Riverside Academy sophomore Ricardo Gathers scored 23 points to lead the Rebels to an 84-61 victory over Jonesboro-Hodge this afternoon.

The win came in the most important game of the season – the Class 2A state championship game in the Cajundome in Lafayette.

Gathers, who also had eight rebounds, three blocks and four steals, was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.

This is the first state championship in basketball for Riverside, traditionally a football school.

The Rebels had their easiest game of the playoffs today. They led by seven points after one quarter, 12 at the half and 14 points after three quarters. In the previous two games, Riverside pulled away in the second half after a tight first two quarters.

“I can’t say enough about how these guys go out and play and represent Riverside in such a first class manner,” said first-year Rebel coach Timmy Byrd.

Senior Cedric Jenkins, who scored 19 points for the Rebels, was emotional after the game as he celebrated the victory with his teammates and friends.

“I give so much time and effort to this game that when the moment came I just got emotional,” he said. “All week in practice I’ve been trying to soak everything up. The moment (of victory) was amazing. I love this team so much.”

Louis Dabney added 13 points for the Rebels and Ed Galina scored 11 in the victory.

Riverside, the top seed I the Class 2A field, finished the season with a 34-6 record, while Jonesboro-Hodge finished 26-10.

For full game coverage and photos, see Wednesday’s L’Observateur.