Penn-Trafford girls still working to improve despite undefeated record

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Penn-Trafford isn’t getting baited into undefeated talk.

The Warriors girls basketball team has left a trail of blowouts on the way to a 20-0 record with two games left in the regular season.

Penn-Trafford never has finished a regular season unbeaten but is just about at the threshold of perfection.

The team, ranked No. 3 in WPIAL Class 5A, hosts tough-out Indiana (16-4, 10-1 Section 2-5A) on Thursday before visiting Class 6A No. 2 Upper St. Clair (14-5) for perhaps an even greater test Saturday.

“We honestly just focus on the next game,” Penn-Trafford coach John Giannikas said. “The kids have done a great job staying humble and not falling into the trap of bragging on social media and letting all the pats on the back get to their head.

“One of the most impressive things I’ve seen from this group is how humble and accountable they are.”

Penn-Trafford has clinched at least a share of the Section 1-2A title, its first section plaque since 2014-15.

Giannikas thinks his team is a good way from perfect, despite the record. While balanced scoring, the interplay of guards and forwards and sizable depth are consistently present traits, the Warriors think they can be even better.

“We point out what they do well and still need to get better at,” Giannikas said. “We are still looking to play our best game for four full quarters.”

Penn-Trafford senior forward Lauren Marton said the team doesn’t need to talk about its record, only the day-to-day intricacies that can improve it.

“We know we are doing very well so far, but we are just thinking into the future of playoffs and even further,” Marton said. “We know that there is a great chance of us going undefeated into the playoffs, but have to push through and dig deep these last couple of games and then work even harder to do well in playoffs.

“We have a huge opportunity to do something amazing this year, but we have to take it step by step.”

So, what company could Penn-Trafford join if it can win its next two games (and beyond)?

A team from Westmoreland County has not finished a regular season unblemished since Norwin in 2015-16. The Knights went 22-0 and didn’t lose until the PIAA quarterfinals. That was in Class 4A in the last season before the PIAA went to six classifications.

“To go into playoffs undefeated would definitely be a little bit of a confidence boost and give us even more strength and momentum to push through and achieve all of our goals that we have set for ourselves this season,” Marton said. “To have such a great team and possibly be a part of something so big this year is another huge factor of why we stay working so hard and focused on what we have set out to achieve this season.”

Blackhawk was the last WPIAL team to go undefeated in the regular season with a 22-0 record in 2021-22. The Cougars finished 26-1 after reaching the PIAA quarterfinals.

Chartiers Valley and Peters Township were the last WPIAL teams to go a full season without losing. The Colts, led by coach Tim McConnell, went 30-0 in 2018-19.

Peters Township went 28-0 in 2018-19.

“We respect each opponent and take nobody lightly as anyone can beat anyone — especially at this time of the year,” Giannikas said. “You learn a lot from wins and losses, and we are still learning and trying to be our best for the middle of February and on.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Penn-Trafford