Five members of Mars Area High School Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball Teams competed in the 28th annual A-K Valley Cager Classic, held April 4-5 at Highlands High School.
Seniors Austin Campbell, Drew Navetta and Will Wilson joined the 2025 West Boys Team. Seniors Carmella McDole and Vita Vargo competed as members of the joined the 2025 West Girls Team.
For more information, contact the Athletics Office at (724) 625-9380 or visit https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1189690956275277&set=pcb.1189696842941355.
PA Big 5/6 Athletic Conference All-Section Teams
On the girls team, senior Vita Vargo (guard) and junior Alexis Cashdollar (guard/forward) were selected for the Section 3-5A First Team. The Lady Planets finished the 2024-2025 season in the first round of the PIAA Class 5A Girls Varsity Basketball Championship, after taking fourth place in the WPIAL playoffs.
On the boys team, junior Austen Wroblewski (guard) was named to the Section 4-5A First Team. The Fightin’ Planets ended the 2024-2025 in the first round of the 2024-2025 PIAA Class 5A Boys Varsity Basketball Championship, after taking fourth place in the WPIAL playoffs.
For more information, visit http://pabig56.com/.
Girls Basketball Team Ends Season in State Playoffs
Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team advanced to the first round of the 2024-2025 PIAA Class 5A Girls Varsity Basketball Championship on March 8, but was defeated 54-44 by the West York Bulldogs.
The Lady Planets took fourth place in the 2024-2025 WPIAL Class 5A Girls Varsity Basketball Championship after falling 59-47 to the Thomas Jefferson Jaguars in the Third Place Consolation game on Feb. 25. The team was bested 67-32 by the South Fayette Lions in the WPIAL Semifinals on Feb. 22.
The team grounded the Bethel Park Black Hawks 55-42 in the WPIAL Quarterfinals on Feb. 19; and rebuffed the Shaler Area Titans 44-23 in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs on Feb. 14. The Planets ended the regular season with an overall record of 13-9 and 6-6 in Section 3-5A.
Players on this year’s team included senior Vita Vargo, who surpassed 1,000 career points this season, as well as seniors Gianna DeLisio, Carmella McDole and Grace Zatezalo; juniors London Ayers, Alexis Cashdollar, Cecilia Christy, Amanda Lape, Mara Lerza and Mya Moore; sophomores Vivian Black, Caroline Craska and Julia Lego; and, freshmen Emma Bloom, Jade Breese, Alayna Day, Sophia Fritch, Leonie Haibach, Mia Sanata and Hayden Vavala.
For more information, visit www.piaa.org.
Boys Basketball Team Ends Season in State Playoffs
Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team advanced to the first round of the 2024-2025 PIAA Class 5A Boys Varsity Basketball Championship on March 7, but was defeated 53-51 by the West York Bulldogs.
The Fightin’ Planets took fourth place in the 2024-2025 WPIAL Class 5A Boys Varsity Basketball Championship after an 81-72 loss to the Montour Spartans in the Third Place Consolation Game on Feb. 27. The team was defeated by the Peters Township Indians 58-52 in overtime in the WPIAL Semifinals on Feb. 25.
The Planets thwarted the Penn-Trafford Warriors 64-59 in the WPIAL Quarterfinals on Feb. 21; and, trounced the South Fayette Lions 50-46 in the first round of the playoffs on Feb. 18. The team ended the regular season with an overall record of 12-10 and 6-6 in Section 4-5A.
Players on this year’s team included seniors Austin Campbell, Drew Navetta, Derek Petcash, Hayden Reisinger, Alex Vidic and Will Wilson; juniors Ben Detisch, Sean Franklin, Kyle Krause, Nicholas Santoro, Connor Summit, Chase Thimons, Weston Vingle and Austen Wroblewski; and, sophomores Keegan Allworth, Jacob Bridgeman, Smyth Dunaway, Sam Miller, Xavier Morales, Adam Petcash and Cole Spencer.
For more information, call (724) 625-9380 or visit www.piaa.org.
