North Allegheny’s Rob Niederberger is back on the sidelines, this time as the boys’ basketball coach at his alma mater. After taking a season off following an impressive turnaround at Shaler, Niederberger steps into a challenging yet exciting situation. The Tigers, reeling from their worst season in over three decades, are eager to revitalize their basketball program and reclaim their former glory.
Niederberger fully understands the uphill battle facing the team. “I know they are coming off a rough year,” he acknowledged. He steps in to replace Dave DeGregorio, who struggled to find consistent success, ending his tenure with a record of 41 wins and 49 losses over four seasons. “We just have to battle every day,” Niederberger continued. “We literally have to approach every game with the same mentality and be ready to go each game. That’s how we have to be.”
It’s this mentality that Niederberger hopes will breathe new life into a program that has seen its share of struggles. The Tigers went 7-15 last season, finishing at the bottom of Section 1-6A with only two conference victories. This marked the third consecutive losing season for a once-storied program that had managed to avoid sub-.500 seasons for years prior to this decline. From 1999 to 2022, North Allegheny boasted just two losing seasons—an impressive feat that makes the current state of affairs even more alarming.
Niederberger’s coaching journey gives him a rich background in revitalizing struggling teams. He previously led Burrell to its first WPIAL title-game appearance in 34 years in 2013 and transformed Shaler from a cellar-dweller to a formidable competitor, achieving a 25-4 season and reaching the PIAA quarterfinals in 2024. After stepping down from Shaler to prioritize family time, he now returns to North Allegheny with renewed passion and commitment.
Excitement is palpable within the North Allegheny community as the team rallies under Niederberger’s leadership. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and perseverance. “We have great kids who are here and battling every day,” he stated. “I just like how we are competing. The guys have accepted. They’ve been willing to put in the work.” A culture of accountability and dedication seems to be taking root, vital for reversing the program’s recent downturn.
Certainly, one of the key players to watch this season is senior guard/forward Blake Craft. After a turbulent junior year marred by injuries—a stress fracture in his back followed by an ankle injury—Craft has re-emerged with a sense of determination and optimism. “It was horrible,” he recounted. “But I’m feeling good. I’m ready to go and motivated. I feel making the playoffs has got to be the expectation, at least.” His comeback story embodies the resilience that Niederberger is fostering among the players.
Supporting Craft will be a lineup that includes talented seniors and promising juniors. Point guard Justin Stalter, who averaged 8.2 points per game last season, brings experience and playmaking ability to the floor. Additionally, 6-foot-5 junior guard Jahlil Archer and several other up-and-coming players like Bobby Dopirak, Will Robertson, and Peter Bratich will contribute to the core team, bringing both skill and depth to the roster.
The newfound enthusiasm was crystal clear during a spirited practice session held just before Thanksgiving. Although the Tigers missed out on participating in spring and summer leagues due to the coaching transition, they focused on consistent workouts during fall and participated in a fall league at NA, showing their commitment to improvement. “They are super positive,” Niederberger remarked. “They have been willing to put in all of the work that I’ve asked them.” This positive atmosphere is essential for building a winning team culture.
As North Allegheny embarks on a new season under Niederberger’s guidance, the collaborative and hardworking spirit is evident. Whether facing off against tough opponents or overcoming individual challenges, the Tigers are poised to not only regain their competitive edge but to do so with pride and purpose.