Riverside, firing on all cylinders, eyes postseason run

Published 9:00 am Saturday, February 23, 2019

RESERVE — After struggling through an early season rut, the Riverside Academy boys basketball team has hit its stride and is prepared to roll full-force into a 6:30 p.m. Tuesday regional playoff game against The Church Academy.

The game takes place on the Running Rebels home court in Reserve, and coach Timmy Byrd is anticipating a win.

“The Church Academy has struggled this year,” Byrd said, referencing the team’s 8-25 record. “We expect to be victorious if we do what we’re supposed to do. We’ve weathered storms in the last few months and played really good basketball, so I really like how we’ve improved going into the playoffs.

“Our team is firing on all cylinders right now.”

Sophomore Gage Larvadain, who carried the team through much of the early season, is returning to full strength after struggling with a back injury in past weeks.

The Rebels enter the playoffs as a No. 4 seed after earning a bi-district bye.

Kash Foley, Isaiah Bigham and Brian Walker will be recognized during the Tuesday playoff game, which doubles as senior night.

Tickets for Tuesday’s game are $7 for adults and $5 for children.

If the Rebels advance, they will play the winner of Monday’s game between No. 5 Holy Savior Menard and No. 12 Northlake Christian on Friday.