Basketball Player Surpasses 1,000 Career Points
Vargo achieved the milestone at the team’s Jan. 22 home game against Pine-Richland, in which Vargo (guard) scored 15 points, leading the Lady Planets to a 37-31 victory over the Rams. This season, Vargo is averaging 14.3 points per game.
She is the 11th player in program’s history to earn 1,000 career points.
Girls Varsity Basketball Team Carolina Invitational
In the first round of the competition on Dec. 27, the Lady Planets defeated St. Agnes Academy (Texas) 40-38 in overtime with senior Vita Vargo amassing 19 points.
The team rebuffed Oceanside Collegiate Academy (S.C.) 35-24 in the second day of the event on Dec. 28; but was defeated 49-32 by Nitro (W.Va.) in the final round of competition on Dec. 30. Junior Alexis Cashdollar totaled 14 points in the first game and 12 points in the latter.
For more information, visit https://lowcountryinvitational.com/.
Boys Basketball Team Competes in Hampton Tournament
On Dec. 27, the Fightin’ Planets tamed the Hampton Talbots 64-49. Junior Austen Wroblewski earned 23 points; senior Austin Campbell, 15 points; junior Ben Detisch,13 points; and senior Drew Navetta, 9 points.
On Dec. 28, the team defeated the North Hills Indians 83-55. Junior Ben Detisch amassed 23 points; senior Drew Navetta, 21 points; and junior Austen Wroblewski, 20 points.
Juniors Ben Detisch and Austen Wroblewski were selected for the All-Tournament Team. For more information, visit https://hamptonathletics.org/.
Girls Basketball Team Hoping for Return to Playoffs
Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team is shooting for a return to post-season play this season.
“We bring a lot back from last year’s team and are looking to make another push for the playoffs and hopefully a section title,” says Zachary Stitt, head coach.
Last season, the Lady Planets advanced to the first round of the 2023-2024 WPIAL Class 5A Girls Varsity Basketball Championship. The team ended the regular season with an overall record of 11-11 and 7-5 in Section 2-5A.
Returning to this year’s team are junior Cecilia Christy, who was named to the 2024-2025 All-Section First Team; senior Vita Vargo to the Second Team; and senior Carmella McDole and Alexis Cashdollar, both of whom received Honorable Mentions. Other players to watch include junior Mya Moore.
Rounding out this year’s team are seniors Gianna DeLisio and Grace Zatezalo; juniors London Ayers, Amanda Lape and Mara Lerza; sophomores Vivian Black, Caroline Craska and Julia Lego; and, freshmen Emma Bloom, Jade Breese, Alayna Day, Sophia Fritch, Leonie Haibach, Mia Sanata and Hayden Vavala.
Boys Basketball Team Facing Tough Competition
Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team is in its first year at the reins of new head coach Kobe Phillippi, replacing Rob Carmody, who resigned from the position after 26 seasons.
Last season, the Fightin’ Planets advanced to the first round of the 2023-2024 WPIAL Class 5A Boys Varsity Basketball Championship. The team ended the regular season with an overall record of 10-12-8 and 4-6 in Section 4-5A.
“The team graduated, a lot of scoring and experience,” says Phillippi. “We have some individuals looking to step up and lead this team.”
Returning players on this year’s team include senior Austin Campbell, who was named to the 2023-2024 All-Section 4-5A Second Team and who, along with returning senior Drew Navetta, was selected for the Boys All-Tournament Team at the 2023 Innisfree Hotels Beach Basketball Tournament.
Also returning are seniors Derek Petcash, Hayden Reisinger, Alex Vidic and Will Wilson; and, juniors Ben Detisch, Sean Franklin, Nicholas Santoro, Connor Summit, Chase Thimons, Weston Vingle and Austen Wroblewski. Rounding out the team are junior Kyle Krause; and, sophomores Keegan Allworth, Jacob Bridgeman, Smyth Dunaway, Sam Miller, Xavier Morales, Adam Petcash and Cole Spencer.
2023-2024
Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team advanced to the first round of the 2023-2024 WPIAL Class 5A Girls Varsity Basketball Championship on Feb. 20, but was defeated 55-36 by the South Fayette Lions.
