Penn-Trafford boys basketball gets off to fast start

By: Paul Schofield
Sunday, December 8, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Penn-Trafford boys basketball coach Doug Kelly could not have asked for a better start from his team in the season-opener against rival Norwin.

The Warriors scored the game’s first 10 points of the game, withstood any pushback from Norwin, rebounded well and ended up with an impressive 68-51 victory.

Penn-Trafford made 11 3-pointers, got a good performance from Zach Feldman in the post, and defended well.

Feldman started and ended the quick run while Jack Weisaar and Brayden Stone aded 3-pointers.

“This group is connected,” Kelly said. “It was a weird offseason not having them all around.

“Now they are back, and it is nice to see them play for each other. They have a special bond. We will need that in the section we’re in.”

Penn-Trafford plays in Section 1-5A with Albert Gallatin, Gateway, Latrobe, Laurel Highlands, McKeesport and Uniontown.

The Warriors had a busy week. They played Hempfield on Dec. 6, Connellsville Dec. 7 and then opened section play Dec. 10 when they hosted No. 1-ranked Uniontown.

They were scheduled to host Baldwin on Dec. 11 and will play returning PIAA and WPIAL runner-up Franklin Regional on Dec. 13.

“I’m excited,” Kelly said. “I like these early-season tests. It will show us where we need to improve. It should be an interesting week.”

Evan Gross led the Warriors against Norwin with 17 points.

Feldman added 14, Payton Mastro 13, Brayden Stone 10 and Tyler Anthony nine, all on 3-pointers.

Penn-Trafford was not bashful putting up 3-pointers against Norwin.

Anthony, Stone and Gross are the top 3-point shooters, while Mastro and Jack Weishaar are capable too.

Kelly said Mastro had a great offseason and continues to improve.

“We talk about quick starts of games and the start of quarters,” Kelly said. “We started doing that last year and hopefully it continues. It’s important that we continue that no matter what point of the game.

“They are having fun. The section is extremely tough, and it’s going to be an interesting season.”

Kelly also said he hopes Tyler Boss and Ben Lenart return from injuries soon.

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