The Loggers overcame a slow start on the way to a season-opening victory in boys basketball on Tuesday night.

Eureka welcomed Hoopa to Jay Willard Gymnasium for a foundation game and prevailed 69-56.

And while it took the Eureka players a little while to settle down, when they did they got some good contributions from throughout the roster.

“It was a good game to get our feet wet and get going,” Eureka head coach Jimmy Rodgers said. “It was a slow start for us, but once we got rid of the nerves everything started to click.”

Junior Xavier De La Rosa Alcantara began the new season with an impressive showing and led the home team in scoring with 22 points.

Senior Malakai McCoy also had a game-high 22 points for Hoopa.

“That kid can shoot,” Rodgers said of the Hoopa standout, who shot 45 percent from downtown as a junior.

Senior Owen Hiscox also impressed for the hosts and added 12 points, while several bench players played key roles in the win.

Sophomore Brayden Bermers and senior Michael Roland each added 11 points off the bench for the Loggers.

“Michael Roland came off the bench and had some nice rebounds and put backs,” Rodgers said of the senior, who also had eight rebounds. “He had a phenomenal game.”

Junior Fisher Osborne also had a good game for Eureka and looks set to play a key role in the paint this season.

The game was tied 18-18 after the opening quarter but the Loggers began to take control in the second period and led by seven at halftime.

“I thought we made some good choices, and defensively we stayed out of foul trouble, and we got some crucial, crucial steals and turnovers,” Rodgers added. 

Next up for the Loggers is their annual alumni game on Friday night at 7:30 p.m., a game that will feature several of last year’s Loggers, before a trip to play Santa Rosa on Saturday evening at 6:30.

Next up for Hoopa is a home game against Del Norte, also on Friday night at 6:30.