Led by veteran point guard, Fox Chapel girls face challenges head on

By: Josh Rizzo
Friday, November 21, 2025 | 5:30 PM

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Lyla Jablon will be presented with a different challenge for the Fox Chapel girls basketball team this season. The senior point guard will be part of a team that is short on experience.

Following the graduation of Natalia Schaffer and Bella Urso, the Foxes will have to replace two of their leading scorers if they want to find a way back to the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs.

Jablon isn’t running from the changes.

“There are definitely some challenges,” Jablon said. “There’s also a lot of advantages. They have a lot of young energy. They are willing to learn and adapt to things more.”

Jablon averaged around 12 points last season. The Foxes will have to replace Schaffer, a forward who averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Urso, who put up 15 points per game.

Fox Chapel coach Marty Matvey said he is counting on Jablon to help carry an offense that might take some time to find its legs.

“Lyla is a high achiever,” Matvey said. “She’s been pretty patient. She’s always been on teams that had seniors. There’s just her and one other senior.”

The Foxes took a step forward last season by reaching the playoffs before being bounced 66-58 by eventual WPIAL champion Peters Township in the first round.

“I think it added a lot of drive this year,” Jablon said. “We set a new standard for us. It’s not only a hope or just a goal. It’s the expectation this year. That can be seen in our practices and how hard we play.”

Fox Chapel will look to work sophomore guard Bailey Sacco into the lineup. She suffered a shin injury during AAU play and was just cleared to return.

Matvey said he expects freshman Bella Geller to step in and play some forward. He has been happy with how she plays on both sides of the ball. Twin sisters Nakaya and Nina Kulikowski will contribute at guard.

Matvey expects Ella Shevchuk to contribute more on offense. Emily McKee, who is coming off a strong finish to Fox Chapel girls soccer season, also will play at guard.

“We might have to take a step backward to go forward,” Matvey said. “We’ve shown we can defend well despite not having a post. We are even smaller than last year. Offensively, we need to figure out how to get above 40 points per game.”

Jablon is ready to try and solve the puzzle. Fox Chapel needs everyone to learn quickly.

“I’m definitely going to have to talk a lot more,” Jablon said. “I looked up to a lot of the upperclassmen in the past to give the pregame and after-game speeches. They were more verbal than me. This year, I’m going to have to pick up on that. My teammates were great last year, and I want to step into leadership.”

Fox Chapel girls at a glance

Coach: Marty Matvey

Last year’s record: 13-10 (7-5 Section 1-5A)

Returning starters: Lyla Jablon (Sr., G); Ella Shevchuk (So., G)

Others to watch: Nina Kulikowski (So., G); Nakaya Kulikowski (So., G); Bella Geller (Fr., F); Bailey Sacco (So., G)

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

12.2, North Hills, 7 p.m.

12.5, TBD^, TBD

12.6, TBD^, TBD

12.9, Hempfield, 7 p.m.

12.12. Penn Hills*, 7 p.m.

12.16, at Gateway*, 7:30 p.m.

12.17, at Allderdice, 7 p.m.

12.22, at Avonworth#, 12:30 p.m.

12.23, Franklin Regional*, 7 p.m.

12.29, Neshannock+, 3 p.m.

12.30, TBD+, TBD

1.6, at Armstrong*, 7:30 p.m.

1.9, Shaler*, 7 p.m.

1.12, at Plum*, 7:30 p.m.

1.14, at Kiski Area, 7 pm..

1.16, at Penn Hills*, 7:30 p.m.

1.20, Gateway*, 7 p.m.

1.23, at Woodland Hills, 7:30 p.m.

1.26, at Franklin Regional*, 7:30 p.m.

1.30, Armstrong*, 7 p.m.

2.3, at Shaler*, 7 p.m.

2.6, Plum*, 7 p.m.

*Section game

^Freeport tip-off tournament

#At PPG Paints Arena

+St. Joseph holiday tournament

Tags: Fox Chapel