By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

One has built a dynasty. The other has piloted it for the past three seasons.

And together, Reserve Christian’s Timmy Byrd and Eddren McCain capped their run together by leading the Eagles to their sixth state championship in seven years.

So it’s no surprise that the two top the L’Observateur’s 2008 All-St. John Parish honorees for boys’ basketball. McCain tops the team, selected as the MVP of St. John Parish. Byrd, likewise, is named the St. John Parish Coach of the Year.

The Eagles capped off a 40-9 season with a 92-48 win in the state championship game over Athens. The result of the game was no different than any of the others in the 2008 postseason for RCS, as the Eagles won each game by a wide margin.

It was the Eagles third straight title in Class C, and fourth straight crown overall.

McCain, a senior who has signed to play at Bradley, was the driving force of the team, providing leadership with his play and with his words. He averaged a triple double this season, tallying 19.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 13.3 assists per game.

“Eddren’s one of the best we’ve ever had here,” said Byrd. “You don’t replace someone like that easily. But we just hope he rubs off on some of our younger players. I’m proud to have had the opportunity to coach him.”

Byrd said that McCain’s intangibles set him apart from many other talented players who have opposed him.

“He’s so tough. There are many who have skill, but not all of them are mean and tough on the court,” said Byrd. “He refuses to lose. Some may be stronger or faster, but he has a killer instinct that makes him special.”

McCain’s triple-double in the state championship game was a fitting end to his career at the school, much as the postseason honors he’s accumulated have been. He was voted not only to the 2008 All-State team for Class C, but also as Louisiana’s Most Outstanding Player in the classification.  

He is joined on the All-Parish team by sophomore forward Cedric Jenkins. The 6’2 guard came off of a broken leg to post 20.6 points per game average. He finished the season with his strongest performance – Jenkins was named MVP of the Class C championship victory.

East St. John’s Jamaan Kenner represents the Wildcats on the team. The sharpshooting senior averaged over 16 points per game in one of the state’s toughest districts, 6-5A.

Another long-range threat, St. Charles senior guard Vincent Rollo, represents the Comets. Rollo averaged 13.9 points per game, and saved his best for last – he hit 27 3-pointers during a tough District 9-3A schedule.

Riverside junior guard Kane Keller makes the team as well, after leading the Rebels in scoring with 15 points per game this season.

West St. John forward Blake Comminie was the Rams defensive backbone, and he rounds out the roster. He averaged 14 points and nine rebounds per game.