Shaler boys basketball laying foundation for special season

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, January 21, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Previous Next

However opponents plan to attack the Shaler boys basketball team, the Titans are likely ready to handle whatever comes at them.

For example, Fox Chapel and Shaler were locked in a defensive battle Jan. 16.

That was no issue for the Titans. Shaler beat the Foxes, 39-27, despite finishing with its lowest scoring output of the season. It has been a remarkable start to the season for the Titans, who are 14-1 overall and 4-1 in Section 2-5A.

Bringing back the top eight players from its rotation last season has been a big boost for Shaler.

“It’s helped a lot,” Titans coach Rob Niederberger said. “Player-led teams can be great. We are a player-led team. I’ve had my seniors move them all up as freshmen. I barely have to raise my voice. These guys hold each other accountable.”

Shaler’s lone loss this season came on the road at Woodland Hills. Against Fox Chapel, which is tied for first place in the section with the Titans, Niederberger said the game may not have been as ugly as the low-scoring output would suggest.

“This was two good defensive teams slugging it out,” Niederberger said. “It was a grind. You have to be able to win games, play fast and play slow. Find ways to win in a slugfest. Finding out what we can do.”

Shaler has a few nonsection games to test itself but is focused on pursuing a section title before the playoffs start. Niederberger knows he won’t have to remind his team of this.

“I don’t need to say anything,” Niederberger said. “We have one goal in mind. We are all on the same wavelength. I think that is a huge part of our success.”

Shaler girls look to emerge

After suffering a tough overtime loss against Fox Chapel, Shaler was tied for fourth place in a difficult Section 2-5A and must start putting together a strong performance to turn things around.

The Titans are 5-10 overall and 2-4 in Section 2-5A.

Shaler limits its opponents to 40.1 points per game but only scores 39.5 points per game.

“It’s really about the ability to put the ball in the hoop,” Shaler coach Cornelious Nesbit said. “I think defensively, we are one of the best defensive teams in our section. Sometimes, we are unable to put the basketball in the hoop. We go long stretches without scoring.”

Bayleigh Perez has developed as Shaler’s leading scorer, putting up a team-high 9.6 points per game. May Engel and Jorja Bernesser have been among the Titans’ top rebounders.

Nesbit said the team is still looking for players to step into important roles.

“It’s going to be a matter of some kids stepping up,” Nesbit said. “It’s hard to replace kids like Haley Kostorik. We need to find a player who embraces the tough moments of the game.”

Tags: Shaler