LINN — Linn had a challenging task on Friday in the season’s first game, a 49-29 loss to defending state champion St. Elizabeth.

“It was a great game,” said Coach John Viehland. “We had moments where we looked good and moments where we looked like we needed more work and reps.”

After a four-point deficit in the first quarter, Linn trailed 12-8, and at the half, St. E led 24-13. A 16-6 third put the game effectively out of reach, though Linn won the fourth, 10-9.

Gus Peters stepped up huge in the first game of the season, going 7-12 overall, 3-4 from the three-point line, and 2-4 at the line for 19 points to lead the Wildcats.

“Others put up great shots that just weren’t falling for us,” said Viehland, as Cody Heckman added four points, Colton Leivian and Tony Peters posted two apiece, and Kahne Brandt finished with one.

Brandt posted two assists, and Preston Keilholz, Aaron Starke, Peyton Peters, Heckman, Nash Tyree, and Leivian each had one.

On the glass, Starke and Dawson Sprenger led with four rebounds each, as G. Peters and P. Peters added three apiece, Brandt, Heckman, and Leivian each grabbed two, and Tyree posted one.

Linn committed 15 turnovers, which Viehland said is “high but also pretty good for the first game of the year with a new coach, new system, and again, versus defending state champions.

“We need more patience on offense but also to be more aggressive,” he continued. “Defense looked good; just some early miscommunication in talking on rotation.”

On the defensive end, Tony Peters had a pair of blocks and a steal, as G. Peters added three steals, P. Peters recorded two, and Starke, Heckman, Tyree, Sprenger, and Leivian each pilfered one.

Viehland noted the team needs to clean up fouls as the Hornets shot 25 free throws to Linn’s 10, of which the Wildcats converted four.

“Overall, we are getting better day by day, and most importantly, they are finding love for the game of basketball,” said Viehland. “We have a lot of potential. As a coach, I have to try and get the most I can out of them each and every day.”

Linn’s JV team played well, fighting back to keep it close.