The Chinook Sugarbeeter boys basketball team took on the Big Sandy Pioneers Friday night in the District 9C opener for both teams. The 'Beeters were looking to get in the win column for the first time this season and gave the Pioneers their best shot early on. In the end it was Big Sandy that took a 67-52 win over the 'Beeters. Saturday the boys faced the Box Elder Bears in their home opener and just couldn't keep up with the visitors. Box Elder opened up a 10 point lead early and went on to defeat the Sugarbeeters 89-69.

Friday night in Big Sandy the 'Beeters found themselves in a battle early on. Junior Jackson Norboe scored six points early on and sophomore Landen Beck knocked a triple down. The Pioneers had a bit more success early on and took a 21-14 lead into the second quarter of action.

Sophomore Carson Nissen connected from distance and senior Brenden Fetter scored five more before the break, but the Pioneers maintained a 32-24 lead at the break.

Chinook continued to try and claw back into the contest in the third quarter but were unable to trim anything off the lead. Instead Big Sandy increased their lead 47-35 heading into the final eight minutes of action.

Nordboe scored nine down the stretch but it wasn't enough. Big Sandy closed out the 'Beeters and collected a 67-52 win. Norboe led Chinook with 19 points in the contest. Fetter added 10 to the 'Beeter total.

Saturday in their home opener the 'Beeters found themselves in a track meet. Chinook was able to score effectively but on the defensive end the Bears had their way. Beck and Fetter each scored five first quarter points but the Bears held a 27-18 advantage after one quarter of action.

Fetter netted eight more points before the half but the offense managed just 12 while giving up 28 to the Bears. Trailing the Bears 55-30 to start the third quarter the 'Beeters did their best to score and did so to some degree. Box Elder however continued to operate at a high level and pulled away to secure a 89-69 win over the 'Beeters.

Fetter led the 'Beeters offensively with 29 points in the contest. Beck finished with 12 in the loss. Chinook will host the Hays/Lodge Pole Thunderbirds today as they close out 2022.