The Bryan County boys’ basketball team came into this season with no returning starters. However, the Redskins already have winning experience.

In Saturday’s 59-55 win over Southeast Bulloch in Brooklet, the Redskins had a solid double-digit lead at one point, but BCHS head coach Randy Cooper said the game shifted when he put in less-experienced players. Southeast Bulloch trimmed the lead in the final minutes, but BCHS held off the Yellow Jackets for the season-opening victory.

“The guys did a wonderful job playing defense and rebounding the ball well,” Cooper said.

Isaiah Tillman had 21 points, while John Walker had eight points and 10 rebounds. They are two players who had significant varsity experience returning for BCHS, which is without all of the starters from last year’s team that went 20-8. Also returning from last year’s varsity squad are Terrance Pippen, Marcus Johnson and Ja’lyn James. Quran George is a senior on this year’s team.

Two key underclassmen from last year’s squad were missing as this season opened. Keyshaun Street transferred to Camden, while senior Domonique Mock is not currently with the team.

Cooper did state that game experience is a concern this season. However, despite the relative inexperience of the team, the coach likes the players’ chemistry — they bond pretty well, and most of them play football together, he said — and credited their coachability. They also like playing defense, he added.

Cooper said that the top Region 2-AA competition will come from strong teams in Long County and Benedictine, while Vidalia has reloaded.

The Redskins host Claxton on Tuesday in their first home game of the season.