By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Cedric Jenkins scored 28 points to lead Reserve Christian as it defeated Hahnville on Friday night, 67-61 in Boutte.

Franklin Francois scored 12 and Ed Gallina added 10 for the Eagles.

Jarrell Kinsey led the Tigers (6-1) with 19.

Reserve led 27-15 in the second quarter when the Eagles fell upon some ball handling mishaps, turning it over four straight trips down the floor. Hahnville took advantage, and at halftime the RCS lead was down to 31-29.

“Right before that rash of turnovers, we had Cedric wide open for three, we don’t hit him,” said RCS Coach Timmy Byrd. “That could make it 30-15. Instead, we’re in a battle.”

Hahnville and Reserve entered the fourth quarter tied at 42. But Jenkins wouldn’t allow the Tigers to ride the momentum to a lead, burying key shots to keep the Tiger threat at bay.

“He willed us to victory. He put us on his back,” said Byrd.

But it was two of his teammates that factored in heavily in the fourth quarter. Francois scored nine fourth quarter points, and Ed Gallina added seven more.

With 1:30 remaining in the game, and the Eagles leading by three, Gallina nailed a 3-pointer to put Reserve ahead by six.

Then, in the final minute of play, Francois scored on put backs on two separate occasions.

“Those two came up big for us. They played very well down the stretch,” said Byrd.

The Coach knew his team had been through a battle.

“We struggled throughout, and I think Hahnville had a lot to do with that,” Byrd said. “They’ve got some fantastic athletes, and a lot of experience…I don’t see any reason they shouldn’t make a run to the Top 28.”