The Lady Planets ended the regular season with an overall record of 11-11 and 7-5 in Section 2-5A.
Players on this year’s team include senior Ava Day; juniors Gianna DeLisio, Carmella McDole and Vita Vargo and Grace Zatezalo; sophomores London Ayers, Alexis Cashdollar, Cecilia Christy, Amanda Lape, Mara Lerza, Anna McGrath, Tess McGrath and Mya Moore; and, freshmen Vivian Black and Julia Lego.
For more information, call (724) 625-9380 or visit www.wpial.org.
Western Pennsylvania Big 5/6 Athletic Conference All-Section Teams
Several members of Mars Area High School Boys and Girl Varsity Basketball Teams were named to Western Pennsylvania Big 5/6 Athletic Conference All-Section Teams.
On the boys team, senior Ryan Ceh (guard) was selected for the Section 4-5A First Team; and, senior Remi Black (center) and junior Austin Campbell (guard) for the Second Team. The Fightin’ Planets ended the 2023-2024 season in the first round of the WPIAL Class 5A Boys Varsity Basketball Championships.
On the girls team, sophomore Cecelia Christy (guard/forward) was named to the Section 2-5A First Team; junior Vita Vargo (guard) to the Second Team; and senior Ava Day (guard), junior Carmella McDole (guard) and sophomore Alexis Cashdollar (guard/forward) received Honorable Mentions. The Lady Planets will compete in the first round of the 2023-2024 WPIAL Class 5A Girls Varsity Basketball Championships on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
For more information, visit http://pabig56.com/.
Boys Basketball Team Ends Season in WPIAL Playoffs
Senior Surpasses 1,000 Career Points During Game
Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team advanced to the first round of the 2023-2024 WPIAL Class 5A Boys Varsity Basketball Championship on Feb. 19, but was defeated 67-50 by the Franklin Regional Panthers.
The Fightin’ Planets ended the regular season with an overall record of 10-12-8 and 4-6 in Section 4-5A.
Senior Ryan Ceh surpassed 1,000 career points during the Feb. 19 playoff game, during which he amassed 26 points. Ceh, who averaged 22.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game this season, is the 14th player in school history and the seventh since 2018 to achieve the 1,000-point milestone.
Earlier this season, head coach Rob Carmody earned his 400th career win with the Planets 65-46 win over the Plum Mustangs on Dec. 8. And, senior Ryan Ceh and juniors Austin Campbell and Drew Navetta were selected for the 2023 Boys All-Tournament Team at the Innisfree Hotels Beach Basketball Tournament (Dec. 27-29).
Other players on this year’s team included seniors Remi Black, Elias Grenier and Ian Zukowski; juniors Brady Jordan, Derek Petcash, Hayden Reisinger, Alex Vidic, Wyatt Vingle, Will Wilson and Blake Yates; and, sophomores Derick Avalos, Ben Detisch, Sean Franklin, Phillip Moreno, Nicholas Santoro, Connor Summit, Chase Thimons, Weston Vingle and Austen Wroblewski.
For more information, visit www.wpial.org.
MaxPreps Pennsylvania High School Athlete of the Week
Ceh is averaging 22.6 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. He earned 45 points and had 7 rebounds in an 83-58 win over the West Allegheny Indians on Jan. 30; and, he had “double-doubles” against the South Fayette Lions (10 points, 10 rebounds) on Feb. 2 and the Taylor Allderdice (20 points, 12 rebounds) on Jan. 28.
TO VOTE for Ceh, visit https://www.maxpreps.com/news/xf2s-y8-Mk-00X5WXpaN7Q/maxpreps-pennsylvania-high-school-athlete-of-the-week-award-vote-now.htm by no later than noon on Monday, Feb. 12.}
Innisfree Hotels Beach Basketball Tournament
The Fightin’ Planets competed in the Whataburger Orange Division, defeating teams from McNicholas (Ohio) (75-70), Pensacola Catholic (Fla.) (71-34), and Lawrence County (Tenn.) (65-62) high schools. Senior Ryan Ceh and juniors Austin Campbell and Drew Navetta were selected for the 2023 Boys All-Tournament Team.
