The Penn-Trafford boys basketball team fell to Penn Hills with a score of 65-56 on Friday, Jan. 5, making their record 1-3 in the section.

     The Warriors started well as senior Sean Kelly drove and scored the initial points within the first 30 seconds of gameplay.

      Junior guard Kevin Stinelli took over for the Warriors in the first half with 15 points, five three-pointers, all in the first quarter, where P-T led 23-16.

     However, Penn Hills dominated the game with high intensity defense after this.

      No one scored until 2:30 had passed in the second quarter, but by the time 2:30 remained, Penn Hills grasped the lead at 28-27 off of a three-pointer. Penn Hills built more momentum as time passed out scoring P-T with a run of 17-4.

     Penn Hills led at halftime with a score of 33-27.

     To begin the second half, Penn Hills made two foul shots and continued with a strong consistency from the line to secure their lead. Sophomore Zach Rocco made a three-pointer for P-T to cut Penn Hill’s lead to 7, finishing the quarter with a score of 48-41.

     P-T only trailed 52-50 after Kelly made two free throws with 5 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Kelly had an opportunity to tie the game from the line a few seconds later, but missed both shots in a double bonus.

     P-T was able to draw fouls throughout the fourth quarter and had many attempts from the foul line but did not make enough to overcome Penn Hills, who played patient offense to finish the game with a win with a score of 65-56.

     P-T will play Fox Chapel on Tues. Jan 9 at 7:30.