The Jefferson J-Hawks enjoyed playing with All-American Jarrod Uthoff on the team last season, but they might enjoy playing just as much without him this year.

Maybe more.

Taylor Olson poured in 26 points, Alec Saunders netted 23 and Ky Kramer added 16 as Jefferson rolled past West Branch, 81-41, in a Hall of Pride scrimmage at Jefferson Friday night.

The J-Hawks are a different team without Uthoff, who was named Mr. Basketball in Iowa last season, but they might surprise people with a quicker, balanced and more aggressive brand of basketball.

"It's a lot of fun," said Olson, Jefferson's point guard. "Over the summer, I know all the guys worked on their shots, because we knew that we'd all have to shoot.

"We can drive, we can kick out, everybody knows they can shoot. We all have a lot of confidence in each other. I thought we did a good job of getting out and running tonight, and then also being able to set up in our offense."

Friday's game was an exhibition and does not count in the standings. There will be tougher days ahead for the J-Hawks when they face 4A competition, but Coach Stu Ordman likes the way his club is shaping up.

Ordman thought the J-Hawks did a good job with pressure defense, boxing out and being unselfish with the basketball.

"I liked how aggressive we were. They'll be fun to watch," he remarked. "We have to translate that 'fun to watch' into being successful on the court.

"We're going to have to figure out how to use our versatility to our advantage," he said.

Olson scored 18 points in the first 10 1/2 minutes of the game. He tossed in 12 points during a 15-0 run as Jefferson grabbed a 24-7 advantage late in the first quarter.

Olson drove to the basket, converted turnovers into points and hit two 3-pointers. He also distributed the ball well and hit Kramer with a perfect behind-the-back bounce pass for a driving layup.

"The one thing I really respect about Taylor is how much he puts into the game," Ordman said. "This kid has worked so hard on his basketball skills and his shot.

"It's good to see him have success, and hopefully that will continue. It couldn't happen to a better kid."

Olson began the parade of points, then Saunders got into the flow and finished with 23 markers of his own. They combined for 49 of Jefferson's 81 points.

"Alec has put a ton of time into his basketball game during the spring and summer," Ordman said. "It's just great to see it pay off.

"And with both of those guys, it was quality time. They have worked extremely hard in the gym. They're in there working with a purpose."

The J-Hawks open the regular season Tuesday night at Clinton, hoping to surprise folks this year. "I know a lot of people doubt us, but I know we can give a lot of people a run for their money," Olson said.

WEST BRANCH (41): Murry 7 2-3 18, Young 2 0-0 4, Cook 3 0-1 8, Kirkey 2 0-0 6, Myrvik 0 0-0 0, Cochran 0 0-0 0, Lamont 1 0-0 2, B. Wasion 0 0-0 0, S. Wasion 1 1-1 3, Hills 0 0-0 0, Shortt 0 0-0 0. Totals 16 3-5 41.

JEFFERSON (81): Saunders 10 3-3 23, Robinson 1 0-0 2, Kramer 6 1-1 16, T. Olson 11 2-2 26, Underwood 1 0-0 2, Hemphill 1 0-0 2, Sullivan 1 0-0 2, Goodell 1 2-2 4, J. Olson 0 0-0 0, Mueller 0 0-0 0, Eggers 2 0-0 4, Wiederin 0 0-0 0, Jenkins 0 0-0 0. totals 34 8-8 81.

Halftime - Jefferson 44, West Branch 19. 3-point goals - Murry 2, Kirkey 2, Cook 2, Kramer 3, T. Olson 2.