HAMPTON TWP — One down, three to go.

Mars' boys basketball team claimed its sixth straight section championship, winning this one outright with a 57-44 victory at Hampton Friday night.

The Planets (17-4, 11-1) had clinched at least a share of the title with a win over Chartiers Valley on Tuesday. Friday's win denied Moon a piece of the crown.

But as senior guard Robby Carmody explained, it is only one of several things the Planets aim to achieve.

“Winning the section is the first goal on our list every year,” he said. “The others are winning all of our home games, winning WPIAL and then state. We crossed one thing off our list tonight and have a chance to get another against Shenango (Monday).”

Carmody, a University of Notre Dame recruit who is averaging 30-plus points per game, was joined by guards Cade Hetzler and Andrew Recchia as returning starters from last year's team.

“We knew what we had coming back in those guys,” said Mars coach Rob Carmody, “but Michael (Carmody) and Brandon (Caruso) have stepped in as starters and given us a lot of flexibility on defense. Brandon is a top-flight defender and Michael is 6-6, 260 pounds, but is athletic enough to defend on the perimeter.”

Caruso said he felt the pressure of stepping into a starting role on a perennial power.

“It was there,” he admitted, “but I got enough playing time last year that I felt comfortable becoming a starter.”

“I think we've meshed well,” said Robby Carmody. “The younger guys have matured and we've grown as a team.”

During its current run of success, Mars has made it as far as the semifinals in district play and played for a state championship two years ago.

“If we want to be playing well into March this season, it's not going to be just Robby or Cade or Andrew,” Carmody said. “We're going to be as good as the entire team plays.”

Rob Carmody remembers some lean years for Planet basketball.

“When I took over 20 years ago, we had three guys come to our first open gym,” he said. “Now here we are winning the section for the sixth straight year.

“All of the players and their families sacrifice for Mars basketball,” he added. “It cuts into holidays, Christmas and Thanksgiving. I know I couldn't have done this all these years without the support of my wife, Stephanie. She doesn't complain.”

MARS 57

Cade Hetzler 2 0-0 5, Michael Carmody 5 0-1 11, Andrew Recchia 2 3-4 7, Robby Carmody 12 8-12 34, Brandon Caruso 0 0-0 0, Luke Morrissey 0 0-0 0, Connor Amsler 0 0-0 0. Totals: 21 11-17 57.

HAMPTON 44

Adam Bittner 1 1-1 3, Will Schuit 1 0-0 3, Isaac DeGregorio 3 1-3 8, Colby Mignogna 5 1-2 11, Ryan Dayton 1 1-4 3, Josh Winek 5 2-2 14, Kyle Constantakis 1 0-0 2. Totals: 17 6-12 44.

Mars 12 18 14 13 — 57

Hampton8 11 9 16 — 44

3-point goals: Mars 4 (R. Carmody 2, M. Carmody, Hetzler); Hampton 4 (Winek 2, DeGregorio, Schuit).

Monday: Shenango at Mars