The Oakville Senior High School boys’ basketball team is known to finish strong at the end of the season, according to head coach Kenny Ash.

The first-year head coach is true to his word as the Tigers (12-7, 3-2 Suburban South) have won four of their last five games including a 74-52 thumping of Cape Girardeau Central on the road.

“They (Cape Central) were without two of their starting players who were kicked off the team,” Ash told the Call.

“But I give our kids all the credit in the world because they stay out of trouble and theirs apparently don’t.”

Yet not much would have slowed down the Tigers’ attack as nine players scored for Oakville.

In fact, the Tigers held a commanding 44-26 at halftime.

Oakville was led by the hot hand of junior center Drew Martin, who racked up an impressive 30 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, two blocked shots and one steal.

The Tigers’ head coach is hoping that Martin’s efforts will be recognized come the end of the season.

“Drew’s having a monster year,” Ash said. “We’re hoping that when it all comes down to it, those are all-state numbers.”

Also scoring in double figures for the black and gold was senior forward Ryan Lynch with 10 points, five rebounds and two blocked shots.

Despite struggling on the offensive side of the ball, Ash has been pleased with the senior’s defensive efforts.

“Ryan’s been struggling offensive for us lately,” Ash said. “We usually put him on the opposing team’s best player. Not only did he guard their top scorer, Ryan Delph, but he also did a little bit of scoring.”

This Friday evening the Tigers play host to Seckman in a key Suburban South Conference showdown.

Seckman currently is in third place in the conference standings and an Oakville win would help them leapfrog the Jaguars.

“I think that they (Seckman) match up with us really well,” Ash said. “It’s a great match-up and a great thing that it’s at Oakville.”

Ash believes that one of the keys to a Tiger victory this Friday will be the strong support the Oakville community has shown toward the team. In fact, the Tigers had a strong showing at Cape Central.

“The fans have been great and we had a good-sized crowd down at Cape,” Ash said. “We’re starting to come into our own and the kids are beginning to understand what we’re trying to do. That’s the scary part.”

Oakville’s game against Seckman is slated for a 7 p.m. start.