It was a better start to the basketball season than anyone at Verbena would have imagined.

With new coaches for the boys and girls teams—and with both of those squads missing several important players from last season—both sets of Red Devils began their seasons Tuesday with wins over visiting Thorsby in an exciting atmosphere at a packed VHS gymnasium.

Verbena’s girls’ 34-31 victory over the Rebels was the first for any Devil on the roster, and senior Marqueska Deramus has been playing since she was in the seventh grade.

Deramus led the effort with a game-high 24 points, two of which gave the hosts a 34-28 lead with 1:10 remaining on the clock to ice the game.

First-year coach Nicole Ivey said she is fortunate that seven of her eight players return with varsity experience.

“All eight of them stepped up and played at a higher level than I knew they could,” she said.

Thorsby’s Sharonda Cooper posted a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Like the girls game, the boys game was close and competitive throughout.

THS led by as many as four points, on a Houston Daniel 3-pointer with about 2 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

The game was tied with about 2 minutes left in the fourth quarter when Verbena’s Fred Wright drained a couple of 3’s and T.J. Ray stole the ball at midcourt and finished for a 49-41 lead that the Rebels would not threaten.

The final score was 50-44.

Wright had 16 points for VHS, and Ray had 15 points.

Daniel led all scorers with 17 points.

Thorsby hosts Fayetteville on Thursday, while Verbena hosts Billingsley on Friday.