By RYAN ARENA

L’OBSERVATEUR

LAFAYETTE – When Riverside coach Timmy Byrd was asked to sum up his thoughts on his Rebels’ 84-61 Class 2A championship win over Jonesboro-Hodge Saturday, he remained silent for a few moments to gather his thoughts.

For Byrd, it was the eighth time in his 14-year coaching career that a season has ended in championship victory. But this season was hardly business as usual.

Byrd’s seven previous crowns were won at Reserve Christian, where he coached until the school closed its doors in 2009. Shortly after, Byrd jumped to Riverside. His returning Eagle players followed.

They’ve made history. The 2009-10 Rebels (34-6) were the first Riverside basketball team to ever win district, to earn a top seed, to win multiple playoff games, to reach the Top 28 and to reach the final game.

And now, Riverside has its first state basketball championship.

“This is not a typical title for us,” said Byrd. “It’s just funny how God works. To have Reserve Christian close, only to have a greater door to go through, it’s really a miracle.”

For senior guard Cedric Jenkins, it was his fourth championship win. But he said it felt like the first time all over again.

“It’s like I’d never played here before,” said Jenkins. “This feeling is more than I ever expected.”

For senior guard Kane Keller, it actually was the first time. Keller — who hit a three and drew a roar from what seemed like the population of Reserve early in the second quarter — was one of two Riverside seniors who have played at the school for the last four seasons, along with Josh Tassin.

The Rebels won nine games a year ago, and neither Keller nor Tassin had ever played in a playoff game prior to 2010.

“Just to be in the playoffs was the greatest feeling,” said Keller. “But for us to win it all is unbelievable. If you had told me last year, the way it ended, that we’d be playing for a state championship right now … it’s unbelievable.

“I knew if I had an open shot, I just had to make it.”

Jonesboro-Hodge had knocked off the No. 2 seed, No. 3 seed and No. 7 seed on its way to the finals.

Before the game, Byrd changed his strategy. The Rebels had planned on focusing on a halfcourt defensive attack. But he shifted gears before tipoff.

“I didn’t discuss it with anyone,” said Byrd. “But I thought we needed to try and tire the big guy out (6-foot-7 Jonesboro-Hodge center Thomas Williams). We gave up some layups, but we were also able to play a lot of our guys and accomplish what we wanted.”

The matchup between Williams and Riverside’s Ricardo Gathers — the two were teammates during summer AAU ball – was of major interest. Williams played well, scoring 22 points and grabbing nine rebounds.

But Gathers emerged with the game’s MVP honors, scoring 23 points, grabbing eight rebounds, blocking three shots and securing four steals.

Gathers did it all at the tournament, even making 4-of-5 3-pointers at the Top 28.

“You just play your game and good things will happen,” said Gathers. “I love all of these guys, and I’m just glad I’ve been able to play with this group.”

Cedric Jenkins scored 19 points. Louis Dabney scored 13, and Ed Gallina finished with 11 for the Rebels.

Unlike Riverside’s previous two wins, which were close for a half before the Rebels raced out to a second-half rout, Riverside seized control early.

Riverside led by 11 early in the second quarter when Gathers brought the crowd into a roar with a dunk. Gallina made a layup to make it 29-14. Williams answered at the other end, but it wouldn’t halt the Rebel momentum. Gathers immediately answered with a drive and layup, then Kyle McClue stole the ball and made another layup. Gallina would add another shot at the basket as the lead grew to 35-16.

Riverside led by as many as 21 in the first half, but the Tigers (26-10) ended the second quarter on an 11-2 run (highlighted by Williams and LaQuinten Calahan) to shave the lead to 12, 41-29.

The Rebels got off to a quick start in the second half, though, negating the run. Gallina scored two baskets in transition, and Dabney scored twice attacking the basket as RA started on a 9-2 run to make it 50-30.

“They were bigger than us across the board, but just as quick,” said Jonesboro-Hodge coach Allen Tew. “You back off of them, they kill you from the outside. It’s a very tough matchup.”

Jonesboro-Hodge got only as close as 13 the rest of the way.

The Tigers had a promising start to the game, taking a 6-3 lead after making consecutive layups.

Riverside reestablished itself and built a 17-10 lead to end the first quarter.

“We were off to a great start, but then we started to rush,” said Jonesboro-Hodge coach Allen Tew.

“We got out of our offense. When we executed, we scored. When we didn’t, they got off to a six- to eight-point run.”

The Rebels got to the basket at will — when they weren’t scoring, they got to the line where they made 23-of-30 shots. From the field they were efficient too, making on 47 percent of their attempts.

“You can’t ask for anything else,” said Dabney. “Not many teams can do this like we can.”

Said Gallina, a senior who grew up in Brazil: “This basketball team is my American family. They say they love me, and I love them.”