For more information, visit https://sites.google.com/view/pensacolahoops/2023-tournament-schedule.
Coach Earns 400th Career Victory
Last season, Carmody, led the team to the second round of the 2022-2023 PIAA Class 5A Boys Varsity Basketball Championship, after placing sixth in the WPIAL championships and ending the regular season with an overall record of 14-8 and 6-4 in Section 4-5A. So far this season, the team has achieved an overall record of 2-1.
Carmody, who is in his 24th year as coach, was named a 2019-2020 Section 3-5A Coach of the Year. He was also previously selected as the 2017-2018 Butler Eagle and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Boys Basketball Coach of the Year and the 2015-2016 Pennsylvania Sports Writers’ Coach of the Year.
For more information, call (724) 625-9380.
2023 Slippery Rock Tip-Off Tournament
The team defeated the Mercyhurst Prep Lakers 51-49 to win the final game. Junior Vita Vargo and sophomore Mya Moore were the team’s top scorers and Vargo was named Tournament MVP.
For more information, visit https://slipperyrockathletics.bigteams.com.
2022-2023
2023 Pennsylvania Class 5A All-State Boys Basketball Second Team
Sfanos, a four-year member of Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team, helped lead the Fightin’ Planets to the second round of the 2022-2023 PIAA Class 5A Boys Varsity Basketball Championship, after the team took sixth place in the 2022-2023 WPIAL Championships. The Planets ended the 2022-2023 regular season with an overall record of 14-8 and 6-4 in Section 4-5A.
He was named to the WPIAL Class 5A All-Section (4) First Team this season. He was also named a 2022-2023 Butler Eagle Boys Basketball Co-Player of the Year.
For more information, contact the Mars Area School District Athletics Office at (724) 625-9380.
2022-2023 Butler Eagle Boys Basketball Co-Player of the Year
Sfanos, a four-year member of Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team, shares the title with Braylon Littlejohn, a junior at Butler Area Senior High School.
This season, Sfanos helped lead the Fightin’ Planets to the second round of the 2022-2023 PIAA Class 5A Boys Varsity Basketball Championship, after the team took sixth place in the 2022-2023 WPIAL Championships. The Planets ended the 2022-2023 regular season with an overall record of 14-8 and 6-4 in Section 4-5A.
Sfanos was named to WPIAL Class 5A All-Section (4) First Team this season. He led Butler County in scoring with an average of 25.1 points per game, 4.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists; and, he made 87 three-pointers, holding the school record of 226.
Also of note, Sfanos, along with junior Ryan Ceh were named to Tier I of the 2022-2023 Butler Eagle Honor Roll. Junior Remi Black was selected for Tier II.
For more information, call(724) 625-9380.
A-K Valley Cager Classic
Seniors Lauren Atwell and Olivia Donnelly competed as members of the 2023 East Girls Team in the Girls All-Star Basketball Game. Donnelly was named the East Team MVP and Hot Shot Winner and Atwell was selected as the winner of the Cager Classic Essay Contest.
WPIAL Class 5A All-Section Team Selections
On the boys team, senior Tasso Sfanos (guard) and junior Ryan Ceh (forward) were selected for the WPIAL Class 5A All-Section (4) First Team; and junior Remi Black (forward) to the Second Team.
This season, the Fightin’ Planets advanced to the second round of the 2022-2023 PIAA Class 5A Boys Varsity Basketball Championship, after taking sixth place in the 2022-2023 WPIAL Class 5A Boys Varsity Basketball Championship. The team ended the regular season with an overall record of 14-8 and 6-4 in Section 4-5A.
On the girls team, senior Olivia Donnelly (guard/forward) and senior Annalyn Isaacs (guard) were named to the WPIAL Class 5A All-Section (2) First Team; senior Lauren Atwell (center) and sophomore Vita Vargo (guard) to the Second Team. Freshman Alexis Cashdollar (guard/forward) earned an Honorable Mention.
