Mars Girls Youth Basketball Association’s Sixth Grade Gold Team competed in the 2026 Pennsylvania Middle School Basketball Championship, held March 14-15 in State College, Pa.

The team defeated Langhorne 39-21 and Simpson 41-15, but fell to MLGBA (Placek) 46-44 and WRA Whitpain 45-38 in two close semifinal games.

Team members are Mars Area Centennial School sixth-graders Reagan Anke, Samantha Beckert, Avery Cooper, Lila Demetris, Ella Fullerton, Ainsley Genis, Amelia Lavrinc, Hailey Rodgers and Nora Wiley, who have been together since third grade, “playing up” against older opponents in the PYBL (Pittsburgh Youth Basketball League).

In the last four years, the team has achieved an overall record of 114-14, advancing to the Pennsylvania Middle School Basketball Championship, where they earned two consecutive second place wins as well and fourth and fifth place. In PYBL play, the team earned three consecutive regular season titles and won back-to-back playoff championships.

For more information, visit www.marsgirlsyouthbasketballassociation.org.