Shaler girls basketball look to continue momentum in playoffs

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, February 12, 2018 | 12:01 AM

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Shaler girls basketball coach Cornelious Nesbit reveled in watching his team celebrate.

With the Titans' season on the line against Pine-Richland, Shaler more than doubled it scoring output from its previous matchup with the Rams, winning 61-49 on Feb. 5 in Section 1-6A.

Despite trailing by eight after the first quarter, Shaler pulled itself together to clinch its first playoff bid since the 2014-15 season. Last winter, the Titans lost their final three section games and missed the playoffs by one game.

Shaler will learn its opponent for the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs this week. The Titans (10-12, 4-6) closed the season with a loss to Bethel Park and an overtime win over McKeesport.

“It was a great moment to watch the girls celebrate the victory and what it meant to them,” Nesbit said. “It was an opportunity to sit back and reflect on winning one game to get into the playoffs. They made the plays they needed to make on the road, and it was fun to watch another building block for the program.”

Getting back at the Rams was paramount, as the Titans needed a win to finish fourth.

Shaler also had to shake the bad feelings from a 37-27 loss Jan. 15 to Pine-Richland.

“We felt it was just our energy,” Nesbit said about what was different. “The first time around, we didn't feel we came with enough energy, passion and enthusiasm. I don't know if it contributed that we had no school or more of us not having the energy and the passion to play the game of basketball.”

A big spark game from Channing Thomas, who averages 4.0 points. She scored 13 to reach double figures for the second time this season. Meghan Lacey (16 points), Emily Cavacini (13) and Meg Lydon (13) also reached double figures for the Titans.

Shaler was forced into a must-win situation against Pine-Richland after dropping three consecutive section games to Butler (40-33), North Hills (44-42) and Seneca Valley (43-42).

After winning a big game to get into the playoffs, Nesbit is ready to prep his young group for the postseason. A lack of experience isn't too much of a concern, he said.

“We'll talk about our preparation,” Nesbit said. “For us, we don't really worry ourselves with lack of experience and how young we are. We are going to prepare for who to play and rely on some experiences and play Peters Township, Vincentian and Mars those are things that should help us calm our nerves.”

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.

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