Before the season, Pioneer coach Chris Sullens had benchmarks he wanted his team to achieve. Among those, 20 wins became a barometer of success.
Warren County is now halfway there.
The Pioneers improved to 10-2 Monday night, defeating Cannon County 66-52 to sweep the season series against the Lions.
"We're 10-2 and I really like where we are offensively. Defensively, we have to get better and have to be tougher mentally and physically," said Sullens. "We're confident as a team. The program is better than when I took over and it's because of the type of guys we've had and the ones who are here currently.
"We know we will be competitive on a nightly basis."
Four Pioneers scored in double figures, led by Irving Espinoza's 17 points. It was Espinoza's ninth game in double figures, tied for the team lead with seniors Isaiah Grayson and Chance Hobbs. Hobbs scored 11 Monday, while Tyree Ladet scored 15 and Sloan Seymour added 12.
Warren County had a banner night from behind the arc, sinking 12 en route to the big victory. During an extended span in the second half, Warren County's only points came from the 3-point line. The Pioneers hit seven 3-pointers while growing a halftime advantage into a 54-33 blowout entering the fourth quarter.
"We executed early and played well for three quarters. We had a good shooting rhythm and were getting good looks," said Sullens. "We went into a lull late and kinda let them close the gap."
The Pioneers have been waiting on a night where their shooters all got hot at the same time. Monday in Woodbury, Warren County caught fire.
Seymour started the 3-point parade with a pair of triples in the second quarter, while Ladet drilled one as well.
Espinoza followed suit in the third quarter, showing off his ability to hit 3-pointers in different ways. The shifty sophomore guard came off screens, spotted up and fired off the dribble while drilling three triples in the third quarter. Hobbs chipped in with two more, part of night where the Pioneers had four different players connect on three 3-pointers.
Cannon County tried to claw back in the fourth quarter, but Grayson and Raven Lewandowski helped shut the door with late layups.
Coach Sullens believes his group is well on its way to making a statement this season, and winning on the road shows the maturity of his group.
"I'm proud of our guys. Cannon County is a tough place to play and they have a lot of size and athleticism," said Sullens. "This is a proud senior group. They have a chance to win 60-plus games in their time here and the younger group is trying to push for 80.
"These guys take the court looking to represent this community in a postive manner and put a great product on the floor."
Warren County will try to keep rolling this Thursday when it takes part in the White County Christmas tournament. The Pioneers open play at 2:30 p.m. Thursday with a matchup against 10-4 Clarkrange. The Pioneers will also play Friday and Saturday.
