CHANUTE ? Veritas Christian’s boys basketball team jumped out to a commanding first-half lead and cruised, 59-26, past a rebuilding Chanute Christian team on Tuesday.

“It was a great opening game for us,” Veritas coach Doug Bennett said. “I really felt like we executed our plays well and we got to work on a few things so when we go into our preseason tournament this weekend, we’ll have a little experience behind us.”

Mark Randtke led the Eagles’ balanced scoring attack with 17 points. Micah Barclay and Shawn Rebman chipped in 8 apiece.

Veritas jumped to a 19-2 lead after one quarter and led 37-4 at halftime. In all, nine different players scored for the Eagles (1-0), who now prepare for the Shea Invitational Tournament in Manhattan starting Thursday.

Veritas girls win debut

Chanute – Kristie Tiegreen scored 18 points and snared 24 rebounds as the Veritas Christian girls basketball team opened its inaugural varsity season with a 48-44 victory over Chanute Christian.

Adi Willems added 14 points, 16 rebounds and three steals, and Marteka Carlton had 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Veritas (1-0) will play Olathe Berean Academy at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Shea Invitational in Manhattan.