John Sansone helped Neshannock start strong in a nonsection win over Girard (Ohio).

The Lancers built a 22-12 first-quarter lead and held a 33-25 buffer at the break. Sansone netted a game-high 23 points, sinking four of his five 3-pointers in the opening half.

Sansone added six rebounds and five assists.

Brandon Marinelli was next for Neshannock (10-3) with 21 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Anthony Van Eman added 12 markers, eight boards and five assists.

“I’m very happy with how we came out and played,” Lancers coach John Corey said. “Overall, I thought we played very well offensively.

“We’ve been stuck in the 50s (for points) the last couple of games and we’ve been trying to get our offense going. I thought our guys played extremely unselfish.”

A.J. Weibel recorded 14 points for the Indians.

Neshannock returns to action at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow when it travels to Laurel for a WPIAL Section 2-AA matchup to close out the first half of league play. The Lancers (4-1 in section) are a half-game behind Summit Academy (5-1, 8-4) for first place. Riverside (4-1, 9-5) is tied with Neshannock and travels to Ellwood City Lincoln tomorrow.