Westmoreland athletes of the week: Hempfield’s Luke Hudson, Jeannette’s Savannah Berry

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, May 16, 2018 | 10:51 AM

Luke Hudson

School: Hempfield

Sport: Baseball

Class: Junior

Claim to fame: Hudson hit a walk-off triple that scored Isaiah DiAndreth to lead Class 6A No. 3 Hempfield (15-5) to a 6-5 win over Class 5A No. 2 Laurel Highlands in nonsection play May 9. Hudson leads Hempfield with a .435 average, 23 RBIs, 20 runs, 12 stolen bases and three homers. The Spartans play Pine-Richland in the WPIAL quarterfinals Monday.

“I remember coming into there and having the intent to win the game. We were confident in our ability, but they surprised us with their ability to hit,” Hudson said. “When I went up to the plate, I remembered having no thoughts and I wasn't anxious. It was a high outside pitch and I went the other way.”

What has been the key to your season this year?

The team chemistry because as long as we're clicking and picking each other up we will be fine. We're almost like family. It's almost like a brotherhood, and we're always looking after each other.

What is the most exciting moment of your career?

The Butler game at Pullman Park. It was night game. I hit a monster home run during my third at-bat. It was so electrifying. We proved a lot people wrong because everyone was on the Butler train.

What's the key to a long WPIAL playoff run this year?

We need to take it out by out and inning by inning. We will be fine if we do our job each and every game because we're fundamentally sharp and our team chemistry.

How do you think your game has grown this year?

I've been a lot more calmer. In the first couple games, I was little edgy, and now I've been more calm and confident. Last year, I would dwell on every little mistake. This year, I'm forgetting about it.

What is your favorite meal?

I'm a breakfast kind of guy. I love cereal. I have six bowls of cereal. I need to have 30 minutes to eat my cereal. I love Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Savannah Berry

School: Jeannette

Sport: Softball

Class: Senior

Claim to fame: Berry hit two doubles, a triple and a single to lead Jeannette (4-8, 4-8) to a 15-5 win over Geibel in Section 3-A action May 8.

“I've played harder this year than ever before. Ever since the death of one of my friends (Scarlett Stein), I've put in my all towards softball. I've played softball since I was little. I think the game itself is so fun,” Berry said.

What are your college plans for next year?

I'm going to go to IUP to study criminology. I've always been into criminal stuff. A lot of family friends are cops. I'm so into criminal shows. It's always been an interest of mine.

What did you learn from this softball season?

Every time we run on and off the field you don't want to be last. You always have to hustle, give 100 percent and give your best.

What is the biggest piece of advice someone has given you?

My coaches always told me to never give up, don't be last, believe in yourself and don't be so hard on yourself.

When you graduate, what do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered for bringing positivity and having a big impact on my peers.

What are some adjectives that would best describe you?

Outgoing, unique and goofy. I'm always laughing and always doing something to put a smile on everyone's face. I'm a very open person.

— Andrew John

Tags: Hempfield Area, Jeannette