The Warriors opened the season this weekend with a tournament at Donegal High School.

This was the first real test for new head coach Andy Shelow.

“I felt pretty calm,” said Shelow. “I’ve been around these guys for a long time, and I’ve been around the varsity program for a long time…I was most surprised that I was more excited than I was nervous.”

The Warriors were able to make a few runs, but their efforts weren’t enough to knock off the Indians, as they lost 59-45.

Senior guard Josh Smiley believes he knows why they fell short.

“We ended up beating ourselves that game,” said Smiley. “We turned the ball over too much, and our defense was too loose.”

Susky returned to Donegal the next day for a constellation match against the Palmyra Cougars.

The Warriors were in control most of the game, but a clutch shot from Cougars’ forward Nick Jelliff forced the game into overtime as time expired in regulation.

However, a few key defensive stops and converted free throws helped seal the deal in a rather dominant overtime period for the Warriors.

Senior guard Hunter Sentz remained calm at the free throw line all night.

“I just focus on keeping the same routine as always when I’m at the line,” said Sentz. “I don’t focus on how important the free throws are because I’ll put too much pressure on myself. I just focus on the basket and making the shot.”

Susky’s defense started clicking for the Warriors that night as they left the gym with a 51-45 victory.

The Warriors will begin division play December 12 when they take on the visiting York Suburban Trojans (0-1).