The Royals basketball teams started off the new year right, defeating the Lambton Lions in a pair of games Thursday night in the 2018 openers. Redeemer handled both of their opponents from Sarnia on the road to kick-start the 2nd semester.

The Lady Royals jumped out to a huge early lead, 24-8, and cruised to a 61-41 victory over the winless Lions. Rookie Shania Graham led the way with 24 points. The Royals led the entire game and held Lambton to just 1 point in the 3rd quarter.

With the win, Redeemer's record jumped to 4-6 while Lambton's dropped to 0-11.

In the men's game, Redeemer's Rayvon Higdon poured in a game-high 26 points, while newcomer Jacobus Vanderpol added 17, as the Royals defeated the Lions 87-77.  Lambton controlled the pace in the first half, leading 39-34 at the half, before the Royals took over in the 3rd. Redeemer outscored the Lions 32-20 in the frame, en-route to the 10 point victory.

The Royals improved their record to 9-1 while the Lions fell to 6-4.

Both Redeemer basketball squads will have over a week off before getting back to action. The Royals welcome the Fanshawe Falcons next Friday to open up their 2018 home schedule.