FORT HALL - After a slow start and a long battle the Sho-Ban Chiefs defeated the Oakley Hornets 58-55.

"We've been starting out really cold lately, and they (Oakley) jumped on us 19-11," said Smith, who attributed the first-quarter lethargy to the team schedule which has kept them on the road of late.

"But we started pressing in the second, and we found a little rhythm," said Smith.

Overall, Smith was happy to that his young team had to work for a win in front of a packed house, and he feels that the experience will help them to grow. Smith also said that his defense is getting more consistent, though the team struggled with turnovers against the Hornets.