By Ron Poniewasz Jr.
New Castle News

The Shenango High boys basketball team got revenge in a big way last night.

Jordan O’Hara tossed in 22 points to lead the Wildcats to a convincing 70-38 WPIAL Section 2-AA home win over Laurel.

Shenango’s win avenged a 48-47 loss to the Spartans in the Union Booster Tournament. The Wildcats (4-3 section, 9-6 overall) won the first matchup between the teams, which was a section battle, 57-22.

“Without a doubt the guys were up for this one,” Shenango coach Bob McQuiston said. “It doesn’t take too much with a backyard rivalry.

“We wanted to bounce back from that loss (to Laurel). The guys were really motivated.”

O’Hara drained six 3-pointers, all of which came in the first half. Five of his 3-pointers came in the first quarter as Shenango built a 24-5 lead.

“O’Hara was hot,” McQuiston said. “The guys did a great job of finding him.

“He just couldn’t miss.”

Brett Chieze followed O’Hara’s effort with 15 markers, 10 rebounds and six assists. Jeff Williams chipped in with 11 points.

Mike Linz snared 10 boards to go with his nine points.

“I’m proud of the effort,” McQuiston said. “They did what we asked them to do.”

Josh Dando netted 15 points for Laurel (0-7, 1-13).

Shenango is tied with Neshannock (4-3, 8-6) for third place in the section.

“This was an important win for us,” McQuiston said. “We needed to start the second half of section play strong and we did.

“Now we have to continue to build off of this.”