Nansemond-Suffolk Academy’s boys’ basketball team has started strong under coach Larry Ward.

The Saints officially took the floor for the first time under new coach Larry Ward Thursday night. NSA dominated StoneBridge School, winning 79-17.

Ward is excited for what’s to come with his team this season. He admits loving the process of getting to know his team while knowing it will be a work in progress.

“It is a really good group of kids that are very hungry for success,” Ward said. “I believe as the season goes on, we are going to start building on what we are doing right now and hopefully continue to improve each and every day.”

NSA will have only two seniors this year, and both are returners in D.J. White and Spencer Salmon. They will be the leaders of the team and bring a competitive edge during both practices and games. George Pettaway will also bring some much-needed production as a returner this season.

“Respect is earned every day on and off the court,” Ward said of his seniors. “We hope those guys can show the younger players how to do things the right way. I think they have the ability to do that.”

Next week, the Saints will start seeing some solid competition when they take on teams like Norfolk Christian School and Norfolk Collegiate School.

“We want to play a real solid schedule and compete at a high level,” Ward said. “You start to learn a lot about your team when you are playing quality games back to back, and we will get a chance to do that here soon and as the year progresses.”

It all starts on the defensive end for the Saints. Each night, NSA wants to do a good job of defending and pressuring the ball. They go by the motto of “one shot and done” and then go get good looks on the offensive end.

“These guys are starting to get a feel for what I expect, and I am getting a feel for their talent level,” Ward said. “We are looking forward to playing some good basketball.”