When your stars are not playing their best, that is when a team finds out who they really are. And that was just what the boys basketball team had happen this weekend.

The Tigers claimed the Triad Tournament championship with wins over Highland, Triad, and Granite City. The Tigers seemed to be in control all three games, but did not play their best the whole time. The boys defeated Highland 58-51, Triad 59-43, and Granite City 44-33, to improve their overall record to 12-3.

“We were excited to win,” said Austin Gillmann (12) “this was our first championship since I have been here so it is always good to get one.”

The Tigers two senior stars, Austin Gillmann and Ervin Sarajlic, played well but did not have their usual dominant performances in any of the games. This allowed others to step up and make major contributions to the team.

Jake Meier (11) had two great offensive performances in the first two games. Meier went to the free throw line 15 times in the second half of the game against Triad. Carvon Robinson (11) has also stepped up his game and molded into a great sixth man coming off the bench and scoring double digits in two games.

“They [Meier and Robinson] played confident and aggressive, we needed help and they stepped up,” Gillmann said.

With the schedule heating up in the month of February, the Tigers look to continue their 10-game win streak. With a huge match up against conference foe Lafayette looming on Feb. 7, the Tigers look to keep winning with their next game on Fri. (Jan. 31) at Mehlville. The game tips at 7pm.