By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

NEW ORLEANS – For the second time this season, Riverside can count a convincing victory over the defending Class 5A champions.

Ricardo Gathers’ 31 points led the Rebels to a 75-68 victory over the Crusaders at the New Orleans Arena Monday night.

“Right now, our team is struggling with some injuries, some guys out of action, and to beat a good team that’s so well coached like Brother Martin under those circumstances speaks very well of our depth,” said Riverside coach Timmy Byrd. “It’s a really good win for us and a good barometer of where we are at this point in the season.”

Riverside defeated Brother Martin 73-52 at last month’s Sugar Bowl Prep Classic tournament,

The Rebels (22-6) led by as many as 20. Riverside trailed 9-4 early in the game but would rally to lead 39-25 at halftime.

Byrd said Riverside took a little while to adjust playing at the New Orleans Arena and its wide open court, but that once the Rebels got locked in, they took off.

“Toward the end of the first quarter, we got it going,” he said. “We started getting stops and making our own shots. I felt like it was a dominating effort by our guys from the second quarter on.”

Zelvyn Smith scored 14 for Riverside and Donald Thomas scored 11.

Myron Chapman led Brother Martin with 15 points.

The Rebels led by 15 or more much of the second half. The Crusaders were able to close the gap to the final margin of seven late, but got no closer.

Riverside defeated Springfield 83-76 on Thursday and Scotlandville 60-58 on Saturday.

The Rebels are 7-1 in their last eight games.