Shaler boys basketball focused on 1 thing: Playoffs

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, February 7, 2019 | 8:00 PM

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Being out of the picture to win the Section 3-5A title had Shaler boys basketball coach Rob Niederberger eagerly awaiting the postseason.

Wrapping up the regular season against Plum and McDowell last Friday and Saturday, respectively, was a mere footnote to what Niederberger hopes is a much longer story.

Results from both contests were too late for this edition.

“I’m looking forward for this week to be over,” Niederberger said. “Since we can’t win the section, it’s like, ‘Let’s get ready to play the payoffs.’ We’ve been thinking about the game and situations, finding that extra gear of effort.”

Preparing for the postseason will be a fun experience for Niederberger and the Titans, who reached the playoffs for the first time since the 2011-12 season. Shaler (14-6, 9-4) won five postseason games that season, reaching the WPIAL semifinals and PIAA quarterfinals.

Getting back into the playoffs was a big reward for senior guard Justin DeSabato.

“It takes the pressure off,” DeSabato said. “We’re not thinking about, ‘When are we get out of this hole?’ and if we are ever going to bounce back.”

Shaler’s strong point, according to Niederberger, has been moving the ball efficiently.

The Titans rank fourth in Class 5A, behind Mars, Penn Hills and Woodland Hills, at 68.2 points per game.

“I think we are well-suited to play fast or slow,” DeSabato said. “We have the personnel to do both. If we’re able to run, that’s always the goal. We want to get easy layups and buckets. If teams try to slow us down, we have enough skill and discipline to get open shots.”

Getting to the playoffs was a goal, not the final destination.

“No doubt, I’m not smelling the roses,” Niederberger said. “We have a mission right now. We’re not going to be happy until we achieve our potential and get as far as we can. At the end of the day, we’ll look back and say that is great. We’re not done. Making playoffs wasn’t our goal for the year. It wasn’t our ultimate goal. We’ll look at that when the season is over.”

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.

Tags: Shaler