The Yakima Valley men's basketball team kicked off the season Saturday at Shoreline, falling 65-61 despite outscoring the Dolphins 46-33 in the second half.

Freshman Cesar Hernandez led three players in double figures with 16 points, adding four steals and three assists. Kale-El Gentles had 13 points, six rebounds and five assists, and Shane Rivera delivered 11 points and seven rebounds as YVC shot 41.8% (23-of-55) from the floor.

D'Anthony Rabb scored nine and Koby McClure had eight for the new-look Yaks, who return just a handful of players from last season. Returner Jaymon Wright-Brooks posted four points and three rebounds off the bench. Other Yaks expected to contribute for coach London Wilson this season include Christian von Bruck, Jodie Shavers, Marcelino Armendariz, TraVaughn Brigance and Mavryk Bentley.

YVC (0-1 overall) will have their home opener on Saturday against the Yakama Nation All-Stars at 6 pm and will then venture back out on the road for three games at the Spokane Classic December 5-7.