The Peru Tigers started the 2024 Holiday Tournament on a high note, defeating Caston 67-43 on Friday. Fueled by strong shooting and a smothering defense, the Tigers took control early and never looked back, improving their record to 5-3 overall and 3-0 in Three Rivers Conference play.
Sophomore Zion See set the tone in the first quarter with two three-pointers, helping Peru jump out to a 10-point lead midway through the period. Caston trimmed the deficit late, but the Tigers still held a 16-10 advantage after one.
Peru’s defense took over in the second quarter, forcing five turnovers and outscoring the Comets by 10 to head into halftime with a commanding 32-16 lead.
In the second half, the Tigers turned up the heat from beyond the arc, hitting seven of their 10 three-pointers. Senior Gavin Eldridge and junior Jacob Boswell each drained three triples, while senior Xavier Turner added another in the fourth quarter. Peru extended its lead to 52-30 after three quarters, and both teams emptied their benches in the fourth as the Tigers cruised to victory.
Gavin Eldridge led Peru with 18 points, followed by Turner with 16 and See with 14. Boswell added 10 points, while Reis Bellar chipped in eight. Ryne Butt and Kingston Eldridge rounded out the scoring with three and two points, respectively.
The Tigers will face their South County rivals on Saturday night in the Holiday Tournament Championship at North Miami, following the Lady Tigers‘ game at 6:00 p.m.
