It was a rough start to the new year for the Washington Demon boys’ basketball team (1-6) last week. The Demons were on the wrong side of lopsided losses to Southeast Conference foes Fort Madison Tuesday (72-59) and Mount Pleasant Friday (86-36). Washington will step out of conference play tonight when they host the West Liberty Comets (4-5). The Comets won last year’s meeting, 58-51.

Washington enters the game on a four-game losing streak. However, the Demons continue to show balanced scoring with eight players contributing 24 or more points this season. Jaivonn Willis is the team’s leading scorer with 59 points, and his 36 rebounds are tied with John Dillon for the most on the squad. Jack Redlinger has posted 43 points, while Dalton Myers and Tanner Coleman tallied 42 points each. Washington’s defense is allowing 66.2 points per game, the fourth-highest mark in the league.

It’s been a week since West Liberty played their last game, beating the Wilton Beavers (1-10), 52-51. The Comets have won four of their nine contests this winter, and are led by a pair of brothers. Noah Feldman leads the Comets with 122 points scored, 72 rebounds grabbed, 25 assists, 18 blocks, and 17 steals. Seth Feldman ranks second on the squad with 107 points, 51 rebounds, 20 assists and five blocks.

The varsity game will tip off at 7:45 p.m. at Washington High School.