But in a complete contrast to the last time the Red Storm played on their home court — when the team hit a game-winning half-court shot to beat Plattsburgh in the Section VII, Class B semifinals — the team committed a turnover, which allowed the Huskies to secure a 47-43 victory.

It was Saranac Lake’s first home contest of the season and with just four returning players from last season’s squad, which finished as the Section VII, Class B runner-ups, youthful mistakes were on display early.

The team had key players depart because of graduation, transferring and injuries, but still has a core of talented young players.

“We’ve got a lot of new guys up on varsity and we’re trying to mesh and mold everyone,” Red Storm head coach Daryl Crist said. “It’s a marathon, but we’ll keep working.”

Saranac Lake’s Melvin Cirikovic races down the court for a fast break during Wednesday’s home game against Malone. (Enterprise photo — Parker O’Brien)

Saranac Lake dropped to 1-2 overall with the loss and while youth played a big role in the outing, Crist said Malone just came ready to play.

“It was a product of Malone’s defense first,” he said.

Red Storm senior guard Caleb Akey led his team with 10 points. Sophomores Zack McCarthy and Mik Denkenberger recorded seven points each.

Brady Owens, a senior, added six points in the team’s home opener, while Melvin Cirikovic, a senior, and Cedar Crist, a sophomore, each had had five points. Junior Dillon Wilson netted two points for Saranac Lake.

“I think we played hard and Malone plays extremely hard,” Daryl Crist said. “They’re a really good team, but I thought we matched them intensity-wise. Throughout the course of the game, we had to figure some things out. I’m disappointed with the outcome, but I’m not disappointed with how the boys competed.”

Saranac Lake’s Zack McCarthy, left, makes a move past a Malone defender during Wednesday’s home game. (Enterprise photo — Parker O’Brien)

Malone’s Bradley Poupore led all scorers with 12 points, which included 10 points in the first half. His efforts allowed his team to jump out to a 26-22 advantage at halftime.

The Huskies extended their lead to 38-27 in the third quarter, outscoring the Red Storm 12-5.

Saranac Lake played its best basketball in the fourth quarter, both on the offensive and defensive side. Within the five minutes of the final quarter, the Red Storm got off to a 14-5 run to bring the score within two points.

In the final seconds, Malone stepped up to improve its overall record to 4-1. The two squads will meet again on the Huskies home court later in the season.

Despite coming up short, Daryl Crist said its really important that his team is consistently playing hard and competing.

Saranac Lake’s Cedar Crist makes a pass during Wednesday’s home game against Malone. (Enterprise photo — Parker O’Brien)

“We just have to figure out the other things,” he said. “We just have to get better at some of the smaller things which will be better production on the offensive end.”

Following Tuesday’s contest, the Red Storm are slated to host the Ausable Valley Patriots in a Section VII, Class B contest at 7 p.m. today.

Saranac Lake’s Dillon Wilson looks to make a play during Wednesday’s home game against Malone. (Enterprise photo — Parker O’Brien)