Shaler Area Girls Basketball qualifies for WPIAL playoffs for first time in 9 years

Sam Himrod|March 9, 2023

J.M. Weber Photography

Haley Kostorick shoots a 3 vs Fox Chapel

For the first time since 2013-2014, the Shaler Area Girls Basketball team qualified for the WPIAL Playoffs. The Titans returned all 5 starters from last season, which undoubtedly contributed to their success on the court. Last season the girls went 7-15, but this year they were able to cut their losses in half and more than double their wins, finishing 16-6 overall.

After dropping down from 6A, the Titans had a whole new section with New Castle, North Hills, Fox Chapel, Hampton, Mars, and Armstrong. 

“We went into this season believing that we could contend for the section title and definitely getting a playoff spot was the ultimate expectation,” head coach Cornelious Nesbit said.

The playoff bid certainly didn’t come easily for the Titans as they started out slow in section play. The Titans were competitive in each game, but only managed a 2-4 record after playing each section opponent the first time.

Many people thought the girls wouldn’t be able to make the playoffs after a slow start, but belief in the locker room stayed strong and they turned it around. 

“The turning point of the season was when we hit the second half stretch of section play. We all knew we had to pick it up, and we did. We played with a sense of urgency for the rest of the year, which led us to the playoffs. It all started with my favorite game of the year, playing at Armstrong. Haley hit a huge shot for us that helped change our season around,” Junior Captain Hanna DeJidas said.

The shot she referred to was when Senior Captain Haley Kostorick drilled a step-back three at the buzzer to beat the Riverhawks 33-31. The Titans went 5-1 in section the second time around.

In the final week of the season, the girls needed to win their final two games to realize their goal of making the playoffs. They responded by avenging their earlier loss to Hampton and defeating them 51-38 on the road. 

This set up a regular season finale at home against Fox Chapel with the winner of the game making the playoffs and the loser going home. 

This was one of Coach Nesbit’s favorite games. 

“The playoff clinching game at home against Fox Chapel because of the composure the team showed in a win or go home scenario,” Coach Nesbit said.

Finishing 7-5 in section, the Titans were awarded the 9 seed in the WPIAL playoffs and had to play at Penn Trafford in a tough first round matchup.

The Titans battled hard and had the lead in the 4th quarter, but they were defeated on a last-second layup that gave Penn Trafford a one-point victory. 

“I thought we had a really good season and the girls lived up to my expectations. We don’t set goals, we just focus on getting better as the season moves on,” Coach Nesbit said.

The Titans were highlighted by excellent guard play all season. Haley Kostorick was first-team all section, Sophomore Bayleigh Perez was second-team all section, and Hanna DeJidas earned honorable mention.

“The future is bright with the leadership and growth of the 3 returning starters of Bayleigh Perez, Hanna DeJidas, and Jorja Bernesser (Sophomore) and the return of Hilary Quinn (Junior) should set us up for another successful season,” Coach Nesbit said.