Franklin Regional surges late to top Shaler, stay unbeaten in girls basketball Section 1-5A

By: Bob Orkwis
Monday, January 13, 2025 | 9:58 PM

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Shaler came to Murrysville on Monday riding a six-game winning streak and looking to leapfrog FranklinRegional in the Section 1-5A standings. The Panthers were hoping to defend the home court and extend their lead in section play.

After a slow start and trailing by twelve points in the second half, Franklin Regional posted a 53-48 victory over the Titans.

“We had some key players in foul trouble early,” Franklin Regional coach Bernie Pucka said. “And we had some trouble keeping (Shaler’s Bayleigh) Perez in front of us because she is so quick. Plus, they shot very well.

“We got off man-to-man because of 3s and went to a zone look, and we were able to get back into to the game.”

The Panthers started with a 7-1 lead, taking advantage of several early Shaler turnovers. The Titans overcame the sloppy beginning and led 29-21 at halftime. That lead ballooned to 12 in the third quarter.

But the Panthers clamped down on defense, holding Shaler to six points in the fourth quarter and outscoring the Titans, 32-19, in the second half.

With her team down 43-41, senior Madison DeRiggi got a steal, and a layup to tie the score with 4 minutes, 5 seconds left. DeRiggi, who was held scoreless in the first quarter, finished with a game high-22-points to lead the Panthers. Pucka was complimentary of his guard.

“Maddie is the leader and catalyst of this team,” he said. “We go as she goes, and I think every coach in the section already knows that. She’s a tough kid, and we probably wouldn’t be undefeated in the section without her.”

Then, seniors Anna Novelli and Toryn Fulton teamed up on a pretty passing play to give Franklin Regional a 45-43 lead with 3:15 remaining, a lead the Panthers would not relinquish. Fulton, a Division-I South Florida softball recruit, and Novelli finished with nine points each for Franklin Regional.

“She’s as athletic as they come,” Pucka said of Fulton. “Her presence is part of the foundation of our team. The other players know she has their back. They know they can take risks because of that.”

Pucka also said Fulton’s softball commitment takes her away from some basketball activities.

“Being a Division-I softball player, we lose her in the summer and part of the fall. Believe it or not, at this point of the season, she is still shaking some rust off.

Shaler (11-2, 4-1), was paced by Noelle Roth with 13 points, including three 3-pointers. Reese Smetanka, who came in averaging more than 19 points a game, finished with 11.

Franklin Regional, winner of nine of its past 12 games, improved to 9-5 , 6-0.

The Panthers are on the road Thursday when they visit Plum. Pucka pointed toward the banner in the gymnasium, recognizing that Franklin Regional has not won a section title since 1979.

“I get chills when I think of that,” he said. “So we just keep our focus on the next game, because the more you win, each game becomes more important. But it’s just a game, and we try and keep our girls focused on one possession at a time.”

Shaler visits Armstrong in its next game, and the rematch between the Titans and the Panthers is set for the section finale Feb. 7

Tags: Franklin Regional, Shaler