Despite a seven-game losing streak and a record of 8-11, boys basketball has a trick up its sleeve to turn around the rest of the season.

James Whitman (12), a crucial part of the team, has recently returned to the Tigers lineup after missing seven of the first 12 games because of mononucleosis. Whitman averages 12.7 points a game, and is the top point scorer for the team. He made his return on Jan. 9, where the boys snapped their seven-game losing streak to Northwest Cedar Hill,  54-42. Whitman put up just three points that game, but the team has gone 5-3 since his return.

“My team is always really supportive,” said Whitman. “We got really good chemistry, so when I came back they welcomed me back, and stayed with me.”  

Teammate Joe Beardsley (12), who also averages around 12 points a game, says it’s a relief to have such an intricate part of the team back.

“Because he is one of the top (scorers) on the team, it’s really good to have him back,” said Beardsley

 Even though the season has not gone according to plan, the team is working on turning the rest of the season around.

“One thing as a coaching staff is we watch teams that are in our district,” said head coach Nick Traxler.  “So at least five to 15 minuets of our practice we are scripted to work on things that we are going to need for the postseason.”

The boys are scheduled to play Friday (Feb.7) at Rockwood Summit starting at 7 p.m. Their next home game is on Feb.11, against Hazelwood East High, at 7:00.