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It is hard to play good basketball when you don’t get the chance to practice much, just ask new Noxon coach Ben Johnson and his Red Devils.

The Red Devils finally opened the COVID-19-delayed season with a game at Plains Friday and lost to the Horsemen 47-45.

The Devils went into that game after canceling their first two games and then having no practices last week due to COVID-19 protocols. Johnson felt his team performed well given those circumstances.

“The kids gave me a 32-minute effort,” Johnson said. “I will take it as a win inside of a loss.”

In spite of the lack of practice, the Devils built a 24-21 lead by halftime. Plains took control of the game with a 15-7 win of the third quarter and then held on to win.

Jeriko Smith-Roach led the Devils against Plains with 13 points, Derreck Christensen scored 10, Wyatt Lackner eight, Nate Cano seven, Brody Hill four and Cade VanVleet three.

See other story for Plains scoring.

Johnson is hopeful that the virus delays are now done. “Knock on wood, we are hoping to get our games played this weekend,” he said.

The Devils are set to visit Hot Springs Friday and will host Clark Fork Saturday.