PRINEVILLE — As much as Allen Hair wanted to avoid cliches, the Madras coach could not avoid it.

The White Buffaloes’ 65-48 Class 4A nonconference boys basketball win over Crook County on Friday night was an all-around team victory.

“I was really proud of the guys,” Hair said. “There were a number of times (the Cowboys) cut it to six (points) or seven or eight, and we hit some big baskets and got some big stops. For a young team, that’s a positive find.”

Madras’ Jered Pichette led all scorers with 18 points to go along with 11 assists and six steals in guiding the Buffs to a season-opening win. Devon Wolfe added 12 points, Brent Sullivan had 12 points and 14 rebounds, and Austin Rauschenburg tallied 12 points as Madras (1-0) built a 21-point lead midway through the fourth quarter.

“I thought we did a real nice job of countering their punches,” Hair said. “And I think we just wore them out down the stretch.”

For Crook County (0-1), it was A.J. Cooper leading the way with 14 points and five assists. Seth Kessi posted eight points, and Carl Kilthau recorded seven points.

“Madras was definitely a little bigger and a little more athletic,” Cowboys coach Darin Kessi said. “I really liked our effort. But ultimately, they did a really good job of making the extra pass and getting their guys open looks.”