Coach Ebert Records First Win as Interim Head Coach

The Nelson Warriors continued their torrid start to their season, moving to 5-1 with a strong 92-65 victory over the visiting Pacific Union Pioneers on Thursday afternoon at the Scott Activity Center. The Warriors continued their early-season trend of wire-to-wire victories when they jumped out to an 8-0 lead, never looking back and never letting their opponent back in. "Our guys started out focused and maintained their focus and energy throughout the game," said interim head coach Kole Ebert who recorded his first victory at the helm of the club. "We had tremendous contributions across the entire roster today. Everyone pitched in on defense, our shot selection was excellent, and we managed to limit our turnovers. It was an all-around solid game for us."

The Warriors shot a sizzling 61.3% from the field in the first half, including 57.1% from beyond the arc. Tommy Randolph finished with 16 points and 2 rebounds in 24 minutes, but early in the game electrified the crowd with an rim-rattling slam dunk. "Tommy's slam was massive!" said Kevin Miller, Vice President for Student Development, Professor, and fan. "I have always marveled seeing players fly in basketball gyms. That was one of the most impressive dunks I have ever seen in person." Zaveion Bineyard scored 10 of the team's final 15 points to end the first half, in which they outscored the Pioneers 16-4 over the final 4:28.

Bineyard would eventually lead all scorers with 25 points on a scorching 11-16 from the field, including a three-pointer with less than a minute left in the first half, but also played a well-rounded game, grabbing 7 rebounds, dishing out 5 assists, blocking 3 shots, and snagging one steal. Rob Jenkins fell just one rebound shy of a double-double, finishing with 21 points, 9 rebounds, along with 6 assists. Tommy Randolph did a lot of his scoring damage from the free throw line where he finished 6-7, finishing with 16 points and 2 rebounds.

Kyle Durham led the Pioneers with 17 points while D'Montay Warner finished with 12 points and 8 rebounds.

The Warriors next play on the road at the Arizona Christian Firestorm on November 20, at 6pm.

How does it feel for Coach Ebert get his first victory as head coach? "It feels great. It really does. But this season does not boil down to just one win. Our goal is much greater. The guys deserve to feel good about this one, but tomorrow we get back to work. Arizona Christian is going to be a tough matchup and we have to be ready. We will be ready."