Rebels outlast War Eagles in 2 O.T.’s, improve to 4-0 in New Year

By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

The Rebels are rolling, right into district season.

Riverside came back from a 15-point halftime deficit on Friday night to defeat St. John-Plaquemine in double overtime, 79-77, at Riverside.

The win was Riverside’s fourth straight victory, allowing the Rebels’ 2008 record to remain unblemished.

Kane Keller led the way for Riverside with 24 points. Bobby Smith added 23, and Josh Tassin scored 19.

“We knew what we had to do to get back in it,” said Riverside Coach Ben Wilson. “They were bigger and more athletic than us. But these kids have a lot of heart and no quit in them, and it was why we were able to have a big win.”

St. John led 40-25 at halftime, and looked as though it may run away with things. But the Rebels had other ideas, and delivered a major blow in the third quarter, outscoring SJP 21-10 in the period.

The Rebels had chances to win on the final possession of regulation as well as in the first overtime, but couldn’t capitalize.

But in the second overtime, Riverside established a lead early, and St. John couldn’t close the gap in time to force a third overtime.

On Saturday, Riverside hosted the Hall of Fame Classic, an event that included five exhibition games.

The Rebels could not match their intensity level from the previous night, and fell 42-24 to Dunham.

Dunham led 20-9 at halftime, and started the second half on a 15-3 run to establish permanent control of the game.

Keller scored nine to lead Riverside. Smith added seven.

“Last night took a lot out of them,” said Wilson. “But even so, this was the last thing we expected. We just want to erase this one entirely and focus on what we’ve done right over the last few games.

“The only positive thing about this one is that the Hall of Fame game doesn’t count on your record.”