BY GEORGE MAHL

EDGARD – Riverside Academy senior forward Crystal Rome recently proved why she is considered one of the top prep basketball players in the River Parishes.

Her season-high 35 points lifted the Lady Rebels to a 46-25 victory over West St. John High School.

“We played well all night. Crystal Rome obviously played a significant part in the outcome. She played good defense and did a great job during the fast break opportunities we got,” said RA head coach Jenny Zeringue.

Rome scored seven of her team’s first nine points. After an evenly matched first quarter, which ended in a 9-9 tie, Riverside began to open things up in the second period.

After West St. John starter Latoya Borne sank a 3-pointer making the score 17-14 WSJ, the Lady Rebels went on an incredible 23-0 run to take a 37-17 lead with 39 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

During the run, Rome was responsible for 20 of her team’s 23 points. Her three-point play expanded the Riverside lead to 35-17 with 1:44 remaining in the third quarter.

The lone bright spot for West St. John was the play of Keyon Weber, who finished with nine points. Not only was Rome scoring from the field, but also did her part from the foul line as well.

She made 8 of 9 free throws in the game.

“I have seen us play defensively with more intensity than tonight. I think our press caused them problems out there for them,” Zeringue concluded.

The victory lifted the Lady Rebels to 3-0 in district and 8-8 overall. The loss dropped West St. John to 2-2 in district and 5-6 overall.