Two Tigers Named to PG’s All-Area Team, Cole Young tabbed Player of the Year
North Allegheny baseball standouts Cole Young and Kyle Demi have been selected to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s All-Area Team for the 2021 season. For Young, a Duke University recruit, he was also tabbed the Post-Gazette’s 2021 Player of the Year.
One of the best offensive and defensive prospects in the state, Young was the first freshman to ever be named to the All-Area Team following his rookie campaign in 2019, hitting .414 with three home runs and 26 RBI. After COVID-19 wiped out the 2020 season, Young was even better during his junior season, producing a .434 average with six home runs and 23 RBI. His 33 runs scored were the fourth most in a single season in North Allegheny history and his on base percentage (.594) was third best all-time. Young boasted an eye-popping OPS of 1.463, all while flashing a spectacular glove defensively for the Tigers at shortstop.
Kyle Demi delivers a pitch against Central in the PIAA quarterfinals.
The ace on a deep and talented pitching staff, Demi had one of the best seasons by a North Allegheny pitcher in years. The University of Pittsburgh recruit had a career year as a senior this past spring, putting together a 9-1 record in 12 appearances (10 starts). The right-handed hurler allowed only six earned runs all season, producing a minuscule ERA of 0.87, which ranks as the fifth lowest all-time in program history. Demi also struck out 81 batters, third most in a single-season by an NA pitcher. His 12 appearances are tied for third in a season at NA.
The contributions of Young and Demi helped North Allegheny to a 23-4 record, a WPIAL championship and a PIAA title game appearance in 2021. The 23 wins were the most by a North Allegheny team since 2009. The WPIAL championship was the first for NA since 2013 and eighth overall, giving the Tigers the most District 7 baseball titles in the history of the WPIAL. The PIAA championship game appearance was the first for NA since 2000.
Below is what was written about Young and Demi from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Cole Young • North Allegheny
Position: SS | Year: Junior
Two years ago, Young was the first freshman to ever make the Post-Gazette All-Area team. This year, he did nothing but enhance his reputation. Young is considered one of the top juniors in the state and helped North Allegheny win a WPIAL Class 6A championship and make it to the PIAA title game. He hit .437 with four doubles, four triples and six home runs (tied for WPIAL regular season lead). He also scored 33 runs had 23 RBIs and stole 19 bases after hitting .414 with 26 RBIs as a freshman. Young (6 foot, 185 pounds) also is a smooth, excellent defensive shortstop. A definite prospect for next year’s MLB draft. Made verbal commitment to Duke as a freshman.
Here is the rest of the All-Area team, which is picked by the Post-Gazette scholastic sports staff, based on voting and recommendations from coaches.
Kyle Demi • North Allegheny
Position: P | Year: Senior
Demi was a relative unknown coming into the season, but developed into one of the WPIAL’s most dominating pitchers and helped North Allegheny win WPIAL Class 6A. Was 9-1 (only loss in state final) with 0.87 ERA. Struck out 81 in 48 1/3 innings. Opponents hit only .149. A Pitt recruit.
(Photos courtesy of Megan Manesiotis).