Mars Girls Youth Basketball Association’s Fifth Grade Girls Gold Basketball Team earned first place in the 2025 Pittsburgh Youth Basketball League (PYBL) Best in the Burgh tournament, held Feb. 8.  

The team defeated Plum (29-14), North Allegheny (28-11) and, in the championship game, Pine Richland (38-22). In addition, the team earned a second golden ticket to the Pennsylvania State Middle School Basketball Championship, to be held March 14-16 in State College, Pa.

Team members include Mars Area Centennial School fifth-graders Reagan Anke, Samantha Beckert, Avery Cooper, Lila Demetris, Ainsley Genis, Amelia Lavrinc, Hailey Rodgers and Nora Wiley.

For details, visit www.marsgirlsyouthbasketballassociation.org.