Marshfield’s Joey Morgan comes in fast a basket against Lebanon on Friday. World Photo by Madeline Steege.

Marshfield’s boys basketball team wasted no time showcasing new coach Jesse Ainsworth’s philosophy of tough defense Friday night, and carried the theme through the game in a dominating 64-28 win over visiting Lebanon.

The Pirates forced 12 turnovers in the first quarter, didn’t allow the Warriors to score for nearly four minutes to start the game, and led big the entire way.

Kyle Tedder had 23 points and Adam Porter added 13 for Marshfield, but the defense was the key element.

“That’s the main focus,” said Porter, who had six of the  Pirates’ 22 steals. “Defense turns to offense.”

Marshfield forced 36 turnovers during the game, with solid pressure. Tedder, Talo Silver and Kyle Brown had four steals each for the Pirates.

“(We had) 22 smart steals,” Ainsworth said. “It’s pressure, but it’s smart pressure.”

The Pirates believe they can force teams with tough defense without fouling, something Ainsworth has stressed since he took over the team after Doug Miles stepped down last spring.

“Coach Ainsworth’s got us all to buy into his system,” said Porter.

“We pressured the ball so well,” added Tedder. “That’s exactly what coach has been preaching.”

Tedder led Marshfield’s attack from his point guard position and scored most of his points on slashes to the hoop or open shots from outside. He hit three 3-pointers in the game, none more entertaining than a bomb from just across half court at the halftime buzzer after he spun around two defenders.

Porter, meanwhile, shot 5-for-8 from the floor. As a team, the Pirates were 24-for-47 from the floor, compared to just 10-for-31 shooting by the Warriors.

Marshfield led 22-5 by the end of the first quarter and 36-14 at halftime.

“That was fun,” said Tedder. “It’s always good to start off the season with a satisfying win.”

In the case of Ainsworth, who had been Marshfield’s junior varsity coach for several years, it was a long time coming.

“I wanted to come back and teach and coach here,” said Ainsworth, who graduated from Marshfield. “It’s a dream come true.”

The coach expects things to get tougher for the Pirates, starting with today’s long road trip to Wilsonville, but was thrilled to see the intensity his team showed in its opener Friday.

“Practice has been hard, but these kids have bought into it,” he said.

After the game, he told the players he was delighted with their hard work, which should translate into victories. During the game, he and his assistants vocally cheered the squad for its effort, especially on big defensive plays.

It was a victory all the players could be happy with.

“I think that’s an exciting way to start the season,” Porter said.

Brandon Herman had six points to lead the Warriors, who also were playing their season opener.