The St. Bernard’s Crusaders took care of business in their opening game at the Mt. Shasta tournament on Thursday afternoon, as they get set for a big early-season test on Friday. 

The Crusaders opened the tournament against Etna and won 72-32.

Also in action on Thursday, a couple of freshmen impressed for the Fortuna Huskies at the Redwood Empire Invitational tournament in Healdsburg as they won their opener, defeating Ukiah 49-34. 

Also on Thursday, the Ferndale Wildcats continued their impressive start to the new season with an opening-day win at the Weaverville Holiday Classic.

The Cats opened against Willows and won comfortably 52-14.

Macie Wantt and CJ Figas led the Crusaders at Mt. Shasta with a team-high 14 points each, as the SB girls improved to 3-2.

Leah Stevens also impressed and added 11 points, while Carli Baum finished with 10 points and Samantha Sundberg chipped in nine points.

Next up, the Crusaders will play a good Weed team in the tournament semifinals at 4 p.m. on Friday.

The Weed girls are 7-0.

The Huskies, meanwhile, got a boost from a pair of freshmen at the Healdsburg tournament.

Kaleya Parkinson and Olivia Powell each scored eight points in the win, as the Fortuna girls improved to 5-1.

Senior Macee Marquez also had a big game in the win and scored a team-high 14 points.

It was a good early-season performance by the Huskies, although it was far from perfect as they continue to prepare for league play in the new year.

“The team played well for most of the game,” Fortuna head coach Tom Chapman said. “Their intensity was good, but we must get better protecting the ball.

“Overall, we are making progress.”

Next up, the Huskies will play Justin-Siena on Friday at 7 p.m.

Ferndale 52, Willows 14

The Wildcats improved to 1-0 in tournament play and 3-1 on the season with a lopsided win.

Michaela Ellsmore continued her impressive start to the new campaign with a game-high in points.

The senior standout scored 18, while Gianna Regli added 12 points and Tinnley Pidgeon chipped in 11 points.

“We’re playing all-around good team basketball right now,” Ferndale head coach Chris Ardrey said. “It’s fun. The girls are buying in.”

Early in the new season, Ardrey is still trying to find his fifth and sixth options, but a couple of young players — freshman Abagail Gossi and sophomore Claire Renner — are stepping up to the challenge and making some key contributions.

Next up, the Wildcats will continue tournament play against Modoc on Friday at 4 p.m.