By RYAN ARENA

RESERVE — With point guards Von Julien and Herb McGee rejoining Riverside’s basketball team this week after the conclusion of the school’s football season last week, the Rebels are at full strength. That may be a scary notion for the rest of the state.

The Rebels showed off its scoring capability Tuesday as it defeated visiting Sophie B. Wright at home, 121-56.

Cory Costanza scored 22 points to lead six Rebels in double figures. McGee scored 18, Malik Crowfield and Von Julien each scored 15 while Jordan Andrews and Khalea Turner each added 14.

Riverside led 20-4 after the first quarter. The Rebels truly erupted in the third, however, scoring a game-high 43 points in the period.

“Right now, we’re looking to play as fast as we can,” said Riverside coach Timmy Byrd. “That’s how we’re gonna play, fast. We’re also trying to get our guys into basketball shape, particularly the ones coming over from football.”

That would primarily be Julien and McGee, who made a strong accounting of themselves in their season debut.

“They make a big difference,” said Byrd. “They bring toughness and a tremendous amount of experience. They get everyone involved. I think Cory really benefits. Malik Crowfield’s been our best all-around player … when you surround those guys with weapons, it makes them impossible to double-team.”

Riverside hit 13 3-pointers in the game.

Byrd said that in terms of long-range shooting, this is the best team he’s had since Rebels’ marksman Cedric Jenkins graduated in 2010 — and it has the capacity to be special.

“This team has a chance to be the best (3-point shooting team) I’ve ever coached, which is saying a lot since we broke records in the Tweety Carter days.

“But the good thing about this team is these guys can beat you off the dribble. It’s not just an outside shooting group.”

Riverside will be tested for the first time this week with two challenging home games. The Rebels have a showdown with Scotlandville Monday, then will face off with St. Thomas More on Friday. Each foe is ranked at or near the top of Class 5A and 4A respectively. Each night will see the J.V. start at 6 p.m. with the varsity following thereafter.

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