McAlester boys basketball took a win over Claremore in the first game of the season Friday.The Buffaloes and Zebras kept it close the whole game but McAlester pulled away in the fourth to win 67-55.The game started out with McAlester taking a 21-18 lead at the end of the first quarter. Claremore reclaimed the lead 32-31 at halftime.The Buffaloes responded in the third quarter by outscoring their opponent 17-12. McAlester led 48-44 going into the final period of play.Rodney Washington scored 12 of the team’s 19 points in the fourth quarter to seal the game and give McAlester the win.Washington led the game in scoring with 31 points on four 3-point makes. His big night on both ends of the court came from his relaxed approach to the game, according to coach Lou Dawkins.“I’m really happy. I’m pleased,” Dawkins said. “I told Rodney before the game, just go out there and take it easy.”Davien Pouncil scored 11, with one 3-point make. Brandon Smith and Ty Moscato had five points each.Several players on the team came in fresh from the football season, which ended two weeks prior. Dawkins said he wishes he had more time to get his players ready for the season instead of throwing it all together last minute.“I think it’s one of the most dangerous things to do and I wish the state could make some adjustments,” Dawkins said.Getting players in basketball shape and working on offensive and defensive schemes will take focus in the weeks ahead.“There’s a lot of wrinkles that need to be ironed out but I’ll give us three weeks, especially over Christmas vacation, to get some practice in because it’s well needed and they deserved to be in there,” Dawkins said. “I’m so excited (for this season), they’re so hungry and coachable.”The players are ready for more practice together, too.Washington said practice will be the key to a strong product on the court.“There’s still room for improvement but the stuff we put in in practice is the stuff we get out in the game,” Washington said.Washington said he looks forward to creating team chemistry in the coming weeks.“Bonding as a team, getting right on defense,” Washington said.McAlester’s next game will tip at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Durant.