Advancing to the final four in post season is rare, but to do so two years in a row is something that is nearly unheard of. Edwardsville High School’s boys basketball team has managed to do just that. Thursday, March 20, the Tigers traveled up to Peoria to play in their last two games of the season.

The post season run is something that the Tigers have fought hard for. The run started on March 4, in a game against conference rivals Granite City. The boys dominated the Warriors to advance to the next round.

“That game was really important because it’s what started us on our run,” senior Shawn Roundtree said. Roundtree has been a huge part of the Tigers’ offense by being the leading point-scorer. “We knew that we wanted to go far this year, and the only way to do that is to win each game. Post season has a do-or-die mentality that really escalates everyone’s playing ability.”

The boys decided to “do” instead of “die.” After that game, they went on to win four more games that brought them to where they are right now—headed towards the biggest games of their high school career.

Last year, the Tigers were unable to advance to the championship but managed to come home with a third place finish.

“We want to bring home the gold,” Roundtree said. “Last year, we were just outplayed and we were unfortunate. We came back this year looking to return to the final four, and here we are. Now all that’s left to do is to redeem ourselves.”

The Tiger’s first game is against Benet Academy Friday at 8:15 in Carver Arena. Good luck to our boys! Bring home a trophy!