The Gibault boys basketball team is this week’s Republic-Times Team of the Week.

The team is off to a great start to the 2012-13 season. Ranked No. 8 in USA Today’s Poll in Illinois Class 1A with a 5-1 record, Gibault won its home opener against a traditionally tough Pinckneyville team.

But this team has set the bar high and is still not satisfied.

“I don’t think we played our best game,” Hawks basketball coach Dennis Rueter said while reflecting on the contest. “This point in the year, though, I think it’s a pretty good win for us.”

Despite the Hawks missing key player and junior guard Zach Neff due to injury, the team still managed to keep one of its strengths: depth.

“We’ve probably not operated with all eight (starting-role) players yet. Fortunately we have eight players, so our depth is good and we haven’t been completely affected by having them out,” Rueter said. “I guess that can be overused. You need your kids to get in a rhythm.”

Gibault’s rhythm seemed to be right on track Friday, up the entire game against Pinckneyville (0-1) and going on to win 58-46…

To read more about Gibault’s win over Pinckneyville and other high school basketball news, pick up a copy of this week’s paper– out Wednesday. Or subscribe online today!

Congratulations Gibault, keep up the good work!