Sometimes with season openers, a coach never knows what to expect when the team actually hits the floor. Dugway boys basketball can only hope to keep up the play that they exhibited in a dominating 72-33 win over Intermountain Christian Tuesday night at Dugway High School.

Morgan Kartchner had 12 points in the first quarter to lead the way for the Mustangs and finished with 18 in the game. Jackson Jones also contributed 16 points in the 39-point blowout victory.

Dugway started out with a stifling full court press defense that created early opportunities for the Mustangs. A Zachary James three-point play and a tip in by Kartchner gave Dugway an early 5-0 lead. However, Intermountain Christian fought right back to tie it at 5-5, but things changed from there.

Just under three minutes into the game the Mustangs built an impressive run against the Lions. Two three-point baskets and a pair of layups helped Kartchner score 10 consecutive points by himself en route to 23-2 run for Dugway to end the first quarter with a 28-7 lead.

“Even with the lead we forced too many lackadaisical passes and need to get better in our set offense,” said head coach George Bruce. “We did great on fast breaks but we can’t expect that every night.”

The second quarter was a little more even. Intermountain Christian came out looking to be more aggressive on defense but their offense still struggled to get the ball past Dugway’s press. Jones continued to wreak havoc on Intermountain Christian guards, creating fast-break layups for himself, as he had six points in the quarter. Dugway went into halftime up 38-15.

Coming out in the second half, Dugway didn’t look like a team with a 23-point lead. Kartchner and Jones continued their assault on the Lions, scoring six each in the quarter. Halfway through the third quarter, the regular starters got the chance to cheer on the bench instead of play as the younger players got some court time.

Dugway showed their impressive depth as they didn’t give an inch to Intermountain Christian, building a 58-25 lead heading into the final quarter.

The visiting Lions could not muster a rally to bring the score any closer as Dugway coasted in the fourth quarter for a 72-33 victory. Nine players scored for the Mustangs in the game. Dakota Woolett and Jeremiah Kolb also scored in double-digits for Dugway with 11 and 10 respectively.

Looking for things to improve on does not come easy in a 39-point win but coach Bruce found a couple. “We need to do a better job reacting on defense,” said Bruce. “At times we were just waiting for their offense to come to us instead of us confronting them.”

Dugway (1-0) will host Milford on Dec. 4 at 6 p.m.

Jake Gordon: jgordon@tooeletranscript.com