By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

As Reserve Christian enters the final stretch of the regular season, there will not be much chance for a let down before the Eagles’ postseason attempt to defend its Class C state crown – Reserve faces some top competition down the stretch.

The Eagles passed through the first stage of that gauntlet at home on Friday night, downing Centerville convincingly, 105-84.

Eddren McCain notched a triple-double for the Eagles (34-8, 5-0), scoring 14 points to go along with 16 assists and 17 rebounds.

Cedric Jenkins led Reserve in scoring with 34 points, while adding 12 rebounds and six assists.

Centerville (29-11, 6-2), the No. 4 ranked team in Class B, was the first in a series of four important matchups to end the regular season for the Eagles. On Monday, Reserve had a chance to clinch district 10-C with a win at home over Phoenix. On Saturday, it will enter a rematch with host Christian Life, the No. 1 team in Class 1A, which saw its only loss come at the hands of Reserve.

Finally, next Monday it will host a tough Country Day squad, the Champion of District 10-1A.

Needless to say, Reserve Coach Timmy Byrd was pleased to start that stretch with a win.

“It was really important for us to build some momentum in that game for the stretch run,” said Byrd.

Centerville attempted to run in a fast-paced game with the Eagles. But Reserve simply did it better, leading 35-19 after a quarter and by as many as 25 in the first half.

But the Eagles saw a 58-44 halftime lead dwindle down to five after the first two minutes of the second half.

Reserve settled down. When Centerville missed, the Eagles got out into transition for a series of easy baskets.

“We scored pretty consistently on our possessions,” said Byrd. “When they’d go on a little bit of a drought, we did a good job scoring on the other end.”

Centerville pushed the ball and shot quickly, which had allowed them to cut the lead as quickly as it did. But that style also allowed Reserve to quickly build its lead again, this time for good.

The Eagles led 80-63 after three quarters and stayed comfortably ahead for the rest of the evening.

Joban Sanders led Centerville, who hit seven 3-pointers on his way to 32 points.

Kyle McClue scored 21 points for Reserve. Chris Roussell added 17. Lucas Martin scored 13 and added 11 rebounds.

Byrd was pleased at the balanced attack his team showcased in the contest.

“It was good to see all those guys play well,” said Byrd. “Usually, two might play really well while the others play their roles. This time, all played at a really high level.”