The Streaks varsity basketball team, led by senior Matt Rivera and sophomore stand-outs Tavaris McCullough and Marquis Rushing, is 3-0 in the Northside Thanksgiving tournament.

The Streaks crushed Northside College Prep 72-47 in their first game of the season on Nov. 24.

Sophomore Tavaris McCullough (pictured in right photo), who got 40 points in the game, “couldn’t miss,” Coach Brad Dowling said. In addition, the whole team was motivated.

“The guys were so gung-ho against Northside,” Dowling said. “They thought they were the underdogs. They gave 100 percent from the word go.”

Although the Streaks won their next game, beating Chicago Academy 55-38 on Nov. 25 at home, they didn’t play as well.

“The beginning was terrible,” Dowling said. “They came out flat.”

Against lesser opponents sometimes players let down a little, Dowling explained. Although they were losing in the first half, the Streaks came back and won decisively in their first home game.

The Streaks easily beat Sullivan on Nov. 29. The round robin tournament continues next week with games against tougher opponents Jones and Payton.

The Streaks play North-Grand tonight at home. Conference play begins Dec. 9.

Sophomore Marquis Rushing and junior Antonio Agee lead a charge against Chicago Academy. Star photo by Rikeya Hargrove.

This year’s team includes the following players:

Manager Jesus “Baby” Vargas, senior

00 Justyn Williams, junior

0 Marquis Rusing, sophomore

1 Anthony Agee, junior

2 Darvell Lindsey, senior

3 Tavaris McCullough, sophomore

5 Chris Robinson, senior

13 Ray McBride, senior

15 Sebastien Nunez, sophomore

20 Emmanuel “Manny” Chavez, senior

22 Paris Gilispie, junior

23 Matt Rivera, senior

24 Cameron “CJ” Dukes, senior

25 Miguel Tapia, junior

30 Juan Sanchez, senior

35 Eduardo “Lalo” Peralta, senior

Senior captains Juan Sanchez (left) and Cameron “CJ” Dukes (right) warm up before the game against Chicago Academy. Star photo by Rikeya Hargrove.

Senior Matt Rivera shoots a free throw in the slow beginning of the Streaks victory over Chicago Academy. The scoreboard shows Steinmetz trailing in the beginning of the game. Star photo by Rikeya Hargrove.

Family members of Tavaris McCullough, including his mom (in blue) and great grandmother (in green), after the victory over Chicago Academy.