Mars vs Chartiers Valley Game Recap

 Mars vs Chartiers Valley

Boys High School Basketball

By Joey Priano

Pittsburgh (02/09/2025) – The Mars area high school boys’ basketball team lost at home to the Chartiers Valley Colts by a score of 61-50 last Friday in their last regular season game, despite a 21 point night from senior Austin Campbell. 

First Quarter

The game started off well for the Fightin’ Planets, going on an early 8-2 run, closing out the quarter up 15-10. It was clear early on in this game that the battle would be between the two point guards on each team. Both seniors, Austin Campbell for Mars and Jayden Davis for the Colts, were playing this game with everything they had, hoping to win their final regular season game.

Second Quarter

Chartiers Valley dominated the second quarter, overtaking the lead and then growing it to 6 at halftime. Leading 28-22 at halftime, the Colts had important contributions from a pair of junior guards. Logan Helfrick and Danny Slizik each contributed 2 rebounds and 2 assists, while combining for 14 points, including 10 from Slizik. A major factor in this game was the injury of junior guard Austen Wroblewski for Mars. He ended the night with 4 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, but would miss part of the 2nd and 3rd quarter after hitting his head during a scramble for the ball.

Third Quarter

Mars had an exciting 3rd quarter of the game, led by Austin Campbell and Forward Will Willson. Wilson ended the night with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. The two players helped lead the Planets on a run to end the quarter and close the lead to 2 going into the final quarter. This run brought the typically strong student section back to life, hoping to spark a run in the 4th quarter. The Colts got to see a healthy number of minutes given to Luca Federico off the bench in this quarter. The 6’3 Freshman was able to score 9 points with 2 rebounds in the matchup, showing potential to be a star early into his career. 

Fourth Quarter

Unfortunately for Mars, Chartiers Valley followed their stars in the final quarter, running away with the game. Scoring a game high 23 points in the fourth quarter, the Colts went on to win the game 61-50. Will Wilson had a clutch block early in the 4th that sparked the Planets, but it was shut down by Colts Guard Julian Semplice. Semplice recorded the games only double double, ending the game with 12 points and 12 rebounds. The majority of this coming in the clutch moments of the 4th quarter. For Mars, Junior Ben Detisch was doing all that he could to deny Semplice, putting up 8 points and 8 rebounds, but coming off the bench, there was not enough to contain the strong Junior. 

Recap

Overall, it was a tough final loss of the season, but there were good moments and strong leadership seen in the game. Austin Campbell finished the game with an impressive 21 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. Jayden Davis matched Campbell’s 21 points. He also added 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Mars solidified their 3rd place finish in the WPIAL 5A standings, directly behind Chartiers Valley. The Fightin’ Planets have no more remaining games this season, while the Colts will go on to host Aliquippa on Wednesday and then travel to North Hills on Thursday. 

 

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