As selected by the Post-Gazette scholastic sports staff

JENN SIMILE

SCHOOL: Shaler Area.

WHO IS SHE? A right fielder for the Titans (20-4), who will play Hempfield today in the PIAA Class AAAA softball quarterfinals.

PAST WEEK: Simile, a cleanup hitter, stroked a tying single in the sixth inning of the WPIAL final Thursday, and Shaler went on to defeat Hempfield, 7-2, in nine innings. The Titans defeated Brashear, 1-0, in a PIAA first-round game Tuesday.

CAREER: A sophomore, Simile led Shaler in batting average (.443) and slugging percentage (.721) during the regular season. She helped the Titans win a PIAA title last year as their designated hitter.

Usually a middle infielder, Simile was switched to the outfield this season by coach Rich Massucci, who had a veteran infield returning. "We're looking for her to play infield next season," he said.

FAMILY TIES: Simile is grateful to her parents and one sibling for their support. Her father, Anthony, also is an inspiration. He had a leg amputated four years ago because of circulatory problems, but is at every game, wearing Shaler paraphernalia and rooting from his wheelchair.

Her brother, Tony, was a member of Shaler's WPIAL championship baseball team in 1999. He practices frequently with his sister, pitching and hitting fly balls to her.

FUTURE: Simile is an honor student with a 4.4 grade point average.

-- By Rick Shrum

SCHOOL: Moon.

WHO IS HE? A 5-foot-11, 190-pound senior catcher on the baseball team who is carrying a hot bat through the postseason.

THE PAST WEEK: Williams had two hits, including a towering home run, in a 13-5 victory against Perry in Tuesday's first round of the PIAA Class AAA playoffs. In the WPIAL championship game May 1, Williams also hit a home run in a 6-5 loss to Pine-Richland.

PLAYOFF TEAR: In five postseason games, Williams is batting .471 (8 for 17) with eight runs scored and six RBIs. Moon (16-8) plays Peters Township (19-5) in the PIAA quarterfinals today.

THE OTHER SPORT: Williams was a backup quarterback in football until his senior season, when he switched to running back and rushed for 1,284 yards and scored 22 touchdowns. He hopes to play football in college, but is undecided on a school. Williams is a 3.98 student, and some Ivy League and Patriot League schools are interested in him.

WILD THING: Williams is known for his hitting -- and wild throws back to the pitcher.

"I throw them over the pitcher's head sometimes," he said. "Everyone knows it's not because I'm lazy. It's just a mental block thing because I have no problems throwing to second."

-- By Mike White