Player of the Year

* Greg Schneider, Thomas Jefferson, Pitcher, Senior
Schneider had one of the best seasons of any WPIAL pitcher in recent years. It was rare when he gave up a run, let alone an earned run. A right-hander, Schneider had a scoreless streak of 32 innings that stretched into the WPIAL semifinals. He finished with a 9-2 record and a 0.43 ERA. In 821/3 innings, he allowed only 11 runs and five earned. He averaged close to two strikeouts an inning with 140. He also batted .514 with 8 doubles, 6 triples, 4 home runs and 30 RBIs. He will play next season for the Pitt Panthers.

The Rest

* Zarley Zalewski, Valley, Shortstop, Senior
Was among WPIAL leaders in many offensive categories. Batted .574 and tied for WPIAL lead in home runs with eight. Was second in RBIs with 36 and scored 25 runs. Drafted by Pirates in 40th round, but hasn't decided whether to sign or play at Kent State.

* Ian Happ, Mt. Lebanon, Shortstop/Pitcher, Senior
Happ helped Mt. Lebanon reach the WPIAL Class AAAA championship. He was excellent defensively, but also hit .506 with 13 doubles, 7 home runs, 31 RBIs and 30 runs scored. Was 3-1 as a pitcher with seven saves. A University of Cincinnati recruit.

* John Sansone, Neshannock, Shortstop, Senior
Led WPIAL in regular-season hitting the past two seasons. Batted .660 this regular season and finished at .600 overall with 12 doubles, 6 triples, 7 home runs and 40 RBIs. Was a Florida State recruit, but was 39th-round draft pick of Detroit Tigers.

* Matt Smith, Seneca Valley, Pitcher, Senior
A two-time All-Area selection who helped Seneca Valley win two consecutive WPIAL AAAA titles. Was 20-2 in two seasons. This year, had an 11-1 record and an ERA of 1.97, with 80 strikeouts in 71 innings. Has signed with Georgetown.

* Brendan McKay, Blackhawk, Pitcher/First baseman/Outfielder, Sophomore
A super sophomore who helped team win WPIAL Class AAA title. Had a string of 35 consecutive scoreless innings at one point. Finished 9-1 with 0.52 ERA after going 6-0 as a freshman. Struck out 96 in 81 innings and also hit .400 with 11 doubles and 22 RBIs.

* Matt Emge, Blackhawk, Catcher, Senior
An outstanding defensive catcher for WPIAL Class AAA champion Cougars. Emge was a four-year varsity member who batted .390 as a senior. Had 4 doubles, 2 home runs and 28 RBIs. Will play next season at Ohio State.

* Ben Hartz, Shady Side Academy, Pitcher/First baseman, Senior
Hartz made all-section as a pitcher and infielder. A four-year starter who batted over .500 the past three seasons. Hit .489 in the regular season with five home runs and 22 RBIs. Had 6-1 pitching record in regular season. Undecided on a college.

* Alain Girman, Serra Catholic, Pitcher/Outfielder, Senior
Tied for second-most pitching wins in WPIAL history with 31-2 career record. Finished 7-2 this year with a 2.30 ERA. Led WPIAL in regular-season strikeouts with 92 and also hit .500. Will play next season at Division I Mount St. Mary's.