Boys athlete of the week
// The Post-Gazette’s top male performer from the past seven days
Recently: In two games against Allderdice and one against Gateway April 6-9, Clement had seven hits for the Butler baseball team.
Check this out: Clement is a 6-foot-1, 170-pound senior outfielder who bats leadoff for Butler and is off to a hot start. Coming into this week, he was batting .579 with seven runs and six stolen bases in five games. Clement started as a sophomore. He was also a four-year varsity player on Butler’s basketball team. He was one of the best shooters in the WPIAL and finished his career with 1,100 points and 262 3pointers. He has not decided on a college. His father, Matt, is Butler’s basketball coach and a former major-league pitcher.
Is this the best you ever hit in high school? I would say so.
Any reason? I’ve got a lot more confidence than I had my sophomore year. Plus, last summer I played a lot of baseball (with the Pittsburgh Spikes) and I got more confidence there.
How do you like the new WPIAL schedule where you a play a section team on backto-back days? I kind of enjoy it because you don’t have to wait until you play them again. If you do bad one day, you come the next day and be ready. You don’t have to wait. It doesn’t mess with your head.
With your dad being a majorleague pitcher, have you ever pitched or want to pitch? I always wanted to be a pitcher. This past summer, I worked a lot more on on pitching, throwing bullpen sessions and stuff. My dad helped me out.
Do you think you’ll pitch at all in high school? I’ve got a chance to throw a couple innings.
In basketball, you do know you are a much better shooter than your dad was? Yeah.
That’s all you have to say is ‘yeah?’ (Laugh) Well, we do have some shooting competitions sometimes in the gym. The only place he beats me is the left corner. It’s the only place he can shoot.
Where does college stand for you? I haven’t made a decision, and I haven’t fully made a decision to play baseball or basketball, or maybe both. I’m still thinking.
Is it a hard choice? It’s really hard because growing up, I played both sports every single year. I enjoy playing both a lot.
Your go-to food? Pizza — or a burger.
Movie you can watch any time? Any of the Star War movies.
People might be surprised to know ...? I like sharks. They’re my favorite animal.
Do you like “Shark Week?” I like it every time it comes out.
— By Mike White