Shady Side Academy girls basketball star Karis Thomas makes Division I college choice

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, August 9, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Karis Thomas wanted to play college basketball somewhere she could be comfortable. When looking at schools, the Shady Side Academy girls basketball senior guard was searching for a place where they took care of each other.

Thomas found what she was looking for when she recently committed to Division I Purdue Fort Wayne.

“The thing that stood out to me the most was it was family-oriented,” Thomas said. “It reminded me so much of Shady Side and how we always look out for each other on and off the court. The coaching staff and the team key on sticking together no matter what, while having fun.”

Thomas had an excellent junior season, averaging 19.4 points, 4.4 assists and 2.4 steals per game.

Shady Side Academy finished 28-2 and reached the WPIAL and PIAA Class 3A title games. Bulldogs coach Jonna Burke was proud of how Thomas contributed.

Thomas helped push the pace for a team that lost its top forward, Cassie Sauer, during the first round of the WPIAL playoffs. Shady Side Academy was able to make a run to its first appearance in the state final.

Burke said that during a pair of narrow wins in the state playoffs — in the second round against Northwestern and quarterfinals vs Trinity (Camp Hill) — Thomas was able to hold the ball and score game winners to help the Bulldogs advance.

“She put our team on her back,” Burke said. “She dictated pace and was able to control the tempo and the ball late in games. She was able to come up with some game winners. I can’t overstate what she meant to our team and Shady Side basketball.”

PFW competes in the Horizon League. The Mastodons finished 27-9 last season and lost in the Horizon League Championship game.

PFW won two games in the WNIT before being eliminated by Cleveland State.

Thomas is happy to have her college decision behind her.

“This commitment takes a lot of pressure off of my shoulders. Just knowing that I found the college for me causes less stress so that I can focus on my upcoming senior season,” Thomas said. “I think I improved the most on being a leader on and off the court.”

Burke said Thomas having her commitment out of the way should benefit her this season.

Thomas, who has already topped 1,000 points in her career, is hoping to lead the Bulldogs back to the title game.

“I think every kid, if possible, should commit early,” Burke said. “It’s one less thing that they have to think about. She and her family feel good about her decision. There is a sense of relief that comes with it. She can focus on school and enjoy her senior year.”

Tags: Shady Side Academy