Shenango stepped up with the season on the line and let Section 2-AA know it’s a playoff contender.

The Wildcats led for most of the game, but Ellwood City Lincoln remained within striking distance until the final minutes, when Shenango hit clutch free throws to seal the win. The victory means Shenango (4-4, 10-6) and the Wolverines (4-4, 7-8) are tied for the final playoff spot in the section. The teams split the season series.

“We knew we had to take care of business,” Shenango coach Bob McQuiston said. “Ellwood’s a good team, so this was definitely a big win for the guys. You have to win your home games, and we knew this was a big one tonight.”

Jordan O’Hara led the Wildcats with a game-high 21 points, while Jeff Williams provided 15. Shenango, which shot 21 of 36 from the field, led by six entering the fourth quarter and made 10 of 14 free throws in the final period to seal the victory. McQuiston said the Wildcats’ ability to remain calm under pressure played a large role in the win.

“Our guys have really been keeping their composure lately,” he said. “Ellwood came out with some traps on defense, and it’s important to take care of the basketball in key moments, and I thought we did a tremendous job of that down the stretch.”

Ryan Horgan paced Ellwood City with 12 points and Brandon Lucarelli contributed 10 for the Wolverines, who have lost four of their last five.