Big Fourth Quarter Sends Mars Into PIAA Quarterfinals

Posted on: by Big 56 Conference

Mars and Thomas Jefferson were neck-and-neck all game long, but the Planets found the extra edge in the fourth quarter to pull out a 61-53 win at Plum in the PIAA second round.

Down 44-43 entering the fourth quarter, Mars outscored Thomas Jefferson 18-9 in the fourth quarter. They were able to chip away in the third quarter after trailing 33-27 at halftime.

Junior Tai Johnson was the catalyst for Mars throughout the whole game, finishing with a game-high 35 points. Senior Lauren Wasylson finished with 12 points and sophomore Bella Pelaia chipped in with 10 points.

For Thomas Jefferson, Jenna Clark led the Jaguars with 21 points and Marina Petruzzi finished with 19 points.

Mars improves to 21-6 and will play WPIAL champion Gateway in the PIAA quarterfinals at Canon-McMillan at 1 p.m. on Saturday.