Last season, the Penn-Trafford boys basketball team ended with a 13-7 record and made the playoffs.  After a winning year, however, the team lost most of their starting varsity players to graduation. The team’s only returning varsity starter: senior Zach Rocco.

     Now, head coach James Rocco and his son are going to be leading the team in hopes for another winning season.  The team hopes to remain competitive and make it back to the playoffs.  

Rocco has the chance to coach his son’s senior season and hopes to replicate the success he and his team had last season.

      “[I expect the] same thing every year, we’re going to do well and play hard.  We are going to be incredibly competitive We only have one returning varsity player, but we have young side full of great kids, great leaders, and competitors,” Rocco explained.

Rocco further explained how this season will go with his son, Zach, and how that father/son relationship will be special for him.

“Whether in class, practice or AAU basketball, it is always a special experience.  He is giving, a great leader, caring, and the hardest working player. He is easy to coach because of the person he is,” Rocco added.

The coach also explained the importance of building a program from the elementary schools up: “We establish a program for students kindergarten to 12th grade to create a culture where every year players are elevated.”  

     He had high praise and expectations for his upcoming students, and said he is proud to be able to coach his son for his final year of basketball here at P-T. 

As for Zach Rocco, he is the only person coming back to the team who had played varsity basketball last season.  He talked about playing for his dad and about the team this upcoming season. 

“We hope to have a promising season, do well in the section and get into the playoffs again,” Zach explained.

     As for his relationship with his dad on the court, he said, “It’s tough sometimes, but it’s fun playing with family.  It requires time together and it’s a good way to gain connections. He is a father for me at home, but a coach for me on the court.”

Both Roccos said they hope to have another successful season and they enjoy playing together on the court.  It is a young team without much experience, but they said they have nothing but high expectations for their team. 

     Zach added that hopes to be a leader on the court.  

     It looks like a challenge, but the team seems to be ready for them.  They expect to have a winning year and hope to have more success in the playoffs.

Staff Writer, Dylan Vogel