The Pawnee Coyotes improved their overall record to 6-3 this weekend with wins over Weldon Valley on Friday night and Dayspring Christian on Saturday. The victory over Weldon Valley gave the Coyotes their first conference win.

Brad Durst and Ryan Burson led the pack on Friday scoring 19 and 12 points respectively. Durst added 17 rebounds to the effort and Burson had three steals.

Coach Tim Brunelle credited his defense for a good first period outing, leading to the 45-35 win.

"We had a 16-7 lead at the end of the first quarter by playing hard defensively and looking for fast break points," he said. "Weldon Valley then played us pretty even the rest of the way, but we were able to knock down shots and free throws in the end to give us our first league win."

Brunelle said his squad did a good job rebounding, nabbing 40 to the Warriors 27, a stat he felt made all the difference in the game.

"Brad played real well, and we moved the ball well also," Brunelle added.

In their 67-51 win over the Eagles, Durst again was the high scorer with 29. Brye Brunelle put in 18 and Burson found the net for 10.

"We started off strong with an 18-4 lead in the first quarter, again with good energy defensively," coach Brunelle said. "They dug in and played us tough the rest of the way, but we were able to hold them off, making some nice decisions offensively when things got tighter in the fourth quarter."

In addition to being points leaders Durst pulled down six rebounds, Brye Brunelle snagged seven and added seven assists and six steals, and Burson moved in for five assists.

"Brad again had an outstanding game, and our guards did a great job of taking care of the ball and keeping us in our offense for high percentage shots," coach Brunelle said.

Looking toward the weekend, the Coyotes are preparing to go on the road to Fleming on Friday, then will head in to their home court to face Peetz on Saturday.