When the Penn-Trafford boys basketball season tipped off, head coach Doug Kelly’s plan was to play senior Brayden Stone at shooting guard.

But an injury to Tyler Boss delayed that plan.

Stone, a three-year starter, continued to be the Warriors’ point guard for the first month and a half of the season. But Kelly got to implement his plan when Boss was cleared for action in a Jan. 14 game at Laurel Highlands.

Stone scored 11 in the 66-44 victory.

“It’s really up to me now if I want to play point guard,” Stone said. “I’ll do anything to help the team. Coach Kelly wanted to free me up being an off guard and I like that.”

Stone averages 12 points per game. He scored a career-high 22 points against Elkins (W.Va.) during the holiday break.

“Brayden is a hard worker and does anything for the team,” Kelly said. “He’s a solid player and does a lot well.”

Penn-Trafford (6-6, 3-5) is in a spirited battle for a spot in the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs with Section 1 foes McKeesport, Gateway, Albert Gallatin and Franklin Regional.

The Warriors lost four Section 1 games by less than four points, including one-point losses to Albert Gallatin and McKeesport.

Stone feels getting Boss back will help a lot and free him up to make plays. Adding another capable ball-handler will help the offensive as well.

The second half of the season began Jan. 17 at Franklin Regional, a team Penn-Trafford defeated in overtime the first time around.

“We’re taking games one at a time,” said Stone, who transferred to Penn-Trafford from Burrell after his freshman year. “We were in almost every game. Our goal is to make the playoffs.”

Also a three-year starter on the baseball team, Stone played shortstop during his sophomore season and moved to second base during his junior season when the Warriors were Class 5A champions.

He moved to second base because of a shoulder injury. He had surgery six months ago to repair a torn labrum and will return to shortstop this spring. He signed a letter of intent to play for NCAA Division II power Seton Hill.

Stone said he feels the baseball team can repeat.

“We have an awesome pitching staff returning,” Stone said. “We graduated one starter. I feel we have a lot of young guys that will fill roles. I’m excited for the season.”