‘It’s a learning curve’: Shady Side Academy girls get up to speed in opening tournament

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 11:01 AM

Previous Next

Leah Buford doesn’t love the games that start before noon. But the Shady Side Academy junior forward knows it’s just one of the challenges the Bulldogs will face this season.

“It’s hard,” Buford said. “Those games before 12:00 p.m. can be rough, but at the end of the day we just have to get up and get at it.”

Shady Side Academy opened its season with two games with earlier start times. The Bulldogs beat John Carroll (Md.), 57-20, on Nov. 30 at the Play 4 Mae Showcase at Woodland Hills, which started just before noon. Shady Side Academy opened its season the day before with an afternoon tip against Imhotep Charter.

The Bulldogs beat the Panthers, who reached the PIAA Class 3A semifinals last season, 57-42. Imhotep was eliminated by Loyalsock Township, the same team that beat Shady Side Academy in the state final.

Bulldogs coach Jonna Burke said the two games gave Shady Side Academy a blueprint on how to proceed moving forward.

“It’s a learning curve,” Burke said. “We keep saying we have to make our own identity. What’s this team going to be about? Honestly, I always want to make sure we are getting defensive rebounds, so they don’t have a choice in that regard. We still have so much to do.”

The Bulldogs (2-0) showcased their defensive bonafides against the Patriots. Shady Side Academy shut out John Carroll in the third quarter. To start the game, the Bulldogs forced turnovers on four of the Patriots’ first five possessions.

“I think we definitely had to focus,” Buford said. “One of our big things was talking, so I think we definitely have to focus on communicating with each other and overall. If we communicate well as a team, we will have a better defense.”

The Bulldogs also worked on getting freshmen important experience. Jocelyn Long and Morgan Kane both started against John Carroll.

Long scored nine points in the first half, while Kane added six points. Long made two 3-pointers in the win.

“I thought she came up big with a couple shots and her court presence is steady,” Burke said. “I’d say she is wise beyond her years as far as being a freshman; she really understands the game. She has a knack for where the ball is going to be and what she is supposed to do in those situations.”

Karis Thomas, who committed to Purdue Fort Wayne before the season, led the Bulldogs with 18 points against John Carroll. It was a balanced effort for Shady Side Academy.

Buford, who finished with nine points, recognizes there needs to be continued improvement.

“Coach always says it’s a marathon and not a sprint,” said Buford, who finished with nine points. “I know we’ll probably be better in March, but we are working out the kinks right now, and I think we’ll be fine.”

Tags: Shady Side Academy