The second half was pivotal for the Shenango High girls basketball team.

The Lady Wildcats broke free from a halftime deadlock to forge a 52-42 nonsection home win over Wilmington on Saturday.

Amanda Herb led a balanced Shenango attack with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

“The big part of the second half was Amanda Herb getting inside and getting additional shots,” Lady Wildcats coach Brian Turk said. “She was able to attack the hoop.”

The Lady Wildcats, who finished 1-22 last season, are now 4-1.

“This is a great start for the program,” Turk said. “It’s something we’ve been looking forward to.

“We’re playing seven or eight players every night and that’s about how many are scoring for us.”

Angelina Sibeto chipped in with 10 markers for the winners and Samantha Seaburn was next with nine.

Hannah Drake recorded a team-high 13 points for Wilmington (0-4) and Cassidy Marett was next with 10.

“I think the girls played OK,” Lady Greyhounds coach Brandy Sanford said. “At this point, we just can’t seem to finish.

“There’s been a couple of games that’s been three to five points and we end up losing by 10. We just need to find a way to finish.”