The Oakville Senior High School boys’ basketball team has experienced the “agony of defeat” for nearly a month.
But that changed Friday when the Tigers (8-9, 1-4 Suburban West) traveled to Park-way North and handed the Vikings a 64-56 setback. The Tigers’ win broke a six-game losing streak that dated back to Dec. 30 when they posted a 65-60 victory over Granite City.
“We had played some pretty tough games,” Oakville head coach Kenny Ash said, referring to the Tigers’ six-game losing streak. “To win at Parkway North really says something about these kids and where we’re going.”
The Tigers were led by junior guard Anthony Alexander’s 16-point effort that included six rebounds and one assist.
“Anthony’s been called upon to be our leader in a lot of ways this season,” Ash said. “He’s been kind of in a funk the last couple of games because a lot of teams have been keying on him, so it was nice to see him bounce back.”
Oakville’s Justin Schoemehl also chip-ped in 14 points and an impressive 16 re-bounds. The sophomore guard recorded six assists and one steal in the win over the Vikings.
“Justin’s really coming on strong as of late,” Ash said. “He’s been able to pick up the slack when Anthony’s not scoring. Jus-tin’s a player that’s got a lot of upside po-tential in the years to come.”
Sophomore forward Brandon McCord also scored in double figures with a 13-point effort that also included five re-bounds and three blocked shots.
“Brandon’s been our most consistent player all year long,” Ash explained. “When-ever he gets his opportunities to score, he usually does it for us.”
The Tigers are back in action this week as they participate in the Ameritime Clas-sic at Parkway West. Oakville was scheduled to face Collinsville (Ill.) Monday — after the Call went to press.