Ryan DeMary of Derry Area had a week to remember.
DeMary, a junior, homered and was the winning pitcher as Derry defeated Belle Vernon Area 11-3 in a Section 5-AA first-place battle at Fayette City. DeMary allowed one hit and struck out 17.
Derry Area is now 8-1 in the section and leads Yough (6-1) and Belle Vernon Area (6-2).
"He throws hard," Yough coach Terry Odelli said. "I just hope we have a chance to win the section when we play them again (May 6)."
Yough stayed close with victories against Elizabeth Forward and East Allegheny this week. The Cougars are scheduled to play host to East Allegheny at 11 a.m. today and play Tuesday at Belle Vernon Area.
Shortstop Jason Namestka is hitting more than .600 in section games for the Cougars.
Other top baseball performances this week included:
TRACK LEFTOVERS
Tim Fratto of Southmoreland and Kiski Area senior Chris McKillop opened some eyes at the 79th annual Westmoreland County Coaches' Association track and field championship meet Wednesday night at Derry Area High School.
Fratto collected 30 individual points by winning the triple jump and long jump, finishing second in the 100-meter dash and being a member of a relay team that placed second.
McKillop, who will attend Pitt on a football scholarship, is becoming known as one of the best javelin throwers and shot putters in WPIAL. McKillop won the javelin with a throw of 178 feet, 2 inches, and the shot put with a 52-2 throw. Both throws are the top marks in the WPIAL this season. He also placed fifth in the discus with a throw of 133.
Other double winners at the county meet were Mack Brickley of Greater Latrobe (1,600- and 800-meter runs) and Anthony Cellitti (100- and 200-meter dashes).
COACHING CHANGES
Ron Skiles, who spent 10 years on the Senior PGA Tour, was hired to coach the Bentworth High School football program again. Skiles coached the Bearcats in the 1980s when he posted a 54-27 record. He replaced Bob Gumbita of Mt. Pleasant, who resigned after a 1-8 season. Gumbita coached two seasons at Bentworth.
Two district boys basketball coaches -- Rick Dunmire of Steel Valley and Pete Logan of Brownsville Area -- have resigned in recent days, while Frazier hired Larry Wilson, the school's football coach, as its new boys basketball coach.
WPIAL HONORS
The WPIAL announced the four winners of the 2002-03 scholar/athlete award. The winners were Eric Marx of Indiana Area, Patrick Weber of Valley, Michol Monaghan of Laurel Highlands and Haley Wojdowski of Mars Area.
Each winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship. The WPIAL selections were based on achievements in athletics and academics.
THIS AND THAT
The Curry and White quarterback skills camp will be held May 31 at Highlands High School, Natrona Heights. For more information, call Ray White (724) 337-1119, Tim Karrs (724) 226-1000, ext. 106, or George Curry (570) 759-6432. ... The Hempfield junior varsity softball tournament is scheduled for today. It was rained out April 12.
