The Oakville Tigers earned a much needed 63-61 win over Fox on Jan. 16.

The win upped the Tigers record to 5-8 on the season.

Oakville head coach Nicholas Traxler said his team built an early lead and survived some untimely turnovers in the fourth quarter to get the win.

“We played very well early and were able to control tempo and the game,” Traxler said. “I felt we handled their pressure and zone and was happy that we had 19 assists on our made baskets. In the fourth quarter, we made a couple careless turnovers and, to Fox’s credit, they capitalized.”

Traxler said the team is not satisfied with a 5-8 record, but he said he’s seen a lot of potential with some younger players.

“5-8 with the schedule we play, including the Collinsville Tournament, is not ideal but we are learning a lot about our team,” he said. “We have no seniors on the squad and one of our top scorers, Andrew Eckhard, and quite a few major contributors are sophomores. So, I like how this group is starting to come together and building chemistry that will carry over the next couple seasons for us.”

Eckhard had 14 points in the win over Fox, while Isaac Kraft chipped in 10 points.

Traxler added that he has been impressed with the play of junior Logan Scholz.

“He’s been a rock for us,” Traxler said. “He’s developing into a great leader.”

A big positive for the program is the fact that the freshman team is 15-1, and the junior varsity team is 8-5 so far. A number of those players have gotten a bit of varsity time this season.

“I feel good things await this team,” Traxler said. “They just have to develop the toughness and togetherness to achieve their goals.”