Tai Johnson drives the ball to the hoop for Mars during her 35-point performance against Thomas Jefferson in the PIAA Class 4A playoffs Wednesday night.

PLUM — Thomas Jefferson went cold while Mars' Tai Johnson remained red hot.

The Planets' junior guard exploded for 35 points, including nine in a pivotal fourth quarter, as Mars stayed alive in the PIAA Class 5A girls basketball playoffs with a 61-53 second-round win Wednesday at Plum High School.

“I just try to stay locked in and focused,” Johnson said. “I have confidence because I know I've put the work in. I try to translate that to playing in games.”

For more game details, read Thursday's Butler Eagle.