Penn-Trafford girls hungry for more playoff success

By: Paul Schofield
Saturday, November 25, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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The Penn-Trafford girls basketball team made a run in the 2023 WPIAL and PIAA postseason.

That run has veteran coach John Giannikas looking forward to the season.

The Warriors placed seventh in the WPIAL and advanced to the PIAA quarterfinals following an exciting first-round win at PIAA District 3 champion Greencastle-Antrim. The season ended with a loss to section rival McKeesport.

With four starters returning, Giannikas expects bigger things from his team.

Another successful run in the playoffs is not out of the question.

The returning starters are senior guard Olivia Pepple, sophomore guard Torrie DeStefano, junior forward Lauren Marton and senior forward Kamryn Pieper.

Pepple, who averaged 16.5 points per game, is committed to play at Gannon next year. Marton averaged 10 points, DeStefano 8 and Pieper 7.

Giannikas will be looking to replace two players who graduated last year — Lillian Palladino and Kylee Piconi.

“We got a good taste in the playoffs,” Giannikas said. “We had a heck of a run. They want to make another run.

“The summer went well. They all got stronger, faster and worked on their skills. They can’t wait for the season to start.”

Giannikas said his team will scrimmage West Mifflin and then open the season at Woodland Hills on Dec. 1 against Seton-La Salle. The Warriors will take on Woodland Hills on Dec. 2.

With one starting position available, there are several girls battling for playing time. Giannikas said he expects some spirited practices to see who earns the spot. The spot could alternate during the season.

Candidates include junior Isabella Klobucar, sophomore Hannah Weishaar, sophomore Olivia Weishaar, senior Ellie Visco, junior Paige Temple and freshman Isabella Fontana. Visco rejoined the team after concentrating on volleyball, and Giannikas expects Fontana to be a big contributor as a freshman.

Giannikas said all the girls battling for playing time do different thing to help the squad.

“Everyone has to become better players,” Giannikas said. “I feel we’ll be a deeper team. All of them worked hard in the offseason and more have to contribute.”

Giannikas said the section will be strong once again with Oakland Catholic and McKeesport heading the list. He said Latrobe, Albert Gallatin, Thomas Jefferson and Connellsville will be better.

“This section is strong from top to bottom,” Giannikas said. “I expect every game to be a battle.”

The Warriors finished third in Section 3-5A last year.

Penn-Trafford girls at a glance

Coach: John Giannikas

Last year’s record: 18-10 (7-5 Section 3-5A)

Returning starters: Olivia Pepple (Sr., G), Torrie DeStefano (So., G), Lauren Marton (Jr., F) and Kamryn Pieper (Jr., G).

Top newcomers: Isabella Klobucar (Jr., G), Hannah Weishaar (So., G), Olivia Weishaar (So., G), Ellie Visco (Sr., F), Paige Temple (Jr., G) and Isabella Fontana (Fr., G).

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Penn-Trafford