Riverside captured its third state championship in four years today in Monroe, toppling St. Thomas Aquinas, 60-49.

“This is the youngest team I’ve ever had win a championship,” Riverside coach Timmy Byrd. “They’re all great character guys, the type of guys you wouldn’t mind seeing marry your daughter. That makes this special.”

Rebels’ senior Cory Costanza nailed 3 consecutive 3 pointers late in the fourth quarter to break things open. He was named the game’s Outstanding Player.

Costanza scored 15 points in just 17 minutes, his playing time limited due to foul trouble. The senior center exited the game after fouling out late in the fourth quarter with fans chanting his name.

“I had butterflies,” said Costanza. “This is the best way I could ever think of finishing my senior year.”

Said Byrd, “It’s really a storybook ending. When Cory came here, he couldn’t finish a drill. He wasn’t a very good player. But instead of quitting, he kept at it and not only became a starter, but a great leader.

“People would have laughed if you told them Cory would have been the MVP of the state championship game. But now, Cory’s the one who can laugh.”

With the victory, Riverside coach Timmy Byrd earns his 10th state championship.

Herb McGee finished with 13 points for Riverside. Von Julien scored 11 and Malik Crowfield scored 10. Jordan Andrews registered five steals.

Vincent Walker led St. Thomas Aquinas with 17.

The Rebels forced 20 turnovers in the game while committing only nine.

See Wednesday’s L’Observateur for full coverage on Riverside’s championship victory.