The Naperville North Huskies boys basketball team started off the season with the annual Hoops for Healing tournament last night against Hinsdale Central.

The Huskies (1-0, 0-0) defeated the Red Devils (0-1, 0-0) by a score of 63-50.

Naperville North ended last season with a super-sectional loss after winning sectionals for the first time in 19 years, and senior Chris Johnson (13 points, 10 rebounds) definitely believes the team can get back to the same spot this season.

“The great thing about last season is that we are returning eight or nine guys, and all we have brought in our guys that can run the system [that we play]… we did lose some guys, but we’ve got our system and we know we can step up when we need to,” Johnson said.

The Huskies came out of the gate strong with an 8-0 run to start the game, forcing Hinsdale Central to burn a timeout early in the ballgame.

“It’s always a good thing to get a good start and get the rhythm going, especially since it’s our first game.” Head Coach Jeff Powers said.

Junior Thomas Welch (20 points, 7 assists, 2 blocks) led the way for the Huskies in scoring and was very active on the defensive end. Welch, a consistent contributor on both sides of the ball, has recently stepped up as a leader of team.

“We did lose a lot of seniors last year, and me and Chris are the only returning starters, so I had to step up, and he did too. You just gotta lead by example,” Welch said.

Naperville North has a few new faces on its varsity roster this year, include senior transfer Jared McIntyre. McIntyre had a strong debut as a Naperville North Huskie (7 points, 3 rebounds), and feels he fits well into the program.

“The team welcomed me really well, we’ve all just been putting 100% into every day, getting back on defense, and the chemistry is definitely going up,” McIntyre said.

The Huskies play West Aurora tomorrow night at home, and finishes off the week playing Oswego Wednesday night before their playoff matchup on Friday. Both of the games will be played at Oswego East High School.

Proceeds from the Hoops for Healing tournament go towards Camp Hope and Edward Hospital’s Cancer Center. To donate, click here.