Penn-Trafford Warriors Boys

Head Coach: Doug Kelly – 5th season

Conference: Class 5A Section 1

Last Season: 11-12 overall, lost to Thomas Jefferson in the WPIAL Class 5A first round

Key Losses: Tyler Freas, Ian Temple, Carmen Metcalfe, Jason Sabol

Key Returners: Evan Gross, Jack Weishaar, Brayden Stone, Tyler Boss, Zach Feldman, Tyler Anthony

Promising Newcomers: Nick Ponko, Ben Lenart, Peyton Mastro, Ethan McDonald, Derek Carr, Trent Brown

Keyed up several ups and downs, Penn-Trafford played nearly .500 basketball last season. The Warriors enjoyed winning streaks of four and three games, but those surges were offset by losing skids of four and three in a row. As a result, PT went 5-5 in section play, and finished 11-12 after an opening round playoff loss to Thomas Jefferson in the Class 5A postseason.

From last season, PT graduated Tyler Freas and Ian Temple, who continued their careers on the hardwood at the University of Pitt-Greensburg and Westminster College, respectively, as well as Carmen Metcalfe and Jason Sabol.

Despite those graduations, the Warriors appear to have a deep team for this season, including six returning members of the rotation. That group is headlined by Brayden Stone, who was the starting point guard each of the past two seasons. The senior will shift a bit more off the ball this year, however, which could unlock opportunities for him to score more. That will also likely create an expanded role for point guard Tyler Boss, who has the quickness and toughness to thrive. Also in the backcourt, senior Evan Gross appears primed for a breakout season at shooting guard after starting 10 games last year. He capitalized on that opportunity, and displayed his commitment all throughout the offseason. Fellow senior Tyler Anthony is also likely to see extended minutes at shooting guard after battling injuries last year. Jack Weishaar, a slasher, is likely to take on a larger role in his senior campaign after coming off the bench a year ago. Lastly, 6-foot-4 junior forward Zach Feldman will reprise his spot in the starting lineup, and he’ll likely produce an uptick in scoring.

Fifth-year head coach Doug Kelly could go at least two deep at each spot, as he has another six players vying for minutes off the bench. That group includes sophomore Ethan McDonald, who is tall and athletic and likely will serve as the top reserve at forward. Classmate Nick Ponko boasts size and athleticism at point guard, while junior Ben Lenart is a cerebral player who can fill in at either point or shooting guard. Senior Derek Carr, who missed last season with injury, junior Peyton Mastro, and sophomore Trent Brown are also in the mix at guard.

While the Warriors shift from Class 5A Section 3 to Section 1, several of their previous section foes will join them. Franklin Regional, Greater Latrobe, Gateway, and McKeesport Area remain on the section ledger, while the Fayette County trio of Albert Gallatin, Laurel Highlands, and Uniontown Area join the mix.

“Our goals are always to play our best basketball in January and February,” said Kelly. “We always want to compete for a section title.”

Prior to section play, the Warriors host rival Norwin on Dec. 3, and play the host Spartans in the Hempfield Tournament on Dec. 6.

Penn-Trafford Warriors Girls

Head Coach: John Giannikas – 19th season

Conference: Class 5A Section 2

Last Season: 14-9 overall, lost to Lincoln Park in the WPIAL Class 5A first round

Key Losses: Olivia Pepple, Elle Visco

Key Returners: Lauren Marton, Kamryn Pieper, Torrie DeStefano, Hannah Weishaar, Olivia Weishaar, Isabella Klobucar, Isabella Fontana, Ava Ruane, Arabelle Nichols, Paige Temple

Promising Newcomers: Raya Johnson

Boosted by a pair of six-game winning streaks last season, the Warriors had the look of a contender for much of the year. But a poor finish soured the campaign, as PT lost four of its final five tilts, including a 43-42 setback against Lincoln Park in the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs.

Although the Warriors graduated just two players from that team and return nearly a dozen contributors, one of the players lost was among the most decorated in program history. Olivia Pepple amassed 1,141 points in her career, the fifth-most in PT history, and she’s now playing at Gannon University.

Filling that void could be challenging, but the Warriors return a trio of accomplished players to the mix. Senior forward Lauren Marton, a Shippensburg University pledge, averaged 10 points and 8 rebounds per game a year ago. Classmate Kamryn Pieper, a 6-foot guard/forward, posted averages of 7 points and 6 boards last season, and she’s committed to Point Park University. Furthermore, junior guard Torrie DeStefano is back after being sidelined for most of last year. Prior to her knee injury, DeStefano was averaging 14 points and 3 steals.

Junior twin guards Hannah and Olivia Weishaar will also play key roles this season, while seniors Isabella Klobucar and Paige Temple, junior Arabelle Nichols, and sophomores Isabella Fontana and Ava Ruane are also poised for minutes in the rotation.

Freshman Raya Johnson, a 5-foot-9 guard, is also vying for playing time.

“We believe we have good depth and can go 8-10 deep in many games,” said head coach John Giannikas. “I really like how the kids are competing against each other at practice.”

While the Warriors stayed in Class 5A, they slid from Section 3 to Section 2. While Greater Latrobe and McKeesport Area remain as section opponents, Greensburg Salem, Kiski Area, Indiana Area, and West Mifflin Area provide new challenges. Last campaign, the Tigers reached the WPIAL and PIAA semifinals, while the Little Indians won a game in the state tournament, as well.

While the competition remains strong, the Warriors have maintained their lofty goals for the season.

“To continue to improve from a good summer and fall offseason, and continue the streak of making the playoffs,” Giannikas detailed of the team objectives. “Our goal is to be playing our best ball come playoff time and compete for one of the top spots in section, and then make a playoff run in February and March.”