By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Riverside has set itself up in good position in early District 10-2A play, winning two of its first three district games, all on the road.

The latest came Thursday as the Lady Rebels notched a win at McGehee, 45-35.

Marci Millet scored 15 to lead the Rebels in scoring.

Sarah Levin scored 14 and Brittany Schoen added seven to the Riverside cause.

“I’m just happy for the girls,” said Riverside coach Kristy Hebert. “It’s just the beginning for them. It’s a better start than what they’ve had in the past, and they’re gaining confidence.”

Riverside (7-13, 2-1) led consistently throughout the game. It led McGehee (5-12, 1-1) 28-17 at halftime and 34-27 after three quarters.

Hebert said that the Rebels, while not putting up a big number on the scoreboard, was able to control the game by slowing the pace.

The win not only added to a positive start for Riverside, but also sets the team up in good position going forward. The Rebels’ district schedule is split down the middle, with all five of its road games coming before five straight home games to end the season.

That means a win in either of the Rebels’ next two district games, on Monday against St. James or on Thursday against Newman, would clinch a winning district road record for the team – with a five game home stand to end the year.

The Rebels’ first district win came last Friday as it won at Fisher, 65-45.

Millet again led the Rebels with 22 points. Jessica Price scored 12. Levin scored nine, and Schoen added eight.

Fisher (3-6, 0-2) never challenged the Rebels, who dominated from the start, outscoring Fisher 21-6 in the first quarter, Riverside led by 15 or more points after each quarter of play.

Hebert was pleased with Riverside’s scoring punch, but wanted to see improvement defensively.

“We executed well offensively, but defensively we were poor,” said Hebert. “We allowed too many points.”

Riverside fell for the first time in district play on Tuesday, 72-27 at John Curtis.

Millet led Riverside with seven points. Price added six.

Curtis led 40-12 at halftime.

The Patriots (19-6, 2-0) currently appear to be one of the two favorites to win District 10-2A, along with St. James.