BUFFALO TWP — Mars girls basketball and 2014 are getting along well so far.

After dropping games against Moon and Hopewell at their own Christmas Tournament in late December, the Planets have won all seven of their games since the calendar turned. The latest victory came by a 67-50 final in a Section 1-AAA clash at Freeport Thursday night.

Mars (12-5) sits alone atop the section standings with a perfect 8-0 record.

“There’s a lot of good things the team is showing right now,” said Planets’ coach Tony Howard. “Resiliency, a strong will and a competitive fire ... We are also playing unselfish basketball right now.”

The Planets spread the scoring around against the Yellowjackets as four players reached double figures, led by 15 from Ali Goetz. Sara Getsy (14), Bonnie Workman (12) and Nicole McCloud (10) each had strong offensive showings.

The Planets have come a long way in a month. As 2013 was drawing to a close, they seemed unsure of themselves.

“We realized we had to step up as a team and play together,” said junior guard Jess Bunner. “We weren’t doing that so much earlier in the season.”

Two players new to this year’s starting lineup have contributed to the Planets’ winning streak — McCloud, a freshman guard, and sophomore forward Elise Sheehy.

“Nicole’s defense is what pushed her into a starting role,” said Howard. “She can also handle the ball against pressure.

“Elise has a high basketball IQ. She can make the outside shot, but can also post up and that really helps. We also like her shot-blocking ability.”

Despite the string of wins the Planets put together, records and the playoffs are not on their radar....yet.

“We talk about preparation and getting better as a team,” said Howard. “Right now, playing Kittanning on Monday is our focus.”

Despite Freeport’s loss, the Yellowjackets (9-8, 5-4) still have a strong hold on a playoff spot from the section.

But Freeport dug itself too deep of a hole in its latest outing. Mars led 40-19 at halftime.

“Our kids play hard,” said second-year Freeport coach Paul Sylba. “Tonight, we faced a Mars team with exceptional shooters and they are well-coached.

“I thought we played as well in the second half tonight as we have all year,” he added, “but how you start a game is also important.”

Zoe Soilis scored a game-high 19 points for the Yellowjackets and Michaela Bowser added 10.

MARS 67

Sara Getsy 6 0-2 14, Nicole McCloud 5 0-0 10, Jess Bunner 2 0-0 4, Ali Goetz 4 7-12 15, Ellyssa Paras 1 0-0 2, Gabby Kosobucki 2 0-0 4, Bonnie Workman 4 0-0 12, Elise Sheehy 2 2-2 6, Daniella Paras 0 0-0 0, Bri Buzard 0 0-0 0. Totals: 26 9-16 67.

FREEPORT 50

Zoe Soilis 5 7-8 19, Dava Jack 1 0-0 2, Macy Smolic 3 3-4 9, Carli Schwickrath 0 1-2 1, Haley Connor 3 0-0 6, Erica Jack 1 0-0 3, Michaela Bowser 5 0-1 10, Carly Van Tine 0 0-0 0, Megan Minyon 0 0-0 0. Totals: 18 11-15 50.

Mars 25 15 15 12 — 67

Freeport10 9 13 18 — 50

3-point goals: Mars 6 (Workman 4, Getsy 2); Freeport 3 (Soilis 2, E. Jack).

Monday: Kittanning at Mars

Tuesday: Ford City at Freeport