TORONTO — The Toronto boys’ basketball team celebrated its 100th season in grand fashion.

The Red Knights recorded the first 19 points of the game and never look back as Toronto defeated Madonna, 71-21, via mercy rule Saturday night inside the George J. Kunzler Memorial Gymnasium.

“It is good to come back with a win,” Toronto (7-3) head coach Sean Tucker said. “We came off two major games against good opponents, and we were able to correct things we needed to from our previous two games. It’s good that are younger guys were about to get out on the court and get an opportunity to play in game situations. We’re trying to build a little depth with our bench. You don’t want them to develop bad habits.

“We came out well to start the game. The boys did a good job. Defensively we were able to disrupt what they were trying to do. That’s what we want to do. We play a tough schedule. When we play tough teams and teams are at our level, those things are going to show up, and they did tonight.”

The boys from the Gem City extended their advantage to 28-1 at the end of the first quarter before taking a 47-6 lead into the locker room. The victors increased their advantage out to 62-21 entering the fourth. The boys from Hancock County outscored the hosts, 10-9, in the fourth to account for the final score.

“Every coach goes through a cycle where you’re young, and Madonna is going through that now,” Tucker said. “They have a bunch of young guys. They’re going to get better. They’re going to take some lumps. They have a veteran basketball coach who knows how to direct basketball players and how to build basketball players. George Vargo is one of the best in the business. They’ll be OK. They just have to stick together and follow their captain.”

Colt Joynson collected a game-high 17 points to lead the way for the boys from Jefferson County, Austin Buchanan contributed 11 and Landon Grimes delivered 10.

Jake Druga produced a team-high 10 points for the Blue Dons (1-7), while Reno Fuscardo finished with five.

Former Toronto players and coaches were in attendance as the Red Knights had a celebration for their 100th season.

“I’m just a small part of the history of Toronto boys’ basketball,” Tucker said. “The program is built off the 22 head coaches who built their programs and who had success along with the former players. I wish more former players would have been able to be here tonight. It was nice to see everyone who did show up. It was nice to see the past players and coaches who were here. It was awesome to see them here.

“It was a great tribute to them. They worked really hard to make this program what it is today. We want to carry on the tradition built in the past 100 years. Earlier I told the guys, people are looking back at the former players and coaches legacies, and now it’s your turn to leave behind your legacy.”

The win against Madonna was No. 1108 for the Red-and-White.

“It is great to celebrate today with a win,” Tucker said. “It is nice to get back on track. We’re going to enjoy this tonight, and then we’re going to have to get ready for Tuesday. We’re playing a good team Tuesday. It is going to be a dogfight.”

Madonna is scheduled to play Clay-Battelle Monday night on the road. The JV game is set to start at 6 p.m. with the varsity game to follow.

Toronto is slated to play Bridgeport Tuesday night on the road. The JV game will start at 6 p.m. with the varsity game to follow.

Toronto 71, Madonna 21

Madonna 1 5 5 10 – 21

Toronto 28 19 15 9 – 71

MADONNA (1-7): Wingett 1 0-0 2, Dillon 0 0-0 0, Gray 1 0-0 2, Chiodi 1 0-0 2, Phillips 0 0-0 0, Knox 0 0-0 0, Druga 4 1-4 10, Michael 0 0-0 0, DeCaria 0 0-0 0, Fuscardo 1 3-9 5, Welch 0 0-0 0. TOTALS: 10 4-13 21.

TORONTO (7-3): Anderson 1 0-0 3, Grimes 4 1-1 10, Joynson 8 1-1 17, Bodnar 0 0-2 0, Winters 3 0-0 6, Buchanan 4 1-1 11, Fair 3 1-1 7, Gibson 1 0-0 2, Henry 2 0-0 4, Rebich 3 0-0 8, Barcus 0 0-0 0, Liddick 1 1-2 3. TOTALS: 30 5-7 71.

3-POINTERS: Madonna 1 (Druga); Toronto 6 (Buchanan 2, Rebich 2, Anderson, Grimes)