Nathaniel Wainwright led the the way for the two-time defending state champion Cougars in their season-opening victory over the Rebels in Bethel.

Wainwright, a junior, put up a game-high 24 points, while Brady Philbrick scored 14 for Dirigo. Philbrick made three 3-pointers.

Telstar’s Wyatt Lilly and Reiley Hedden also made three 3-pointers apiece, and finished with 17 and 15 points, respectively.