The Charles Hays Rainmakers junior boys basketball team started their season over the weekend.
The team played two exhibition games at the Charles Hays gym, winning both games against the visiting team from Caledonia.
The team dominated play in both games winning by 30 plus points in each game.
The first game was a decisive victory with the Rainmakers coming out on top by a final score of 79-41.
Although the victory was a convincing one, head coach Kevin Sawka said there was room for improvement.
“Game One was a little ragged at times… We played a little tight at times and just wanted a few plays a little too much,” Sawka said.
The team dominated the second quarter with a stretch of superior play leading to a 31-3 run for the junior boys Rainmakers.
Rylan Adams and Caden Pagens led the way for the Rainmakers scoring 25 and 17 points respectively.
The second game of the back to back yielded almost an identical result to the first game.
The Rainmakers routed Caledonia 79-44. Strong performances throughout the lineup highlighted this win. A win that despite the fact they gave up more points was an overall improvement for the team.
“The guys were more relaxed, confident, and played a lot looser,” Sawka said, “We moved the ball inside and out very well and found open shooters who did their job and knocked down shots with confidence.”
Coach Sawka saw his offence clicking in the second game, with more efficient shooting than they had previously shown, but the defensive side of the ball needed improvements.
“Our defence was sharper, but still needs some work,” Sawka said.
Familiar culprits led the way in the second game, with Adams and Pagens leading the team in scoring yet again, scoring 16 and 22 points respectively.
After a strong start in the season the junior boys look ahead to the weekend when they travel to Prince George on Dec. 6, for the Roadrunner Tournament.