Despite having only six short practices before the Warrenton boys basketball team opened up season play, the Warriors are off to a 2-0 record after defeating Union 51-43 on Dec. 13.

“I figured we’d drop one of these two. We’re still behind conditioning-wise and behind on our defensive schemes, decision making. We haven’t been able to do any time in sports type scenarios in practice,” Head Coach Mark Thomas said. “So, I’m happy with where they are. This team really battles and they’re listening.”

The Warriors have had a fast start to the season despite losing key seniors from last year, with players such as Deadrick Forrest and Taylor Anderson leading the team in scoring.

In Warrenton’s win against Union, Anderson recorded 15 points while Forrest tallied 14. Eli Peth, Mason Thompson and Brodey Meier all totaled six points apiece.

“We played a balanced game. We tried to use everybody on the floor. We really play through the coast if we can and when Taylor’s playing that way, it’s good to get a win because everybody’s going to double down and the other guys have opportunities,” Thomas said.

The Warriors were up at the end of each quarter (11-10, 28-15, 39-25). With less than two minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Union was able to close the deficit by six points to make the score 44-38. However, Warrenton made seven free throws down the stretch to secure the win.

“Our decision making has to get a little better and taking care of these unforced turnovers late that didn’t need to be there, which allowed them to get back in there,” Thomas said.

The team is missing a couple of players due to injuries, including Evan Schenck and Brandon Johnson. Thomas is hoping to see both of them healthy soon.

“[Evan’s] been a key guy for us in the past and we hope to use him in the future but he’s got a pretty severe ankle sprain,” Thomas said. “He’s working his butt off to rehab it but it could be another three or four weeks.”

Thomas noted the conditioning has been getting better and the team is getting more acclimated.

“We do a lot of running in practice to try and get us built up as fast as we can be,” Thomas said. “Having a lot of athletes out there helps. We have guys on the bench ready if they need it, but if we’re controlling the base when it’s offensive time then we get a little rest.”

The Warriors will play next at Wright City on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.

“I’m happy for the guys. I think we rebounded better than the first game and that’s got to continue because the schedule doesn’t get easier as we go,” Thomas said.