This season, the Lady Planets advanced to the second round of the 2022-2023 PIAA Class 5A Girls Varsity Basketball Championship, after taking sixth place in the 2022-2023 WPIAL Class 5A Girls Varsity Basketball Championship. The team ended the regular season with an overall record of 15-6 and tied for first place in Section 2-5A with a record of 9-3.
For more information, call (724) 625-9380 or visit https://pabig56.com/all-conferenceall-section-teams-big-56/.
2022-2023 PIAA Class 5A Girls Varsity Basketball Championship
Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team advanced to the second round of the 2022-2023 PIAA Class 5A Girls Varsity Basketball Championship on March 15, but was defeated 51-24 by the Cathedral Prep Ramblers.
The Lady Planets triumphed over the York Suburban Trojans 49-40 in the first round of the PIAA playoffs on March 11. The team advanced to the PIAA playoffs after taking sixth place in the 2022-2023 WPIAL Class 5A Girls Varsity Basketball Championship with a 46-42 loss to the Trinity Hillers in the Second Round Playback Consolation Game on March 2.
The team trounced the Hampton Talbots 36-33 in the First Round Playback Consolation Game on Feb. 27. The team entered the consolation brackets, following the Planets 63-42 defeat by the Oakland Catholic Eagles 63-42 in the WPIAL Quarterfinals on Feb. 24. The Planets tamed the Lincoln Park Leopards 56-29 in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs on Feb. 21.
The Planets ended the 2022-2023 regular season with an overall record of 15-6 and tied for first place in Section 2-5A with a record of 9-3.
Players on this year’s team include seniors Lauren Atwell, Olivia Donnelly, Annalyn Isaacs and Alexa McDole; junior Ava Day; sophomores Gianna DeLisio, Carmella McDole, Abby Robinson, Vita Vargo and Grace Zatezalo; and, freshmen Alexis Cashdollar, Cecilia Christy, Anna McGrath, Tess McGrath and Mya Moore.
For more information, visit www.piaa.org.
2022-2023 PIAA Class 5A Boys Varsity Basketball Championship
Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team advanced to the second round of the 2022-2023 PIAA Class 5A Boys Varsity Basketball Championship on March 14, but was defeated 66-54 by the Cathedral Prep Ramblers.
The Fightin’ Planets bested the Manheim Central Barons 61-49 in the first round of the PIAA playoffs March 10. The team advanced to the PIAA playoffs, after taking sixth place in the 2022-2023 WPIAL Class 5A Boys Varsity Basketball Championship with a 56-36 loss to the South Fayette Lions in the Second Round Playback Consolation Game on Feb. 28.
The team outfoxed the Fox Chapel Foxes 75-69 in the First Round Playback Consolation Game on Feb. 24. The team entered the consolation brackets, following a 60-41 defeat by the Penn Hills Indians in the WPIAL Quarterfinals on Feb. 22. The team grounded the Bethel Park Black Hawks 76-40 in the first round of WPIAL playoffs on Feb. 17.
The Planets ended the 2022-2023 regular season with an overall record of 14-8 and 6-4 in Section 4-5A.
Players on this year’s team include senior Andrew Cashdollar, Deven Koch, Zack Orosz, Joey Rocco and Tasso Sfanos; juniors Remi Black, Ryan Ceh, Elias Grenier and Ian Zukowski; and sophomores Austin Campbell, Luke Goodworth, Brady Jordan, Drew Navetta, Derek Petcash, Hayden Reisinger, Alex Vidic, Wyatt Vingle, Will Wilson and Blake Yates; and, freshman Ben Detisch.
For more information, visit www.piaa.org.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette High School Athlete of the Week
Sfanos, a four-year member of the Fightin’ Planets Boys Varsity Basketball Team, tied a career high with 34 points and 9 assists in the team’s 80-63 victory over the Kiski Area Cavaliers on Dec. 15. He is averaging 28.4 points, 6.4 assists and 2.2 steals.
For more information, visit https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/high-school-athlete-of-the-week/2022/12/19/athletes-of-the-week-peters-township-gemma-walker-mars-tasso-sfanos/stories/202212190050.
2021-2022
A-K Valley Cager Classic
Four members of Mars Area High School Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball Teams were selected to compete in the 25th annual A-K Valley Cager Classic to be held on Saturday, April 2, at Highlands High School (Natrona Heights).
