With top 8 players back, Shaler boys feeling confident

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, November 18, 2023 | 11:01 AM

Purchase Photo Options

Shaler boys basketball coach Rob Niedeberger has always prided himself on having depth in his program. This season, the Titans had more than a solid foundation to build on.

Shaler will bring back the top eight players from its rotation last season. Six of those players go straight from hanging up their football pads to preparing to return to the gym.

It’s a challenge that Titans senior Keegan Smetanka doesn’t mind undertaking.

“It’s definitely a grind,” Smetanka said. “Coach had us running on the track to get our legs back right after football ended.”

Shaler wants to carve out a path to return to the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs. The Titans got there last season before bowing to South Fayette, 34-33.

Niedeberger is grateful to have so many key players returning. He feels like the eight players he has back from his rotation last season gives him eight starters.

“It makes practice more competitive, which is what you need,” Niederberger said. “I was telling the guys before that it takes players one through 18 to make the bus run. We want to get better every day.”

Shaler forward Brandon London led the team in scoring last season by averaging 13 points per game. Kaden Orga contributed 11 points per game.

Shaler will open the season by hosting Bethel Park on Dec. 1 at home as part of the Shaler Tip-Off Tournament. Niederberger said he put together a different nonconference schedule in large part because of his team’s experience.

“These guys have played in the state and WPIAL playoffs,” Niederberger said. “These guys have been through a lot. I think the experience helps those eight guys because they know some days you aren’t going to play your best. We play 22 games. Every game isn’t going to be your night.”

Shaler will be in Section 2-5A with Armstrong, Fox Chapel, Penn Hills, Plum and Woodland Hills. The Indians are the defending WPIAL Class 5A champions and reached the PIAA quarterfinals last season.

Smetanka said he knows that Shaler still has some strides to take to make a run at a section championship. The Titans want to do their best to avoid getting buried when the offense runs into some struggles.

“I think a couple of our games last year we had some key droughts where we couldn’t score,” Smetanka said. “Our defense is always really good. If we could stay on it the whole game offensively, we’ll be ready to roll.”

Tags: Shaler