Through a long and grueling 2005-06 season, the Liverpool boys basketball team’s youth and inexperience translated into a 4-17 mark.

But those struggles might be over.

Older, wiser, and burning to find atonement, the Warriors already have two wins to display, dominating both of its opponents at last weekend’s Union-Endicott Tournament, and might be headed for much more.

Showing just how eager it was for a new season, Liverpool went to the Southern Tier and ripped host Union-Endicott last Friday in a 74-35 decision.

As head coach Jerry Wilcox emphasized defense, his team displayed it, holding the Tigers to a paltry total of 10 points in the first half.

Not only that, but the Warriors were hot on the offensive end, as a string of turnovers led to easy baskets and a 46-10 edge by the break.

T.J. Davis, already established as a star in both track and football, began his varsity hoops career by pouring in 21 points, just ahead of senior teammate Steve Nickels, who put in 19 points.

Adam Botoroff, a junior guard, finished with 10 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, while Jason Bellinger and Joe O’Connor each had six points.

A day later, against Johnson City, the Warriors proved that this blazing performance was not a fluke, as it put together yet another one-sided romp, this time by the score of 79-39.

The only difference here was that it took longer for the dominance to take hold. Over the course of the second and third periods, Liverpool outscored Johnson City 38-14, ultimately getting 13 of its 15 players into the scoring column.

This included Jeff Sills, who led the way with 14 points. Davis cooled down a bit, to 11 points, while Nickels had 10 points. Bellinger (seven points) and Mike Marsella (six points) made nice contributions, too.

Now the Warriors had a full week to further work on its game before its OHSL Colonial National division opener next Tuesday against Bishop Ludden.