Shady Side Academy girls taking it one step at a time in WPIAL title defense

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, November 30, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Jonna Burke is much more focused on the beginning of the season than the end.

The Shady Side Academy girls’ basketball coach said it is nice to have benchmarks from last season to shoot for. The Bulldogs won the WPIAL Class 3A championship and made a run to the PIAA Class 3A quarterfinals last season before losing to state runner-up Westmont Hilltop.

“I think the experience makes them hungry for more of that experience,” Burke said. “I think it’s motivational. But you can’t put the end before the beginning. That is way out there in the distance. It’s something we strive for, but we need to keep the focus narrow and focus on getting better.”

The Bulldogs, who finished 26-3, were scheduled to open the season Nov. 29 against Belle Vernon at the Play 4 Mae Tournament at Woodland Hills. Shady Side Academy will be looking to replace the production of leading scorer Maggie Spell, who transferred to Thomas Jefferson.

“We aren’t looking for any one person to fill that role,” Burke said. “Collectively, we are looking for everyone to contribute more. In practices and scrimmages, we’ve done that. We have a nice core of kids coming back from last season.”

Shady Side Academy is returning three starters from last season, including post players Cassie Sauer and Leah Buford, along with point guard Karis Thomas. Senior Cameron Capel and freshman Laila Banner also are expected to be key contributors this season.

Burke feels that the Bulldogs have a nice mix of inside and outside players.

“Cassie Sauer is our center,” Burke said. “She is 6-foot-2. She averaged 8.8 points and 8 rebounds a game last season. She finished with 10 double-doubles last season, those are numbers that we need from her nightly.”

Bringing back Thomas is a big help for Shady Side Academy. Thomas finished with 16.8 points, 4.1 assists and 4..0 steals per game last season.

“I can’t overstate it; she is the heart and soul of our team,” Burke said. “She doesn’t care about the points she scores; she wants to win the game. She wants to make sure everyone around her is better. She can shoot. She can drive. When she is doubled, she finds the open player.”

Shady Side Academy will see many new faces in section play this season. The Bulldogs are in with Avonworth, Deer Lakes, East Allegheny, Greensburg Central Catholic, Ligonier Valley, South Allegheny and Steel Valley.

“I think we have a nice team chemistry,” Burke said. “The kids care about each other. We have a nice balance.”

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