Baseball Co-MVP – Jack Smith, Mt. Lebanon
Jack Smith, like all high school spring athletes in 2020, lost a full season, his sophomore year, to the COVID pandemic. He lost his junior year to a back injury.
In 2022, Smith made up for lost time. The Mt. Lebanon senior dominated the diamond and led the Blue Devils to their first WPIAL championship since 2006.
“When Jack’s healthy, his stats speak to his talent,” said Lebo head coach Patt McCloskey.
On the mound, Smith posted a 5-1 record with two saves. In 39 innings, he struck out 71 batters and maintained a 1.15 ERA.
He sparkled in the Class 6A championship, scattering two hits while fanning 14 of the 21 batters he faced.
At the plate, he singled and scored a run as the Blue Devils defeated Upper St. Clair, 2-1, for the title.
“Jack Smith has the intangibles,” McCloskey said. “He’s only worried about winning. He’s the most competitive kid I have ever coached. He has that edge that says, ‘Here I am, I’m going to beat you’ attitude.”
At the plate or on the base paths, Smith could beat teams. He led the Blue Devils with 12 stolen bases in 15 attempts. He owned a .375 batting average, second highest on the team. He also drove in 12 runs and scored 14 times.
His three-run homer helped Lebo beat Seneca Valley in the first round of the playoffs and his arm helped the Blue Devils clinch the section title against USC. In a 7-0 win, he struck out nine and scattered three hits and three walks.
Smith will continue his career at Harvard University.
Joe Altvater, senior, Upper St. Clair
Evan Holewinski, junior, Bethel Park
Jack Kail, senior, Peters Township
Nathan Klodowski, senior, Burgettstown
Drake Long, senior, Carmichaels
Sam Miller, senior, Peters Township
Lincoln Pack, junior, Waynesburg
Wes Parker, senior, Peters Township
Chase Krewson, junior, South Fayette
Drew Ripepi, senior, Peters Township
Michael Shallcross, junior, Washington
Derrick Shields, senior, Mt. Lebanon