Penn-Trafford Warriors Boys

Head Coach: Doug Kelly – 2nd season

Conference: Class 6A Section 3

Last Season: 13-6 overall - lost to Butler Area in WPIAL 6A quarterfinals

Key Losses: Josh Kapcin, Chase Vecchio

Key Returners: Ben Myers, Nick Crum, Noah Wright, Johnny DeMarchis,

Promising Newcomers: Gio Merola, Andrew Kessler, Jason Sabol, Tyler Freas, Nathan Crum, Ian Temple

Penn-Trafford boys basketball head coach Doug Kelly had an impressive debut season in 2021, as his team went 13-6, including a playoff victory against North Hills. Now, the second-year head coach will aim to build upon that success with the Warriors.

First, Penn-Trafford is tasked with replacing the contributions of the graduated duo of Josh Kapcin, who led the team in scoring, and Chase Vecchio, who orchestrated the offense as the point guard.

The Warriors have several talented returners, however, with three seniors leading the way. Nick Crum, a guard, is noted for his shooting touch and defensive abilities. Noah Wright takes over as the point guard, and his basketball IQ is perhaps his best asset. Guard Johnny DeMarchis will provide defense and rebounding. Forward Ben Myers ranked second in scoring last season but unfortunately he will miss the season with a knee injury. Myers, Crum, and Wright have all garnered college interest at the Division III level.

Two juniors will battle for playing time, as well. Gio Merola, who played junior varsity last year, appears poised to contribute, keyed by his perimeter shooting, while Andrew Kessler has the length to help on the boards and defending at the rim.

A quartet of sophomores are also hoping to crack the rotation, as guards Jason Sabol, Tyler Freas, Nathan Crum, and Ian Temple all gained valuable experience throughout the summer and fall leagues.

“Our expectations will continue to be trying to build a culture where kids work hard and defend and rebound,” said Kelly.

Penn-Trafford will certainly be battle-tested playing in Class 6A Section 3, as Fox Chapel Area and Hempfield Area both finished ahead of PT and won playoff games last year, while Pittsburgh Central Catholic posted a winning record overall. Greensburg Salem, which went winless, rounds out the section.

“Section will be tough, as always, and there is no night off in our section or on our schedule,” Kelly noted.

The PT non-conference ledger includes matchups against Greensburg Central Catholic, North Allegheny, Seneca Valley, Gateway, Franklin Regional, Greater Latrobe, Baldwin, Penn Hills, Woodland Hills, and Connellsville Area.

Penn-Trafford Warriors Girls Basketball

Head Coach: John Giannikas – 16th season

Conference: Class 6A Section 1

Last Season: 10-7 overall - lost to Baldwin in the WPIAL 6A first round

Key Losses: Allie Prady, Kenzie Powell, Brooke Cleland, Jada Czesnakowski

Key Returners: Maura Suman, Olivia Pepple, Kylee Piconi, Lilly Palladino

Promising Newcomers: Elle Visco, Lauren Marton, Kamryn Pieper, Madison Setzanfand

Penn-Trafford girls basketball shifted from 5A to 6A a year ago, but the Warriors more than held their own in the largest classification. Penn-Trafford won its first six games in 2020-21, including an eye-opening win against section opponent Norwin.

The season did not finish on the same high note, however, as the Warriors dropped five of their final six games, including a first-round playoff defeat to Baldwin.

The Warriors graduated a solid group of contributors, including Allie Prady, who led the team in scoring average (13 PPG) and three-pointers made last season, as well as four-year starter Kenzie Powell.

Penn-Trafford boasts a couple of cornerstone pieces, however, with 5-foot-7 senior guard Maura Suman and 5-foot-9 sophomore guard Olivia Pepple. Suman, who garnered All-Section accolades each of the past two seasons, averaged 9 points last campaign. Her contributions extend well beyond scoring, though, as she ranks in the top five in program history in both assists and steals, with 182 and 183, respectively. Pepple, meanwhile, started as a freshman and averaged 7 points, good for third on the team. Both have drawn college interest.

Juniors Kylie Piconi and Lilly Palladino also return after playing extensively a year ago. Piconi, a 5-foot-2 guard, brings quickness and toughness to the squad, while Palladino is a good shooter who’s added strength to her 5-foot-10 frame during the offseason.

Junior forward Madison Setzanfand and sophomore guard Elle Visco appear destined for larger roles this season, while a pair of freshmen, Lauren Marton (5-foot-11) and Kamryn Pieper (5-foot-10), could also become factors with their size.

“The coaching staff really loves how the team is competing and their camaraderie,” said longtime Penn-Trafford head coach John Giannikas. “They realize we have a lot to still improve on, but their effort in practice has been solid.”

Competition in Class 6A Section 1 should be fierce in 2021-22. North Allegheny went 27-1 en route to the PIAA 6A Championship last year, and the Tigers should be a title contender once again. Norwin, which finished in second place in the section, reached the WPIAL semifinals, while Butler Area advanced to the quarterfinals. The Warriors slotted in fourth place last season, ahead of Pine-Richland, Shaler Area, Seneca Valley, and North Hills.

“Our expectation is as it always is, and that is to make the playoffs and be playing our best ball at the end of the season,” Giannikas added. “We believe in this group and are excited to see what the season brings for them.”