The Chemainus Cougars senior boys basketball team will be returning to action after the holiday break on a high after winning its first game of the season before Christmas.
The Cougars defeated Nanaimo Christian School 51-36 on home court Dec. 17.
The Cougars held Nanaimo Christian to just five points in the first half, opening up a huge 29-5 lead. But the momentum changed in the third quarter, with Nanaimo Christian outscoring Chemainus 25-10 to make a game of it.
However, the Cougars were still well ahead at that stage and padded the margin to 15 at the end.
CJ Loranger held the hot hand with 26 points, including four three-pointers. Austin Webb and Mark Harris contributed nine points each while Mac Rennie had three and Shammie Mahon and Joe Klatt-LeBlanc added two each to complete the scoring.
The Cougars went 19 for 48 in field goal shooting and fell just under 50 per cent at eight for 17 from the free throw line.
Rebounding totals were impressive with 40 on the defensive end and 11 on offense. Seven steals and six blocks accentuated the defensive effort.
The Cougars committed 13 turnovers.
The team returns to home court next Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. against Gagliardi and then plays at Duncan Christian School Thursday, Jan. 16.
The Chemainus Cougars midget boys host Quamichan Thursday, Jan. 9 in their first game of 2020.