By STEPHEN GLOVER

For the Call

In its first true test of the 2004-2005 season, the Oakville Senior High School boys’ basketball team didn’t quite play up to its expectations.

The Tigers (6-1, 0-1 Suburban West) dropped a tough 70-64 decision at home to Lafayette, ending a six game winning streak.

It was Oakville’s first loss at home since a 70-38 thumping at the hands of Webster Groves last February.

“The kids effort was there all night long and that’s an awesome thing to have,” Oakville head coach Kenny Ash told the Call.

“We just have to cut down on our mistakes,” he added. “Had we played a little bit more above average, we could have won the ballgame.”

Oakville senior center Drew Martin led the Tigers with 25 points and four re-bounds while racking up two assists and one steal. Martin is averaging 14.3 points and 8.9 rebounds per game this season.

“Drew had an outstanding game as far as stats go,” Ash said. “I’m sure that he would trade the stats in for a win any day.”

Following Martin’s lead was senior guard Matt McKiernan, who notched 23 points and nailed five of 10 shots from three-point range.

“Matt played an outstanding game,” Ash said. “When we were about ready to fall behind, he hit some big shots for us. Those five three-pointers were when we really needed them.”

Senior forward Casey Noll also scored in double figures with 11 points, five re-bounds and one assist. Noll and McKiernan lead the Tigers with 14.6 points a game this season.

“Lafayette did a good job at blocking out Drew and Casey,” Ash said. “I think that the double teaming also really affected Casey.”

The Tigers break briefly before taking on Eisenhower High School of Decatur, Ill., at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday in the first round of the Collinsville Invitational.

“What we know is that they have big guards that are very quick and like to play an up-tempo style of game,” Ash said. “We beat them last year, but then again, it is a new year.”