Shady Side Academy boys aim to replace key players lost to graduation

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

The Shady Side Academy boys basketball team finished 14-10 overall and 7-3 in section play a year ago, good for a share of the section title.

They lost to Seton LaSalle in the second round of the WPIAL playoffs and fell to Fairview in the first round of the PIAA playoffs.

Graduation took a toll as SSA lost seniors Frankie Fuhrer, Peter McIlroy, Ezekyel Roberts and Dan Counihan.

“It will be difficult to replace them,” SSA coach David Vadnais said.

The Indians also lost the services of guard Skyy Moore, who will miss the season with an ankle injury suffered in the WPIAL football playoffs.

The Indians bring back senior centers Ronan O’Connor (6-foot-4) and Mike George (6-4), both of whom started at various times. Other returnees include senior wing players Colm O’Connor (6-2) and Will Cochran (6-2), along with junior Grady Munroe (6-2).

Senior center Billy Frolich, who missed all of last season because of injury, returns.

“We are excited to have him back,” Vadnais said. “He will add depth and athleticism.”

Senior guard Jas Fuhrer, who backed up his brother at guard the last two years, is ready to step in and contribute at point guard.

Also back are junior forward Brice Delaney (6-3), senior wing Brendan McLaughlin (6-1), junior guard Mason Tomlin (5-9), senior wing Asher Tayal (6-2) and junior guard Chris Rossi (5-10), a newcomer to SSA.

Vadnais feels the team’s depth will be it’s strong suit.

“We have multiple guys at each position that are very similar,” he said. “We can go with the guy playing better at that time or use our depth to try and wear teams down. We only have one new guy joining the varsity team. The guys are familiar with our systems and what we like to do. They have pushed each other to be their best. Practices have been extremely competitive. The positive for me has been that, at the end of the day, they want the best for each other and the team. They are a fun group to coach.”

The section will have a different look this year as Apollo-Ridge dropped down to 2A. New to the section are Deer Lakes and Valley, both of who dropped down from 4A.

“I think both of those teams will be in contention to win the section,” Vadnais said. “Burrell is always well coached. They seem to reload every year. I think they will be there at the end. East Allegheny lost a lot of guys. I need to see how their young guys transition to the varsity level. Steel Valley plays hard and has a couple of the best players in the section. South Allegheny returns three talented young guys, especially their point guard. I’ll be interested to see if they take the next step.

“I think our section is much better this year. We will all be competitive with each other. Which team comes together and plays their best when it matters will win the section. Making the playoffs for anyone will be an accomplishment.”

Marty Stewart is a freelance writer.

Tags: Shady Side Academy