File photo – Tommy Rotbergs

The South Fork boys appear ready to defend their Little 4 championship in boys basketball after a successful three-game road trip this week.

The Cubs, who will begin their league campaign with a key game at home against St. Bernard’s on Thursday, won all three road games, including an impressive statement victory over one of the top-ranked Division-6 teams in the state.

On Thursday, the South Fork boys beat Hamilton 57-43 and Quincy 61-46, and on Friday they got the better of Chester 60-44.

Chester came into the game as the No. 4 ranked Division-6 team in California, according to MaxPreps, while the 12-3 Cubs have now moved up to No. 2 in the state in the same division.

South Fork head coach Taylor Morrow described it as a “major win,” and it’s a victory that will give his team plenty of momentum as they head into league play looking to secure a three-peat of conference championships.

“I was really proud of our team over these two days,” Morrow said. “It was a hard trip to make and play so many games so fast, but (the players) are proving to be ready for any challenge and are showing great maturity.”

No one more so than standout senior Tommy Rotbergs, who is enjoying an outstanding season and appears to be getting better with each passing week.

According to his coach, Rotbergs had a “monster game at both ends” against Chester and finished with 35 points in the win.

“He really played amazing in our biggest game yet,” Morrow said. “His defense was a great tone setter.”

Rotbergs also was 12 for 12 at the free throw line.

Shevy Bero-Van Meter and Brock Fowler were each also were instrumental in the win.

According to Morrow, Bero-Van Meter is “growing in his role as our floor general,” and the senior finished with 13 points.

The versatile Fowler, meanwhile, is playing a key role off the bench.

“Brock Fowler provided an excellent lift from the bench, doing a bit of everything for us,” Morrow said. “He is doing so awesome in being able to fit any role I need him to fit.”

On Thursday, the Cubs overcame a slow start in their first game against Hamilton and were led once again by Rotbergs, who scored a team-high 23 points.

Bero-Van Meter added 14 points, including four 3-pointers.

In their second game of the day, the South Fork boys broke open a tight game with a big third quarter, stretching a five-point halftime lead to 18 going into the final quarter.

The ever-dangerous Rotbergs scored 26 points in the win, including 10 in the third quarter, while Trevor Hunt was a “major factor,” according to his coach, and finished with 16 points.