Mars Fightin' Planets (Mars, PA) backers were pleased Thursday as they saw their basketball squad hold off the host North Hills Indians (Pittsburgh, PA), 50-44 in a league bout.

With the victory, Mars upgrades its record to 8-2 on the campaign. The Fightin' Planets host New Castle (New Castle, PA) to play the Hurricanes in a WPIAL 5A 2 bout on Monday, January 16. The Hurricanes come into the bout with a record of 2-5. New Castle won 38-37 in their recent non-league bout against Farrell (Farrell, PA)

Next up, the Indians play the Hampton Talbots (Allison Park, PA) in a WPIAL 5A 2 bout, on Monday, January 16. North Hills will attempt to upgrade on its 4-8 season record. The Talbots come into the bout with a 7-5 record after their 41-32 league win over Shaler Area (Pittsburgh, PA).