LebCo Female Athlete of the Week: Hayley Sheroky (Week Ending January 12, 2025)

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Hayley Sheroky

On Friday, January 10th, the Northern Lebanon Girls Basketball Team has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play on the same court at the Wells Fargo Center that the 76ers used to face the New Orleans Pelicans later that evening. The major difference in the win over Williams Valley was that the only three-point line the players could use was from NBA distance. That did not phase junior Hayley Sheroky as the point guard nailed two shots from the great beyond on her way to 13 points. As a result of this, the LebCoSports.com voters rewarded her by choosing her as a LebCo Female Athlete of the Week.

Reflecting upon her performance, Sheroky said, “I thought that last week I put on a strong defensive and offensive performance. I played solid defensively, protecting the ball, and scored for my team when necessary. I also had a chance to shoot NBA-level 3-pointers on an NBA court, which was an awesome experience.”

This strong defensive performance helped the Lady Vikings to the 44-18 victory, but is also a major reason as to why they currently hold a 13-2 record and are one of the top 4A teams in District 3. Offensively, they are a team that does not rely just on one player, even if senior Olivia Shutter is the 1,000 point scorer who can put points on the board at-will.

When asked how she views her role on a team that is looking to put together a long postseason run, a District 3 Championship, and a return to the PIAA State Championship Tournament, Sheroky said, “I play my role as point guard controlling the pace of the game and putting my teammates in good positions to score. I also score myself when the opportunity presents itself getting to the rim, making foul shots, and shooting the ball. I also contribute a strong defensive asset to my team.”

Having a selfless point guard on a team that is full of selfless players intent on winning a championship is a huge attribute. Coach Ken Battistelli summed up what Sheroky brings to the floor: “The bottom line is that Hayley is a winner…through fatigue, pain, or stress, she does what needs to be done when it needs to be done. She is the point guard that every team wants. I’m so glad she is ours.”

The veteran head coach went on to talk about all of what Sheroky is able to provide Northern Lebanon on a nightly basis. He said, “Hayley’s contributions to our team’s success are often beyond the scope of a simple box score or the eye of the casual observer. What she means to us as a defender cannot be overstated (as pictured above). Not only is she tremendous on the ball, but off the ball, she is rock solid and utterly dependable. She is a constant, and a coach cannot ask for more.”

When it comes down to her play at the point guard position, Battistelli said, “Hayley is tasked with orchestrating what we do on offense and is responsible for protecting the ball, ensuring our scorers receive the ball on time and in proper locations, and is even entrusted to make calls and get us into favorable offensive actions. She is instinctive in recognizing when she must become more assertive and assume the role of a primary scorer, of which she is quite capable.”

Sheroky is in her third year as a starter for Northern Lebanon. After claiming 2nd Team All-County honors her freshman year, a ruptured Achilles’ tendon looked to spoil her sophomore season. The tenacious Sheroky worked her way back into the line-up and helped her team to an 18-5 record with the season ending in the State Playoffs. Individually, she was again awarded All-County honors.

While the road to recovery was not easy, Sheroky learned some lessons that have made her a stronger person. She explained the injury by saying, “It was one of the hardest challenges I had to face, both physically and mentally. This journey taught me a lot, and I am thankful that I was able to have an experience like this, then recover and learn from it.”

Her level of focus and toughness are reflected not just on the basketball court but also in the classroom. Sheroky plans to go to college to major in neuroscience. Her goal is to pursue a medical degree and treat people afflicted with neurological disorders. That said, if afforded the opportunity, Dr. Sheroky would also like to coach a basketball team of her own.

One other thing to know about Sheroky is that she loves to travel. While she can dream of visiting far-off lands eventually, her main goal right now is to travel wherever is necessary for her team to win basketball games. We wish Hayley and all of her fellow Lady Vikings the best in their journey.

Photos provided by Hayley, along with a photo from Tim McGowan Studio

Be on the lookout for a feature about LebCo Male Athlete of the Week Aaron Seidel & take time to read about fellow LebCo Female Athlete of the Week Qynne Demler

For a full list of this week’s nominees, check out: Athlete of the Week Voting: January 6 – 12 

Previous Winners

Mya Doster (Week of December 2nd)

Olivia Shutter (Week of December 2nd)

Kaila Francis (Week of December 9th)

Liliana Harrison (Week of December 9th)

Lily Harchuska (Holidays)

Maddie Stout (Holidays)