It was yet another victory for the Cavaliers over the rival Highlanders. Beating the Highlanders on their home court 52-40, the Cavs extended their winning streak to nine games A streak that predates the current senior class, and extends all the way back to current NBA rookie Quinten Grimes’ time at CP.

“Since they’re such big rivals we always do a good job on preparation leading up to the game. Our coaches make sure we know what we’re responsible for and we all come in with the mentality that losing isn’t an option,” Senior forward Ellis Ibizugbe said.

It was a fast start for the Cavaliers who jumped out to an early 8-1 lead, rarely missing their shots. The Woodlands was never able to recover from the early punches as the Cavs never trailed the entire game.

“Coming out hot is always good and gets the game going at the tempo we like to play at. So that helped our mentality and being locked in from the jump,” Buckmon said.

Later in the game, it was the Cavaliers lock down defense that really carried them as Ibizugbe was able to record three blocks on the defensive side. This performance earned him player of the game.

“It felt great to be able to slow their best player down. He hurt us a lot last time we played them so I knew that in order to win this game we had to contain him and that’s what we did,” Ibizugbe said.

 Led by Buckmon, who scored 16 points in a limited role and a flurry of third quarter threes, the Cavs were able to push the game out of reach and improve to 9-0 and district and 20-8 on the season.

“Having a key roll on this team is everything, so i’m just glad I could go in spot minutes due to foul troubles and help my team succeed,” said Buckmon

The Cavs are looking to keep the momentum going Saturday at 1 pm, when they take on the Grand Oaks Grizzlies at home. Moving forward, the basketball team will only be playing Wednesdays and Saturdays due to a referee shortage.