Veteran Players Such As Laux And Graham Lead Staunton To Strong Tourney Performances

EDWARDSVILLE — Staunton, coming off a 29-4 season in 2025-26 under head coach Ty Laux, competed well in the first game of the event for both teams and continued a strong summer stretch. The Bulldogs should be one of the area's most formidable foes in the 2026-2027 campaign.

Staunton opened the Edwardsville Live basketball showcase with a 40-35 win over Mary Institute-Country Day of Ladue, Missouri, on Friday afternoon, June 26, 2026, at Lucco-Jackson Gym, using veteran play from Isiah Laux and Jeremiah Graham to hold off a physical Rams team.

“I thought our kids competed very hard,” Ty Laux said. “I thought it was a very physical game; they had a lot of size on us. I thought we really competed, and I thought from last year, we took another step up in our physicality, and I loved how our kids played. We didn't back down, kept them off the boards. They're very strong and big, and we did a great job on the boards.”

Staunton used timely outside shooting in the first of two 18-minute halves. The Bulldogs hit four straight 3-pointers before Laux connected from outside to give Staunton a 14-10 lead. The game remained close the rest of the half, and Laux hit another 3-pointer before the buzzer to send Staunton into halftime ahead 22-19.

In the second half, Staunton maintained a four-point lead for much of the game, while MICDS stayed within striking distance. The Bulldogs sealed the win at the free-throw line and with key baskets late.

Laux said the summer schedule has provided valuable competition as Staunton works toward the 2026-27 season.

“We have had some very competitive games, got some great competition,” Laux said. “We've had a lot of success this summer. Now, we're just trying to build for next year, just kind of see where we're at. We have some new pieces to add in this year; we have three sophomores (Jace and Austin Spickerman, along with Weston Washburn) who didn't get a lot of varsity time last year, but they've really stepped up this summer. So it's good to see that.”

The Edwardsville event also offered exposure in front of college recruiters and coaches in attendance, and Coach Laux said competing with MICDS was a meaningful test.

“It gives you confidence,” Laux said. “MICDS won a state championship (Class 5) in Missouri last year; they're a great program. To come up and just compete with them, and to be at that level just shows the amount of work our guys have put in.”

Laux said the showcase also serves as preparation for the winter season.

“Absolutely, yeah,” Laux said. “It's good to see teams like this, and good competition. That's why you like to come and play in these kinds of events, so you can get this kind of competition.”

He said the Bulldogs have made progress but still have work to do.

“We definitely have made progress this summer, for sure," Coach Laux said.

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