Rebels say "farewell" to the Pit

Riverside closed the door on a bit of history Tuesday night, playing its final game in "The Pit" at Lake City. The outcome didn't turn out the way the Rebels would have liked, as Cross County rallied for a 51-49 victory in 2A-3 conference action.

Riverside led most of the game before the Thunderbirds rallied behind the outside shooting of Jake Veasley, who finished with a game high 26 points. The Rebels led 14-10 after the opening period and 26-22 at the half before taking a 38-35 edge into the final frame. But the Thunderbirds charged back behind Veasley and company in the fourth quarter and withstood a pair of last second three point attempts by the Rebels to spoil a special night for the Riverside faithful.

Riverside honored three different teams, including the 1961-62 squad that opened the old gymnasium when the school was known as the Lake City Catfish. The first Riverside Rebel team in 1985-86 was also honored as was this year's squad which will be the last Rebel squad to play in what has become known affectionately by Rebel faithful as "The Pit."

A full house paid tribute to former players and cheerleaders between the junior and senior boys games.

"There are so many memories," said Riverside Coach Buster Campbell. "Mainly the great support we have had. We have had a bunch of nights like this, a packed house and the crowd really into it. We have had great support over the years. We aren't the big time, but we are our own little version of it."

Riverside got 17 points from Cole Winford while Josh Anderson scored 10 to lead the Rebels in scoring. Logan Meurer tallied eight, Tyler Rolland netted six while Alteeno Sain and Morgan Fletcher added four points apiece.

In junior boys action, Riverside rolled to a 48-25 victory.

The Rebels closed the week with a 98-53 loss at number one ranked East Poinsett County. The Warriors improved to 24-3 overall and a perfect 15-0 in conference play. Jammar Sturdivant scored 23 points while Rashad Madden added 20 to lead the Warriors. Byron Ford tallied 18 while A.J. Turner chipped in 14 more for EPC, who canned 18 three pointers on the night.

Alteeno Sain led Riverside with 14 points.

EPC also took the junior boys game with a 58-37 victory.

Riverside will return to action Tuesday night when they travel to Manila to take on the Lions before ending the regular season with a trip to Brookland.

Lady Rebels

The Lady Rebels split a pair of conference games, defeating Cross County 56-23 Monday night before dropping a 67-39 decision Thursday night at EPC.

Tara Campbell and Bekah Frayer scored 17 points apiece to lead the Lady Rebels past Cross County. Meagan Goza chipped in 12 while Kyley Campbell added 10. Riverside hit 20-31 free throws and made two three pointers.

The Rebels led 12-2 after the first quarter and 34-10 at the half. Riverside stretched its advantage to 48-18 heading into the final frame.

EPC placed four players in double digits in improving to 22-4 overall and 15-1 in 2A-3 conference play with its win over Riverside. The league champion Lady Warriors were led by Terrika Madden who scored 16 points. Keyerah Young contributed a double-double, scoring 14 points while grabbing 10 boards. Teria Young and Brittany Ball added 11 points apiece.

Meagan Goza topped Riverside with 21 points.

Riverside won the junior girls game 39-31. The Lady Rebels (22-6, 11-4 2A-3) were led by Kenzley Wilson who scored 15 points.

Riverside blasted Cross County 49-23 in junior girls play Monday night. Kenzley Wilson led the Lady Rebels with 16 points. Anna Brickell tallied seven, Chelsea Nichols netted six, Emily Jordan contributed five while Catlyn Sailor and Jordan Miller tallied four points apiece. Natalie Milligan scored three points while Ashlyn Snyder and Kenadi Calahan added two points apiece.

The senior Lady Rebels will host Manila Monday night at Caraway before traveling to Brookland Thursday night to close out the regular season.