The Wildcats started strong and held on for a win over the Vikings in the finals of the Neshannock Tipoff Tournament.

Shenango (2-0) raced to a 17-6 lead after one stanza and maintained a 34-24 buffer at the break.

“I’m real pleased overall,” Wildcats coach Bob McQuiston said. “I thought we came out and played hard. You always want to start the season on a positive note. To start with two wins is a key.

“We wanted to get off to a quick start in this game and we got after it and did a good job of that.”

Ryan Smith supplied a team-high 22 points for Shenango, 10 coming in the opening period. Brenton Booher added 20 markers for the winners and Christian O’Hara netted 12.

Matt Benson pulled down a team-high 12 rebounds for the victors and O’Hara handed out five assists.

Cole Meeker delivered a game-best 30 points for Hopewell, 14 coming in the third quarter.

Smith and Booher made the all-tournament team for Shenango.