Never much of a threat in 2005-06, the Canastota boys basketball team might be turning things around.

A season ago, the Raiders went 4-17, sinking to the bottom of the Center State Conference II standings.

But the amount of fight Canastota shown in an overtime loss to South Lewis in the Section III Class B-2 playoffs hinted at better days — and now, they might be arriving.

For its opener, the Raiders met Waterville and were strong at the beginning and end of the contest, earning a 55-43 victory over the Indians.

Flying out of the gate, Canastota grabbed a 14-6 edge through one quarter, only to see Waterville eat into that margin throughout the game’s middle stages.

But these Raiders would not give the game away, instead outscoring the Indians 19-8 in the final period.

Joe Jacuk led the way, with 20 points. James Lesher threw in 12 points, while Kyle Savage had 10 points and Matt Ghezzi added eight points. Both Savage and Ghezzi hit on a pair of 3-point field goals.

It’s imperative for the Raiders to take full advantage of this season-opening, four-game homestand, which includes visits from Oriskany and Adirondack this week.