The Warrenton boys basketball team has been busy this summer. 

The Warriors participated in a summer league at Union High School. Every Monday in June, they joined schools from across Missouri in 30-minute half-court games. Warrenton wrapped up Union Summer League play on June 23.

Coach Mark Thomas said the league was a success, noting it gave the team insight to see how they performed without last year’s seniors. 

“We’re getting to see who we are and what we need,” Thomas said. “We have a lot of size, which is new for us. Across our team, we have a lot of guys who are over 6-foot-3, so now it’s trying to find and utilize offenses that will be conducive to having that much size out on the floor.” 

The league has also allowed Warrenton to test out some new things. Specifically, the Warriors tried quick perimeter shots which allowed the post players to secure offensive rebounds. 

“We’re shooting it a little quicker than normal. We’re not being so focused on coming down and running offense,” Thomas said. “That’s a little different for us because we’re normally a little more pace controlled, but I think they’re enjoying it.” 

Thomas added the team is getting solid numbers and some new promising talent. 

“We have a senior with us again and he’ll be helpful. We have some sophomores that are playing up during the summer to get them some varsity minutes and it's just a way for them to get a taste early,” he said. 

Thomas said overall, the league served as a low stakes, but beneficial opportunity. 

“It’s a learning experience and that’s what I try to tell them – if we lose a game, it’s time to learn,” Thomas said. “It’s so we can see what we could have done better, see what the team did really well in and look at the things that we need to work on.”