The Penn-Trafford girls basketball team has a new voice in charge of the program.
Chuck Fontana replaces 19-year veteran John Giannikas, who resigned after leading the Warriors to a 25-2 season last year.
The Warriors finished the regular season at 22-0 and earned the No. 3 seed in the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs.
Things did not go as planned for the team in the playoffs. After defeating Plum, 63-46, in the first round, the Warriors were upset by Thomas Jefferson, 65-60 in overtime, in the quarterfinals.
The Warriors came back to finish fifth with wins against Indiana, 42-26, and Baldwin, 70-69 in overtime.
In the opening round of the PIAA playoffs, they lost to District 3 runner-up Middletown, 52-50.
Not only is Giannikas gone, four contributors have graduated: Lauren Marton, Paige Temple, Isabella Klobucar and Kamryn Pieper. A fifth senior, Bryana Bennett, missed much of the season with an injury.
Fontana spent the past three seasons as an assistant coach under Giannikas.
He also was a football assistant under Art Tragesser and John Ruane.
“I learned a lot from the guys on how to handle players and parents,” Fontana said. “I got to see from a different side. They worked hard and wanted players to succeed in life. They were the best.”
Fontana said he is eager to see how things unfold when the season tips off Nov. 28.
The first-year varsity coach was left a lot of talent. Senior guard Torrie DeStefano, who is committed to Seton Hill, averaged 12 points and is a heady player.
“Torrie loves to compete and win,” Fontana said. “She is a floor general and a leader. She is someone who elevates the players around her.”
Others back are senior guards the Weishaar twins — Olivia and Hannah — and Fontana’s daughter Isabella, a junior guard. Sophomore guard Raya Johnson, who saw time off the bench, returns.
“The goal is to be competitive, win the section again and win playoff games,” Coach Fontana said. “John did a nice job leaving us with a talented squad. We have a lot of girls who played a lot and in big games.
“We want to continue the tradition that John built here.”
Fontana likes the depth of the team. He had two seniors — Annabella Aquino and Arabelle Nichols — come back out for the team, and he expects them to contribute.
Others expected to see playing time include sophomore Brooke Boss, sophomore Tori Yurt and junior Sara Radocay-Blansett.
One area that concerns Fontana is playing against taller teams.
“The forwards will have to learn how to defend against a bigger player,” he said. “We also must develop some more scoring. We must be balanced. We have players who can step up.”
Fontana said the section will be competitive.
“Indiana has everyone back,” Fontana said. “Greensburg Salem is going to be good. I know Rick (Klimchock) will have his team ready. I played for Rick at Jeannette. He is going to want to beat me.
“Latrobe is always tough, and I expect McKeesport, Kiski Area and West Mifflin to be better.”
Penn-Trafford girls at a glance
Coach: Chuck Fontana
Last year’s record: 25-2 (14-0 in Section 2-5A)
Returning starters: Torrie DeStefano (Sr., G), Olivia Weishaar (Sr., G), Hannah Weishaar (Sr., G), Isabella Fontana (Jr., G).
Others to watch: Raya Johnson (So., G).
Top newcomers: Arabelle Nichols (Sr., F), Sara Radocay-Blansett (Jr., F), Annabella Aquino (Sr., G), Brooke Boss (So., G), Tori Yurt (So., F).
SCHEDULE
11.29, Berlin Brothersvalley^, 9:30 a.m.
11.30, Allderdice^, 3:15 p.m.
12.2, at Norwin, 6 p.m.
12.4, Penn Hills, 7:30 p.m.
12.10, at Baldwin, 6 p.m.
12.11, at Greensburg Salem*, 7:30 p.m.
12.16, Latrobe*, 6 p.m.
12.18, at West Mifflin*, 7 p.m.
12.30, at North Hills, 1:30 p.m.
1.6, McKeesport*, 6 p.m.
1.8, at Kiski Area*, 7:30 p.m.
1.13, Indiana*, 7:30 p.m.
1.14, at Hempfield, 7:30 p.m.
1.16, Greensburg Salem*, 7:30 p.m.
1.19, at Latrobe*, 7:30 p.m.
1.21, Franklin Regional, 7:30 p.m.
1.23, West Mifflin*, 7:30 p.m.
1.26, at Plum, 7:30 p.m.
1.30, at McKeesport*, 7 p.m.
2.3, Kiski Area*, 7:30 p.m.
2.5, at Indiana*, 7:30 p.m.
2.9, Upper St. Clair, 7:30 p.m.
*Section game
^Woodland Hills tournament