Penn Hills grad Sherron Schifino hitting stride for Point Park basketball

Sherron Schifino is starting to find his way again at Point Park after sitting out the first semester after transferring from CCAC-Boyce last year.

In his first four games this season, the junior guard is averaging 10.0 points and 3.5 rebounds.

Schifino scored a team-high 14 points and grabbed six rebounds in his first game back for the Pioneers (3-6) in a 70-66 win over Ohio Christian on Jan. 12. Schifino, who was one of three players to reach double figures, shot 7 for 11 from the field.

In his second game of the year, Schifino scored 11 points on 4 of 9 shooting as all the Pioneer starters reached double figures in a 101-76 win over Carlow on Jan 16.

After only scoring two points in his third game, Schifino bounced back with a 13-point, five-rebound performance in an 81-64 win over Bryant & Stratton-Buffalo on Jan. 23.

The win over Bryant & Stratton-Buffalo avenges the Pioneers’ season-opening 81-78 loss on Nov. 7.

“I just need to get my legs,” Schifino said. “I’m doing the things that my coach wanted me to do and I’m doing them well.”

During December, Point Park lost four games to NCAA Division I teams including Kent State, Robert Morris, Youngstown State and Stony Brook.

During his sophomore season, the 6-foot-1 guard was selected to the second-team All-River States Conference Team after starting 22 of 30 games he played in for the Pioneers.

Schifino averaged a team-high 13.5 ppg and averaged 3.6 rpg last season. Schifino shot 49% from the field, 38% from three and 75% from the free-throw line. Schifino led the team with 41 made 3-pointers.

“It’s a great accomplishment,” Schifino said. “I’m not into individual accomplishments. I’m just trying to help my team get better and do whatever I can to help them.

“The teams have played on me harder because they won’t let me do certain things that I’m able to do. It just makes me play harder and work on my game better.”

After leading the Pioneers in 3-pointers last season, Schifino is looking to work on his outside shot as he’s only made one 3-pointer on 13 attempts so far in his first four games.

Due to the covid-19 pandemic, Schifino has been grateful of the opportunities that Point Park and coach Joe Lewandowski have provided as many colleges have decided to not play athletics or alter their athletics calendar due to the pandemic.

Schifino will look to finish the year strong as the Pioneers have five games left on their schedule.

“I’ve been trying to get in the gym as much as possible,” Schifino said. “Our coach is making it possible right now since a lot of teams aren’t playing right now.

“Everyone is close and we push each other to be the best player that we can so we can be successful and get these wins.”

The Pioneers are scheduled to finish the season with matchups against Ohio Christian, WVU Tech and their season finale at the University of Rio Grande.