The Laurel High boys basketball team started strong Tuesday night and
that made the difference.

The Spartans outscored Sharpsville by 19 points in the first frame en route to an 86-44 win in the Shenango Holiday Tournament.

Laurel (9-1) won the opening quarter, 25-6.

Mason Mraz paced the Spartans with 22 points. He added eight rebounds and six assists. Scott Siddall and Jacob Wilson tossed in 17 points apiece.

Wilson contributed six assists, five boards and five steals as well.

"I think we did what we had to do," Laurel coach Ken Locke said of the win. "We came out and made some shots early and made some buckets in transition.

"It was nice to get some guys in and get some guys some experience. Sharpsville played hard the whole game."

The Spartans were 35 of 54 from the field, compared to 17 of 55 for the Blue Devils.

Shawn O'Rourke registered 10 points to lead Sharpsville.