Mars, a Class AAA school, built a 32-20 halftime lead and held on for a nonsection home victory over Shenango.

“We wanted to have a good showing and get ready for the playoffs,” Wildcats coach Bob McQuiston said. “We know Mars is tough competition and that’s what you want going into the playoffs.

“I was pleased with the effort our guys gave, especially in the second half. My hat is off to my guys. They battled hard and they never quit. That’s a great sign.”

Brett Chieze notched 12 points for the Wildcats (14-8) and Jordan O’Hara was next with 11. Jeff Williams tossed in 10.

Shenango made 22 field goals, 10 came from behind the arc.

“I thought we shot the ball well from the outside,” McQuiston said. “Mars is a good team; we got off to a slow start.

“It’s hard to come back against a team like Mars. They didn’t make a lot of mistakes.”

Owen Nearhoff led all scorers with 23 markers for the Planets (16-6).