The Pilots (5-0), in front of a packed house Tuesday night at the Bill Fox Gymnasium, played their 2021-22 regular season home opener against Clinton Twp. Chippewa Valley. They took care of the Big Reds handedly, 76-46.

De La Salle started off the contest on an 8-0 run, and went on to outscore the Big Reds in the second quarter, 26-3. It came on the heels of 17 forced turnovers and 60 percent shooting from the field in the first half.

The Purple and Gold walked into halftime with a 46-14 advantage.

Junior Nino Smith finished with a game-high 15 points, while senior Tamario Adley contributed 10 points in the De La Salle victory. In all, 13 different DLS players recorded at least one bucket.   

After the game, Pilots head coach Gjon Djokaj labeled the win as a “complete team effort” that was defined by “suffocating defense and unselfish offense.”

“Our second unit’s getting a lot stronger,” Djokaj commented. “(Junior) Jack Yanachik’s knocking some football rust off. (Senior) A.J. Whitehead’s knocking some rust off. (Junior) Brady Drogosh is finding a role for himself.”

Djokaj also talked about freshman Phoenix Glassnor, who produced eight points against the Big Reds and 22 points in the Pilots' previous contest (against West Ottawa), coming into his own on both ends of the floor.

“Phoenix is a very special talent offensively,” Djokaj said. “His defense is starting to come around, too. So, you know, his minutes are starting to increase a little bit, and not only because of his ability to score the ball but also because of his play in transition and on defense.”

The Purple and Gold will take a week-long hiatus for Christmas, before resuming play on Tuesday, Dec. 28, against Belleville High School. The game will take place at North Farmington High School (time TBD), as part of the North Farmington Extravaganza.