Mars Girls Youth Basketball Association’s Fifth Grade Gold Team earned first place in the 2025 Lady Panthers Classic, held Feb. 28-March 2 at Battlefield Sports Complex (Export, Pa.).

The team defeated Penn Trafford (31-21); Plum (20-7); and, in the championship game, Norwin (30-10). In addition, the team earned another golden ticket to the Pennsylvania Middle School Basketball Championship, which they will compete in 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 or  www.tourneymachine.com/Public/Results/Division.aspx?IDTournament=h2025012515370768937a4a4bcd7584b&IDDivision=h202501251851354971c11440af24640.