The Kankakee County Soldiers got family bragging rights for their head coach, and a little payback last weekend.

Not bad for the Soldiers (5-1), who got back on their winnings ways. They beat the South Shore Splash Saturday and the Battle Creek Knights Sunday at the Hidden Cove Sportsplex.

Playing at home may have been a little nicer than usual.

Against the Knights last Wednesday in Battle Creek, bad traffic made starters Carl Fine and DeMarcus Bolton miss the game, and the team arrive late. The Soldiers suffered their first loss of the season 108-103.

When the Soldiers and head coach Barry Bradford returned home to face the Splash, coached by Bradford's brother Jay, all 15 Soldiers made it.

And they all scored in a 117-99 win that featured Bradford working just a

few feet away from his brother.

"It kind of felt surreal," Bradford said of the coaching matchup.

Six players landed in double digits for the Soldiers. Brian Zirkle led the way with 14 points. Ryan Edwards and DeMarcus Bolton each had 13.

"It's a comfortable feeling to see all our guys walk in," said Bradford.

In what Bradford called a "grudge match" against the Knights Saturday, the Soldiers fought to a 98-93 win.

It was their lowest offensive output of the year, but the lowest point total they've held an opponent to.

"It was just ugly," said Bradford.

Ryan Edwards led the Soldiers with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Kenyon Gamble added 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Bradford said both the Knights and Splash are considered the favorites in the Rival Series, but for now, the Soldiers have three wins combined against their regional foes.

Bradford doesn't need the limelight.

"We like being the little guy," he said.

It'd also be nice, of course, if a full roster can make every game.

"Our depth at the end of the day is what gives us a chance every night," said Bradford.