By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

St. James kept pace in the District 10-2A title race last Friday, defeating Riverside 76-32 at St. James.

The Wildcats (11-13, 4-2) are within a game and a half of district leader John Curtis, which has a 6-1 record. Second place Newman has a 4-1 district record.

Riverside (13-14, 0-5) had many of the same problems that it had in its first matchup with the Wildcats, unable to find its offense from the field.

The Wildcats led by 15 at halftime, 33-18.

But St. James busted the game open in the third quarter, where it opened up on a 17-2 run to put things completely out of reach.

“They started nailing threes,” said Riverside Coach Ben Wilson. “They took advantage of our lack of size, and some other areas where we’re weak.”

The Rebels were able to limit St. James’ production in the transition game, but the Wildcats were able to score efficiently in the half court.

“They worked it around and basically got what they wanted,” Wilson said.

Carl Geason led St. James with 20 points. Kirk Bartholomew added 15 and Marcus Dumas scored 14.

Kane Keller led the Rebels with 11 points. Bobby Smith scored eight and Jade Falgoust scored six.

Riverside will face Fisher on Monday and attempt to notch its first district win. Fisher won the previous meeting, 65-59 at Riverside.