The Mohawk High boys basketball team had everything going against it heading into last night’s game versus Neshannock.

The Warriors were lugging a four-game losing streak and were defeated by the Lancers earlier this season.

To make matters worse, coach Kevin Wrona missed yesterday’s game because of flu-like symptoms.

But thanks to the guidance of assistant coach Rob Fadden and a 29-point performance from Jake Grim, Mohawk was able to upset Neshannock, 54-46, in nonsection play.

“It’s more of a credit to the kids,” said Fadden, a 1995 Mohawk graduate. “It was different but they didn’t make it different.”

The Warriors (4-6) overcame a resounding start to the game by Neshannock guard Bobby Nittinger, who scored all 19 of his team’s points in the first quarter. Nittinger finished with a team-high 22.

“We weren’t finding him,” Fadden said. “With a player of his caliber, if you’re not finding him, he’s going to make you pay for it.”

Unlike the two teams’ previous matchup (a 64-45 Neshannock victory), Mohawk was able to adjust to the Lancers’ attack. Grim held Nittinger to three points in the final three quarters, while the Warriors’ offense overcame the Lancers’ 1-2-2 press.

Mohawk began its comeback with a 13-7 run in the second quarter and finished Neshannock (6-3) off with a dominating second half in which it outscored the Lancers, 37-20.

“In the second half, we played predominantly man-to-man,” Fadden said. “The kids did a really good job of playing team defense.”

Mohawk iced the win from the foul line, draining 11 of 14 attempts in the fourth quarter. Grim contributed with a 14-of-15 performance from the charity stripe.

The 54-point outing is the most points Mohawk has scored this season.

“It was probably as good of a team effort as we’ve had all year,” Fadden said. “It’s a good way to head back into section play with some confidence and some momentum.”

The Warriors will look to improve upon their 1-1 record in WPIAL Section 2-AA action against Laurel on Friday, while Neshannock begins Section 1-A play at home against Western Beaver the same night.