The Pioneers tamed the Tigers from DeKalb County at the Dalt on Monday night to open their official season with a bang. 

WCHS head coach Chris Sullens emptied the bench in a lopsided 60-27 victory over a young DeKalb County team.

The star of the game for Warren County was Dee Spates, who was active all over the floor. Spates led Warren County with 18 points and he was hustling on both ends of the court. Spates is the Pioneer point guard, and he created plays for his teammates by driving the lane and making sharp passes. 

Spates was also very effective with his quickness on the boards. He often followed teammates’ missed shots with rebounds and quick putbacks for scores. Spates was fun to watch.

Spates scored eight of his 18 points in the first quarter. C.J. Taylor made three of four free throws in the first quarter. Aiden Cummings and Kaden Rutledge each contributed two points in the opening quarter. The first quarter ended with the Pioneers having 15 points and a five-point lead.

The Pioneers increased their lead in second quarter and led at halftime 25-15. They put the game away for good in the third quarter with an 18-point lead. The game was never in doubt, which was a relief for Pioneer fans who saw the Pioneers unable to create significant separation in their first two games.

The big lead gave coach Sullens the opportunity to do things that he has not been able to do previous to the season – evaluate talent. COVID-19 eliminated summer scrimmages and practice times in the fall. Game experience for the bench will help the Pioneers as the season progresses with tough district games.

Brayden Antoniak was DeKalb’s top scorer with eight points. Luke Jennings was the Tigers second leading scorer with seven points. DeKalb County lost key seniors from last year’s team, and their coaches see this as a rebuilding year. 

After playing Cannon County last night, the Pioneers are off for Thanksgiving. They return to action on the road against Coffee County on Monday. 

BOYS

WCHS 60

DEKALB COUNTY    27

Pioneer Scoring

Dee Spates 18, Kaden Rutledge 12, Aiden Cummings 6, C.J. Taylor 5, Eli Kuykendall 5, Nate Elrod 5, Tyler Dunn 3, Braylon Grayson 2, Aaron Ashburn 2, Keldrick Cox 2