North Allegheny wins low-scoring affair against Shaler
by: Bob Orkwis
North Allegheny held Shaler to five first half points, and although neither team lit up the scoreboard, the Tigers prevailed 31-23 at home against the Titans in a 6A vs. 5A crossover matchup.
North Allegheny held an 11-5 halftime lead, before the Tigers outscored Shaler 14-8 in the third quarter for a 25-13 lead. The Titans never got closer than seven points, as both defenses were the most consistent units on the afternoon.
Vange Balouris, North Allegheny’s top scorer, faced a box and one defense for most of the game, and finished with just four points. The Tigers were able to pick up the slack in the post, as Cate Pingpank and Rae Shanahan were good defensively, on the boards and passing the basketball, while totaling a combined 18 points.
Olivia Gieraltowksi, who led Shaler in scoring the past four games, was held to six points, while Etta Warner led the Titans with eight points.
Senior Rae Shanahan, with a season-high 14 points, was chosen as the Wright Automotive Player of the Game.
North Allegheny hosts Canon-McMillan on Monday night in a 6A non-section contest, before the Tigers visit Seneca Valley on Thursday for the first of five straight section matchups. The Tigers, who have won five of their last seven games, evened their record at 7-7 with the victory, Shaler falls to 10-6.
Girls Basketball Summary vs. Shaler, 1-17-26
| SCORE BY QUARTERS | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | FINAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaler | 1 | 4 | 8 | 10 | 23 |
| North Allegheny | 4 | 7 | 14 | 6 | 31 |
