With nine games remaining on its regular season schedule, the Pattonville High School boys basketball team made a big statement Jan. 18 with a come-from-behind win against defending state champions McCluer North. 

The Pirates (12-3, 1-1), who trailed 46-44 entering the final frame of the Fort Zumwalt North Tournament game, knocked off the Stars with 22 fourth quarter points.

The win put into perspective what Pattonville could do this season.

The next week and a half will be key. Here's their schedule: 

• Tonight vs. Troy in the Fort Zumwalt North Tournament
• Jan. 29 vs. No. 4 Hazelwood Central
• Feb. 1 @ Ritenour
• Feb. 5 vs. Howell Central
• Feb. 7 vs. Hazelwood East

By grabbing three or four wins, the Pirates would position themselves nicely heading into postseason play. And a win against Hazelwood Central would further bolster Pattonville's expacations.

And the Pirates appear poised to peak at the right time, having won five out of their last six, with only three losses this season—to No. 10 ranked Chaminade in the season opener; to No. 4 (small schools) John Burroughs on a nuetral court; and to Riverview, an offensive powerhouse that has scored nearly 1,300 points this season.