Eagles clinch District 10-C title

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, February 18, 2009

By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Make it 11 straight district titles for Reserve Christian.

The Eagles clinched the latest such accomplishment on Monday night as it toppled host Phoenix 68-42.

Nine different Eagles (39-6, 10-0) scored in the game, led by Cedric Jenkins’ 13 points. Louis Dabney and Ricardo Gathers each scored 10.

It was Gathers’ first game back since injuring his knee last month. The 6’6 freshman center had four blocks in the game, and didn’t take long to shake the rust off.

“We wanted to get him into the flow early,” said Reserve coach Timmy Byrd. “We were really glad to have him back. I thought he’d be rusty, but he really didn’t at all. He made some good post moves and when those weren’t there, he hit the jumper.”

The play of Dabney was equally as impressive. The freshman guard has been consistently hitting double figures in the scoring column, something not lost on his coach.

“He’s not playing like a freshman,” said Byrd. “He’s playing like the big time prospect that he is. Louis has really turned the corner, and we’re a whole lot better because of it.”

Reserve played its usual suffocating defense in the first half, allowing nine points in each quarter and getting out to a 35-18 lead. The Eagles slammed the door in the third, establishing a 20-10 mark over Phoenix (22-9, 8-2) to put a comeback out of reach.

David Sylvester led Phoenix with 17. Ben Cross scored 16.

RCS now moves its attention to Christian Life, which will visit Reserve on Saturday at 7 p.m.

The defending Class 1A champion Crusaders are responsible for two of Reserve’s six losses this season.

“I think the kids are excited about it,” said Byrd. “Rico’s back now, which is a big help. We’re looking forward to it.”