The Thunder held off a late rally Thursday evening to knock off the undefeated Suns, 45-38, and pick up its first win of the season.

This week’s Washington Youth Basketball League Game of the Week pitted a pair of teams out of the Junior Division, consisting of boys’ ages 13-16.

Tyler Harrell jumpstarted his team early with a pair of threes from the wing, as guards Trevon Corpew and Tyree Starkie tried to keep pace in man-to-man defense against the Suns’ speedy backcourt. The Thunder narrowly led by three after the first 10 minutes.

But in the second quarter, Corpew, the tallest guard on the floor, began to challenge Suns center Jared Hardy in the paint and widen the lead for his team. Corpew burned the Suns’ in transition, scoring two hard-earned baskets, and hit a three-pointer from the top of the arch. Suns forward Hykeem Ruffin kept his team within striking distance by working his way to the line and hitting 4-of-4 free throws. Defensively, it was the Thunder’s half court press that made the difference and forced a handful of costly turnovers.

Leading 24-17 at the half, the Thunder continued to play sound defense in the third quarter, switching to a 3-2 zone when needed. The Suns were limited to just six points, as Starkie worked his way to the line and dropped two baskets in the quarter. The Thunder held a 10-point lead after 30 minutes of play, but would falter defensively and allow the Suns to chip away in the fourth quarter.

Hardy fought his way through the paint, came through with timely offensive rebounds and began to put the team on his back, scoring seven of his 12 points in the final quarter. The Suns pulled to within three with six minutes remaining, but failed to close.

Four points apiece from Corpew and Jacqeal Winfield gave the Thunder enough of a cushion to walk away with a seven-point win.

Corpew finished with six rebounds and a game-high 16 points, while Zamian Harris and Starkie notched seven points each. For the Suns, Hardy led the way with 12 points and eight rebounds.

With the win, the Thunder improves to 1-3 and will face Celtics on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. The Suns drop to 2-1 and will take on the Heat at 3:30 p.m.