News

Entering the first WPIAL section boys basketball game of the New Year, Shaler showed they have what it takes to compete with the best.

For Mars, they showed they still are the best.

The defending WPIAL Class 5A champions defeated the Titans on Wednesday, 68-62, for its 13th straight win against a WPIAL opponent dating back to last year.

Shaler, who dropped down this year from Class 6A, held a 33-27 halftime lead after outscoring the home team 19-6 in the second quarter.

The Planets came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Titans, 27-12, in the third quarter.

Shaler was down 63-62 late in the fourth when junior Mekhi Reynolds missed a 3-pointer to take the lead. Senior Andrew Recchia made five free throws in the last minute to ice the game.

Recchia led Mars with 27 points, including 21 in the second half. Also scoring in double figures for the Planets was senior Khori Fusco with 15 points, freshman Zac Schlegel with 12 and 11 points and 11 rebounds for junior Michael Carmody.

Reynolds led Shaler with 19 points. Senior Brennan Fugh contributed with 16 points.

With the win, Mars improves to 8-1 overall and 3-0 in the section. The Planets will travel to Armstrong on Friday for a section game at 7:30 p.m.

Shaler falls to 7-3 overall and 2-1 in the section. The Titans will look to snap their two-game losing streak on Friday with a section game at Hampton at 7:30 p.m.