STATE CENTER — The West Marshall boys’ basketball team won its season opener for the first time since 2017, holding off Iowa Falls-Alden 43-35 in Monday’s non-conference clash.

The Trojans led from the outside, jumping out to a 16-7 lead after the opening quarter. Iowa Falls-Alden rallied in the third quarter by holding West Marshall to just three points, but the Trojans finished off their first season-opening win since beating AGWSR on Dec. 1, 2017.

AJ Dee scored a team-high 13 points for West Marshall, while Lucas Barnes began with a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds. Cash Johnston also scored 10 points in the win.

Kale Kalous scored a game-high 21 points to pace the visiting Cadets, who had won five straight in the series.

West Marshall’s four-game opening week continues with Tuesday’s Heart of Iowa Conference opener at home against PCM.