the fact that he is no longer here with me, but I am dedicating this season to him.

What is your favorite movie?

“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” I never get sick of watching it.

How about your favorite band or artist?

My music taste is all over the place depending on the day. If I had to pick my favorite artists at the moment, I would definitely either choose Frank Ocean, Drake or The Weeknd.

Do you have any pets?

I have three dogs and a cat. I love my animals very much.

What are your plans for Easter?

I plan to go to my grandparents’ house with my whole family. We go every year, and it’s nice getting to spend the day with my relatives. The food there is delicious, and it is always a great time.

Before I play a game I must …?

Spin my weighted spin ball like 100 times in the dugout while stretching out by myself.

Ian Shipley

School: Greensburg Central Catholic

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Baseball

Claim to Fame: The Centurions are 3-1 overall, 2-0 in Section 3-2A, and Shipley’s bat has been hot to begin the year.

He is 10 for 13 at the plate (.769) with a home run, two doubles, seven RBIs, seven runs and four walks with a .941 on-base percentage. Last season as a freshman, he committed just two errors and batted close to .500.

How tough was last year’s 1-0 loss to OLSH in the first round of the playoffs?

I thought we played good for the most part. Obviously, we didn’t hit the ball well. This year we’re going to bounce back, hopefully make a run in the playoffs.

How offensively charged is the team this year?

We have a good hitting core. The lineup’s really good. If we put the ball in play, we could make a run this season.

What’s your approach at the plate?

Hit the first pitch. I’m looking to stay ahead in the count. I’ve seen a lot of curveballs this season, and I’m looking to hit a line drive the other way or up the middle. Stay on the ball.

What do you attribute your success with the bat to?

Hard work. I hit almost every day, and the reps add up. I also lift three days a week. That all makes me the hitter I am.

What is the stronger part of your game: glove or bat?

I like to say I’m a good all-around player. My bat has been good these last couple games, but I’m also good in the field.

Which position do you like best: second base, third base or shortstop?

I like to play everywhere. I grew up playing second base. I really like short, though. There’s a lot you can do. You have more power being the captain of the infield.

Who is the best hitter and best fielder on the team?

Nobody. I like to think we’re all equally talented.

You’ve played in a ton of tournaments in travel baseball from Georgia to Florida, South Carolina to North Carolina. What are some of your favorite places to eat on the road?

I like Zaxby’s and Raising Cane’s a lot.

What’s it like to have a former college player and coach as your dad?

He’s taught me a lot, helped me become they player and the person I am today.

What’s the most important thing he’s taught you about the game?

Failure. Failure comes, and you’re never perfect. He’s taught me how to deal with and overcome failure.

He says you’re a Division I recruit. Any school you’d most want to play for?

I just want to go where I’ll be able to play, where I’m wanted.

Have you seen any Savannah Bananas baseball games? What do you think?

I have, and I love it. I don’t understand the rules, but it looks fun.

Favorite baseball team?

The Pittsburgh Pirates because they’re the hometown team.

Favorite player?

Andrew McCutchen. I’ve been a fan of his since I was little. I have his autograph on multiple jerseys and baseballs.

Shohei Ohtani or Aaron Judge?

Ohtani.

If you could be the MLB commissioner for one day, what would you change?

The pitch clock. Not a fan. Take it away.

Song to pump you up before a game?

I’m a big “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus fan.

Any fun hobbies?

I like golfing. It’s fun and gets me out of the baseball mindset. Lets me mess around with my buddies on the course.

People would be surprised to know …?

I’m only 15. Still haven’t turned 16 yet, so no driver’s permit yet.

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

Tags: Southmoreland