Submitted photo – The St. Bernard’s boys celebrate their tournament championship on Saturday.

The Crusaders will carry some momentum into their biggest game of the season so far, as they get set to tip off their Little 4 campaign on Thursday night.

The St. Bernard’s boys open on the road against two-time defending league champion South Fork in a pivotal showdown between the league’s top two contenders.

On Saturday night they set themselves up for the big game with a 46-40 win over Las Plumas in the final of the Fort Bragg tournament.

Senior Aaiden Burris led the way for the Crusaders and was named tournament MVP after scoring a team-high 12 points and pulling down nine rebounds in the final.

Brothers Seth and Liam Dyer were were each also named to the all-tournament team, as the Crusaders won their third game in three days.

“A balanced effort on the offensive end created opportunities for each other and helped us win this game,” interim head coach Patrick Shanahan said. “We also rebounded the ball extremely well, limiting Las Plumas’ possessions.”

Seth Dyer, who its enjoying an outstanding season season, added 11 points and nine rebounds in the victory, as the Crusaders improved to 9-2.

Rowan Cromwell and Wyatt Simoni each also had strong tournaments and played big roles over the three days.

Cromwell, who was just cleared to play before the tournament after transferring to St. Bernard’s this year, has had an immediate impact and finished with 12 rebounds and seven points in Saturday’s win, while Liam Dyer added eight rebounds and six points.

The ever-consistent Simoni chipped in eight points.

“The guys played hard and tough all weekend,” Shanahan added.

Thursday’s big game in Miranda tips off at 7:30 p.m.