Seniors Ava Black and Kaitlyn Pelaia will compete at 5:45 p.m., as members of the 2022 East Girls Team in the Girls All-Star Basketball Game, to be followed at 7:45 p.m. by the Boys All-Star Basketball Game, in which seniors Chris Dvorak and Zach Schlegel will join the 2022 West Boys Team.
For details, visit http://akcagerclassic.com.
Players Named to All-Section Teams
Several members of Mars Area High School Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball Teams are listed among the best players in the region.
On the boys team, senior Chris Dvorak (Forward), senior Zach Schlegel (Guard), and junior Tasso Sfanos (Guard) were named to the All-Section (4) First Team and senior Austin Cote (Guard) and senior Bryce Cunningham (Guard) were selected for honorable mentions. Rob Carmody, head coach, was named All-Section Coach of the Year.
This season, the Fightin’ Planets advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2021-2022 WPIAL Class 5A Boys Varsity Basketball Championship. The team ended the 2021-2022 regular season with an overall record of 19-2 and went undefeated (12-0) in section, earning the Section 4-5A Title.
On the girls team, senior Ava Black (Forward) was named to the All-Section (2) First Team; junior Alexa McDole (Guard) and junior Olivia Donnelly (Guard/Forward) to the Second Team; and senior Katelyn Pelaia (Guard/Forward) and freshman Vita Vargo (Guard) were selected for honorable mentions.
The Lady Planets advanced to the first round of the 2021-2022 WPIAL Class 5A Girls Varsity Basketball Championship. The team ended the 2021-2022 regular season with an overall record of 17-5 and 9-3 in Section 2-5A.
For more information, visit www.wpial.org.
2021-2022 WPIAL Class 5A Boys Varsity Basketball Championship
Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2021-2022 WPIAL Class 5A Boys Varsity Basketball Championship on Feb. 24, but was defeated 66-61 by the Gateway Gators.
The Fightin’ Planets tamed the Thomas Jefferson Jaguars 71-48 in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs on Feb. 21. The team ended the 2021-2022 regular season with an overall record of 19-2 and went undefeated (12-0) in section, earning the Section 4-5A Title.
Players on this year’s team included seniors Austin Cote, Bryce Cunningham, Chris Dvorak, Jonah Kozora and Zach Schlegel; juniors Andrew Cashdollar, Devon Koch, Joey Rocco and Tasso Sfanos; sophomores Remi Black, Ryan Ceh, Elias Grenier, Lucas Sciullo and Ian Zukowski; and, freshmen Austin Campbell and Drew Navetta.
For more information, visit www.wpial.org.
2021-2022 WPIAL Class 5A Girls Varsity Basketball Championship
Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team advanced to the first round of the 2021-2022 WPIAL Class 5A Girls Varsity Basketball Championship on Feb. 22, but was defeated 67-62 by the Greater Latrobe Wildcats.
The Lady Planets ended the 2021-2022 regular season with an overall record of 17-5 and 9-3 in Section 2-5A.
Players on this year’s team included seniors Ava Black, Kylee Fredrick, Kaitlyn Pelaia, Allie Rice and Jessica Winters; juniors Lauren Atwell, Avery Bennett, Olivia Donnelly, Clare Guinee and Alexa McDole; sophomores Ava Day, Katherine Detisch, Kaitlyn Lawless, Emma McCosby, Lindsey Morello and Riley Strong; and, freshmen Gianna DeLisio, Ava Herbolich, Carmella McDole, Abigail Robinson, Vitaliana Vargo and Grace Zatezalo.
For more information, visit www.wpial.org.
Basketball Player Surpasses 1,000 Career Points
Schlegel achieved the milestone at the Fightin’ Planets’ game against the Feb. 12 game against the Knoch Knights.
This season, Schlegel averaged 17.9 points per game and helped lead the Planets to win the Section 4-5A Title. The team ended the 2021-2022 regular season with an overall record of 19-2 and went undefeated (12-0) in section play.
For more information, call (724) 625-9380.