Mars’ Vita Vargo checks out of the game in the fourth quarter with the Planets in full control of a Section II Class 5A matchup against New Castle at Mars Senior High School on Thursday Feb. 8. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle (02/08/24)

Kyle Prudhomme

Mars’ girls basketball team began the season in impressive fashion, defeating visiting Franklin Regional 47-17 Monday.

Vita Vargo, a senior guard, paced the victory with 22 points, including four 3-pointers. Cecilia Christy added 10 points for the Planets, who led 34-10 at halftime.

Grove City 48, Moniteau 28 — Sayge Brunst netted nine points and had seven rebounds, but the Warriors could not keep up with the Eagles.

Sophia Fleeger added seven boards in the loss.

Izzie Gamble led Grove City with 18 points.

Owen Congdon (11 points) and Jaxon Householder (10) scored more than half of Seneca Valley’s points in a 43-37 loss to Franklin Regional.

Mason Heichel scored twice while Anthony Trombatt, Brayden Hardsock and Mason Huey each found the net once, but Butler dropped a 6-5 overtime decision to North Hills.