Byrd not worried with RA’s slow start

Published 12:02 am Saturday, December 19, 2015

RESERVE — Before this season, the last Louisiana team to beat the Riverside Academy boys was Scotlandville, on Dec. 17, 2013.

Timmy Byrd

Timmy Byrd

The Hornets weren’t the first to beat Riverside this year (West Jefferson was), nor even the second (University was). But Scotlandville was the third, taking a 67-55 win Tuesday night in Baton Rouge.

The loss dropped the Rebels to 0-3 for the first time in, well, a long time. Coach Timmy Byrd said that’s OK.

“We’re playing the best teams in the state,” he said. “I’m excited about the team. I really love these kids. You know, hey. Scotlandville is the No. 1 team in the state. We’re still not in any kind of basketball shape. We’re going to keep playing.”

The Rebels were scheduled to play Thursday night against Landry-Walker. That game has been canceled, however, in the wake of a post-game brawl at Tuesday night’s game between Landry-Walker and McDonogh 35. Both teams have been banned from play until further notice. The Rebels’ next game is scheduled for Jan. 7.

Parish round-up

Exam week and the upcoming holidays have wreaked havoc with the local basketball schedule.

East St. John (5-5) defeated Jesuit on Dec. 11, 57-47, then dropped a game to Lake Area New Tech on Tuesday, 77-63. The Wildcats are scheduled to play at Brother Martin at 7 p.m. today.

On Monday the Wildcats are set to host West St. John following the girls game at 6 p.m.

St. Charles Catholic (5-5) won its rubber match with Pope John Paul II on Dec. 12, 88-77.

The Comets will compete in the Runnels Tournament this weekend. They defeated Lee High on Thursday, 62-49. The Comets played Runnels on Friday after press time.

They will face Maurepas today in the final day of tournament play, then will host Grace King on Tuesday.

West St. John (1-3) defeated St. James on Wednesday, 69-65, as part of the St. James Tournament. The Rams played Assumption Friday night after press deadline.

West St. John will travel across the river to East St. John on Monday.