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Steamboat Springs — The Steamboat Springs High School boys basketball team takes its 17-game league winning streak into Western Slope competition today and Saturday.

After a pre-holiday schedule filled with tournaments and top teams from Colorado and Wyoming, the Sailors are set to continue Western Slope League play against the two teams with the best chance to break Steamboat's stranglehold on the league. The win streak that began in the 2005-06 season will be on the line at 7:30 p.m. today in Rifle and at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at home against Glenwood Springs.

"There's no doubt everybody gives us their best shot," Steamboat coach Kelly Meek said. "Through that is how you build your strength and mental toughness."

Rifle and Glenwood Springs are two teams that have the capabilities to give Steamboat problems. Both teams are very athletic and have players that can create tough matchups.

Led by the play of guards Scott and Tyler Rust, Rifle predicates its offense on driving to the basket.

Glenwood looks to guards Connor Riley, Kevin Screen and Dakota Stonehouse to get to the basket, and likes to run out of a high-low set keyed by 6-foot-8 Donnie Jennert.

Meek said the week is presenting Steamboat (7-2, 1-0) with some interesting dilemmas.

While the game will be Rifle's first league contest and Glenwood's second, Steamboat has to play three games this week, including Tuesday's 53-38 win at Craig.

Add final exams to that busy schedule, and Meek said this week's had its challenges.

Still, Meek said he's confident with where his team is, especially after the performance against Craig.

Meek said Steamboat defended well and got good looks at the basket but didn't convert enough opportunities.

"I like our defensive intensity," Meek said. "Coming back off of break, our kids ran stuff fairly well, and there's no doubt our offense will keep coming on. But there is a lot of room for growth there."

That growth, Meek said, starts today and Saturday.

"I feel confident in our kids," Meek said. "They adapt really well, and we have excellent leadership. Our kids are used to staying on track in what they are doing."

- To reach Luke Graham, call 871-4229

or e-mail lgraham@steamboatpilot.com