SOUTH WHITLEY – The Whitko girls basketball team expected to have a strong season this year.

The Wildcats have done just that so far.

Whitko continued its impressive run early on with a dominating home win over winless Manchester Friday night.

Whitko used another strong team effort in smashing the Squires 61-29 in Three Rivers Conference action.

Freshman Ally Reiff led a balanced offensive attack with 15 points as Whitko improved to 5-3 overall and 2-0 in TRC play. Reiff also had 11 rebounds for the winners.

The 5-3 start for the Wildcats is the program’s best since the 2007-08 season.

Whitko, which finished 7-14 last season, led 16-1 after the opening quarter. The Wildcats led 37-7 at half-time versus Manchester, which drops to 0-7 overall and 0-2 in the TRC.

Sophomore Jennifer Reiff and freshman Brianna Cumberland each had 10 points for coach Brandon Bradley’s squad.

Seniors Jordan Hall and Kelly Reiff also contributed for the winners. Hall had nine points and Reiff added seven for the Wildcats.

Tabby DeWitt netted 11 points to lead Manchester.

Whitko won the junior varsity contest 33-32. Hanna Yohe and Brooke Cristoffel each had eight points for the winners.

Whitko hosts West Noble Thursday. The Wildcats then have a big TRC game at Tippecanoe Valley next Saturday night. Manchester plays at Southwood Friday.