While the White River High boys basketball squad had to wait until almost the end of 2008 for its first sweet sip from the chalice of conquest, the season’s initial win finally came when the Hornets traveled to Washington for a nonleague challenge Dec. 30 and throttled the Patriots 72-53.

The loss was 5-0 Washington’s initial setback of the season and White River coach Bill Hawk hopes the win will provide impetus and be a harbinger of things to come in 2009.

“It was nice to finally have a taste of victory,” Hawk said. “If we keep improving every week like we have been, I think we are going to start filling up that left side column with Ws.”

White River’s cagers engaged in another nonleague game Tuesday night with Timberline. Results of that match came too late to include here, but the Hornets roll out the red carpet for Bonney Lake at 7 p.m. Friday when they will renew the league campaign.

“Bonney Lake is a lot like we are,” Hawk said, “they have to work hard for everything they get.” The Panthers also had recorded one victory before Tuesday.

In its premiere triumph, White River had balanced scoring as four of its five starters recorded double digits. Starting backcourt ace Chad Sayler racked up 10 points, 11 assists and five rebounds. Kenneth Thomas managed his usual double-figure scoring, contributing 10 points while leading the Hornets with a half dozen rebounds.

Nolan Gibson and Casey Zimmer helped WRHS jump to a 37-26 advantage at intermission as they combined for 37 points, going 7-for-12 and 6-for-8 from the floor, respectively.

Reach John Leggett at jleggett@courierherald.com or 360-802-8207.