By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

Riverside’s Lady Rebels bounced back from a 1-2 district start to post two wins last week in District 10-2A, downing McGehee and Adep in convincing fashion.

The Rebels downed McGehee on the road, 57-33, on Thursday night. That came two nights after a 61-10 victory at home over Adep.

Toni Hebert led Riverside against McGehee with 17 points. Kelsey Joseph scored 14 and Channan Simmons added 13.

Riverside outscored the Hawks 19-5 and 18-5 in the first two quarters respectively.

Against Adep, Simmons led the way with 17 points. Joseph scored 14 and Monet Moses added nine.

In both games, the Rebels were able to push out ahead by virtue of their man to man defense, leading to a slew of forced turnovers and transition opportunities.

“We were able to come up with a lot of steals and generate lots of pressure in the beginning,” said Riverside coach Kristy Hebert of the Adep game.

In each case, the Rebels built a lead then transitioned into a zone as the game went on.

At 6-13 overall and 3-2 in district play, the Rebels find themselves in an almost identical position when compared to last season — in third place behind John Curtis and Haynes in district play, and needing to come up with a victory in the Haynes rematch. That game will take place at Riverside on Jan. 26. Haynes won the first meeting 49-45.

Meanwhile, Coach Hebert said the trick is to remain focused, so that that game means something when it comes around.

“I was a little disappointed in our first game with them. We know we have to beat them for a shot at the playoffs and I thought it was a winnable game. We’re starting the second round this week and if we play well, we’ve still got a shot at making it,” she said.”

ALL-STATE SUGAR BOWL BOYS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT: This Thursday the second annual All-State Sugar Bowl tournament tips off Thursday. The Riverside boys will be in action at 7:30 p.m. Thursday night to face Wenonah (AL) in its opening round game. The tournament will be held at the Alario Center from Thursday to Saturday.

Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for students. Anyone involved with a local recreation league (River Region or New Orleans area) that wears his or her jersey to the game will receive $1 admission.