By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

BATON ROUGE – Very few teams could ever claim to have the number of a Timmy Byrd-coached club over the last couple of years, be it his Reserve Christian squad last season or his current Riverside bunch. But Christian Life might be the one team that can these days.

In a battle of two of the state’s powerhouse teams, the Crusaders downed the Rebels 55-50 at Christian Life on Saturday night.

Each team is considered by many to be the favorite to win a state crown in its respective classification.

It was CLA’s second win this season over the Rebels (17-4) after topping them 68-61 in an early season contest. The Crusaders (16-3) also swept Byrd’s Reserve Christian team last year.

“They have been more patient at the end of games than we’ve been,” said Byrd. “They’re a senior-heavy team, and it shows. What’s good about playing a team like that is it forces you to be patient and focused offensively, which we have not been.”

The two teams will play for a final time on Feb. 5 at Riverside.

Ricardo Gathers led RA with 17 points. Cedric Jenkins and Ed Gallina each added 12.

Langston Galloway led CLA with 20. Patrick Robinson added 11.

The game was a back and forth defensive affair decided in the last minute.

The Rebels entered the fourth quarter down by eight, but rallied to tie things up. But Galloway canned a 3-pointer with under a minute remaining to give the Crusaders the lead again.

The Rebels came back down the floor and turned the ball over. CLA responded by drawing a foul – two free throws later, and the game’s five-point margin of victory was set.

Galloway, a senior guard, has made a reputation of coming through in big spots.

“He’s a good player already, but what makes him great is the ability to make the shots at key moments,” said Byrd.

“He’s been the difference against us in virtually every game.”

Christian Life led 25-24 at halftime.

The relatively low score of the game for each squad was a testament to the defensive intensity of each team.

“Both teams give maximum effort,” said Byrd. “They realize you can’t give up easy points.”

Byrd says that when he sees Christian Life, he sees currently Louisiana’s best team.

“They’re a veteran team, four Division I players, not just athletic but well-coached,” said Byrd.

“I think we have the talent to beat them. We haven’t proven that we have the experience yet.”