Westmoreland high school athletes of the week: Ligonier Valley’s Cheyenne Piper and Greensburg Central Catholic’s Tyler Samide

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, May 18, 2024 | 5:15 PM

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Cheyenne Piper

School: Ligonier Valley

Class: Senior

Sport: Softball

Claim to fame: Piper, a right-handed pitcher, has thrown three consecutive no-hitters, including two in the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs. She struck out 17 in a 1-0 win over Ellwood City in the quarterfinals after she fanned 14 in a perfect game, an 8-0, first-round win over Keystone Oaks.

She has not allowed a hit or run against 67 consecutive batters. Her hitless innings streak is at 22 1/3.

Piper is 15-5 with a 1.03 ERA, 229 strikeouts and 12 walks.

What was it like throwing the perfect game?

It took me awhile to wrap my head around it. I had no idea (it was happening during the game).

Were you keeping track of what was going on?

No. I am so bad at that stuff. I block it all out.

Did it carry additional meaning because it happened in a playoff game?

Yes. I felt like someone put a target on my back.

Who taught you how to pitch?

Brittany Peglow. I have been pitching since I was 9, so nine years. She played at Seton Hill.

Have you always pitched with glasses on?

Yes. I tried contacts, but I can’t see with them. I have worn glasses since I was 2.

Why do you wear No. 24?

I wear 99 in travel ball. (Number) 24 was the last jersey (available) when I was a freshman.

What did you like most about Westminster?

It’s so pretty. I took an overnight stay and really liked it.

Did you have offers from larger schools?

Not that I know of. I reached out to some. Westminster reached out to me at a showcase.

What sets you apart from other pitchers?

I move pitches well. And if I keep the right mindset, I know I can do better.

How fast do you throw?

I think between 63 and 65 (mph).

What will it take to win a WPIAL title?

If we keep thinking the way we do and continue to do things as one, we can keep winning.

Who is the toughest hitter you have faced?

Amarah McCutcheon (of Southmoreland).

Who is your hero?

God.

Do you play any other sports?

I tried basketball for one year, but I don’t think that counts.

Do you have any pets?

Yes, a cat (named) Gizmo and a dog, Hershey.

Before I pitch in a game I must ______?

Stop thinking.

What is your favorite subject in school?

Science. It’s more applied and direct.

What makes you happy?

Listening to all kinds of music and being with my friends and family.

What makes you sad?

Negativity. When other people are in a bad mood.

Tyler Samide

School: Greensburg Central Catholic

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Baseball

Claim to fame: Samide has played a key role in the success of the Centurions. He is one of four key sophomores on the team, along with Anthony Grippo, Ian Shipley and Alec Martin. In a WPIAL Class 2A playoff game May 14 against Washington, Samide drove in the first run of the game with a double in the first inning and then scored on a single by Tyree Turner. In the third inning, his sacrifice fly gave GCC a 3-0 lead. In the fifth inning, he relieved starter Ethan Brody after Washington had scored two runs and shut them down over the final three inning to preserve a 3-2 victory. GCC faces Burgettstown in the quarterfinals Monday. Samide is 5-2 on the hill and is batting .372 with five doubles and 11 RBIs.

What were your thoughts about your playoff performance?

I knew I had to do my job, and I came through for the team.

What will it take to be successful against Burgettstown?

We have to put the ball in play and not make errors. We didn’t do that against Washington, and it almost cost us.

What do you know about Burgettstown?

They have two pretty good arms. We should be good if we follow our game plan.

What are goals of the team?

The goal is to make a state run. We feel have a good shot at that if we play our game.

You are part of pretty good talented sophomore group. Are you looking to the future?

I feel we’re going to be pretty good next couple of years and further. Everyone knows about me, Anthony and Ian, but Alec Martin is going to be really good. He plays outfield, first base and pitches.

What was your job when you came in relief against Washington?

My main job was to work quickly, get outs and be efficient. I came in and threw strikes. That was the key.

Do you play any other sport?

Just baseball.

Who did you look up to growing up?

I liked watching Andrew McCutcheon when I was little and later Mike Trout and Bryce Harper.

What is the best sporting event you have ever been to?

I went to Phillies game in Philadelphia. They played the Royals.

What would be your walk-up song be when hitting?

“Sweet Escape” by Gwen Stefani.

What is your favorite sports movie?

“Moneyball.”

Complete this sentence. My favorite baseball player is __

Bryce Harper.

Will you try to go to a Pirates game this season and watch Paul Skenes pitch?

I went to his debut.

The best pizza in your area is?

Norvelt Pizzeria

After a game or practice, where do you and your teammates go for a meal or a snack?

We go to Chipotle, and I get chips and queso.

What is your favorite meal your mom or dad makes?

My mom’s homemade pepperoni pizza.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Myrtle Beach.

What team do you play summer baseball for?

Unity Legion and Delmont Wolfpack

What is your most memorable moment in sports?

Probably against Apollo-Ridge when I hit a home run.

Do you have a ritual before you play a game?

I like to do my throwing and listen to the same song over and over. I alternate my music.

What types of video games to you play?

I like “MLB The Show.”

What type of music do you listen to?

A little bit of everything. It depends on my mood.

If you could have lunch or dinner with someone famous, whom would it be, and what would you talk about?

Shohei Ohtani and I ask about his training and how he got to where he’s at.

Tags: Ligonier Valley