Veteran Shady Side Academy girls basketball team looks forward to promising season

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, December 8, 2018 | 1:18 AM

Last season, the Shady Side Academy girls basketball team failed to qualify for the WPIAL playoffs, finishing with an 11-10 mark.

They graduated three starters but return a quartet of players who were at one point or another in the starting lineup. They are seniors Catherine Jewart (5-foot5, G), high-scoring Arianna Goitz (5-5, G), Emmie Lau (5-11, F) and Ella Benec (5-9, F). Goitz recently made a verbal commitment to Dickinson.

SSA also will have returning letterwinners Josie Szlachetka (5-8, G/F), a senior, and sophomore Nyla Rozier (5-10, G/F).

“I think the experience and speed of this team will be our main strengths,” SSA coach Amy Szlachetka said. “I have concerns about our depth, though.”

The Indians will be competing in Section 3-3A, with Derry Deer Lakes, East Allegheny, Valley, Carlynton, South Allegheny and Steel Valley.

“I think East Allegheny, Carlynton and Deer Lakes will be the teams to beat in our section,” Szlachetka said.

“We are in a new section this season, so I am unfamiliar with a lot of the teams. We have the capacity to have a strong season, but we need to stay healthy. We have been hit hard by injuries to players the last two seasons. If we can stay healthy, we have a great shot at qualifying for the WPIAL playoffs.”

Marty Stewart is a freelance writer.

Tags: Shady Side Academy