Mars returns to scene of last year's loss, beats Steel Valley in quarterfinals
ROSS TWP — As Mars boys basketball coach Rob Carmody put it, his team “returned to the scene of the crime”.
Last year, the Planets saw their dream of a WPIAL title end with a 46-45 loss to Ambridge in the district quarterfinals at North Hills Middle School.
There would be no such disappointment Friday night.
Playing in the Class AAA quarterfinals again on the same floor, the Planets thoroughly dominated Steel Valley in the second half of a 67-44 victory.
Mars (19-5) advances to face Beaver Falls, which eliminated West Mifflin 94-81, in the semifinals Tuesday at a site and time to be determined.
The Planets led the Ironmen 28-21 at halftime, but allowed two baskets early in the third quarter and their advantage was cut to just three points.
“We thought about calling a timeout,” said Carmody, “but figured we have a lot of seniors on the floor, even Robby (Carmody, sophomore) has seen a lot of minutes. We decided to ride it out.”
It turned out to be a wise decision as Mars reeled off 14 unanswered points and Steel Valley (16-6) never threatened again.
The Planets shot 69 percent (9-of-13) from the floor in the third period.
“As has been the case all season, it started with defense,” said senior guard Aaron Gruber of his team's third-quarter dominance. “We got a few steals and started running. It turned into some easy shots.”
The Ironmen averaged 63 points per game during the season, but did not come close to that total against Mars.
“We get a lot of recognition for what we do offensively,” said Carmody, “but if you want to win a championship, you better play defense. I thought we did that tonight. Christian Schmitt and Aaron did a great job, made them (Ironmen) work for every point.”
Steel Valley used a 13-4 run at the start of the second quarter to tie the game at 19. That spurt included three free throws from Zai'Quan Henderson after he was fouled while attempting a shot from beyond the arc.
“We were able to slow Mars down a bit, stopped their penetration and got on the glass,” said Steel Valley coach Dale Chapman. “As long as you can stay (close), you have a chance.”
Mars answered with a surge in the final three minutes, including a pair of 3-pointers from Schmitt, which helped the Planets take the seven-point lead into halftime.
Despite leading for almost the entire first half, Carmody felt his team was too anxious at the start of the game.“The kids came out and there's the crowd .... you want your team to play with emotion, but we were playing emotionally. I thought Steel Valley was playing with poise, but I told the kids at halftime, we had not played well offensively and are still winning.”John Castello led Mars with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Robby Carmody added 13 points and Schmitt 12.Kennedy Smith scored 15 for Steel Valley.STEEL VALLEY 44Derian Smith 2 0-3 4, Dylan Smith 4 0-0 8, Kennedy Smith 6 1-2 15, Tyler Majernik 1 0-0 2, Zai'Quan Henderson 0 3-3 3, Amonte Strothers 1 2-6 4, Ja'Mier Fletcher 3 2-5 8, Ryan McCallister 0 0-1 0. Totals: 17 8-20 44.MARS 67Aaron Gruber 1 1-2 4, Alex Gruber 3 2-4 8, John Castello 8 4-4 20, Steve Castello 2 2-2 7, Ryan Giallonardo 0 1-2 1, Christian Schmitt 4 1-2 12, Robby Carmody 6 0-2 13, Nate Sablowski 1 0-0 2. Totals: 25 11-18 67.Steel Valley 6 15 12 11 — 44Mars15 13 20 19 — 673-point goals: Steel Valley 2 (K. Smith 2); Mars 6 (Schmitt 3, Aa. Gruber, S. Castello, Carmody).Tuesday: Mars vs. Beaver Falls, WPIAL Class AAA semifinal, site and time TBD
