RESERVE — The level of competition has finally caught up to the Reserve Christian Eagles.

Taking to the road for a top rated out-of-state tournament last week, the club went 1-2 in the “Rumble on the Ridge” played in Forrest, Ark.

Then the team returned home to play a 5A school in H.L. Bourgeois and lost a 99-86 game this past Monday night.

After a 12-0 season start, the team is now 13-3.

“That was a great tournament we played in, and then Bourgeois played a very physical game against us, and we weren’t really allowed to play the same way back,” RCA coach Tim Byrd said. “But this is all about playing tough teams to get us ready for district and the playoffs.”

In Arkansas, the team lost to Bolivar, Tn., 66-54, before beating Richwood 88-74, then coming back to lose to the Lanier Bulldogs, 85-52.

Against Bolivar, Demond “Tweetie” Carter scored 30 points, sparked by seven three-pointers all in the second half. Kevin Branch had 12 points and eight rebounds, while Tino Brozos added eight points.

Bolivar was led by 6-9 post man Wayne Chism who scored 31 points.

Against Richwood, Branch and Brozos scored 29 and 27, respectively, with Branch hitting 13 of 22 field goals. Brozos continued his long range shooting with five treys.

Carter added 17 and Demetrius Akers scored 10 points along with 11 rebounds.

Against Lanier, the Eagles watched the show of recent Mississippi State signee Michael Ellis, who had 50 points on eight treys, while hitting 17 of 18 free throws.

Carter had a big game himself with 38 points, getting 14 in the first quarter, while hitting 17 of 20 free throws.

“The tournament showed us we are still not experienced for teams at this level,” Byrd said. “I was disappointed we didn’t play a litle better, and we especially need to improve our defense, but this is all to improve our game.”

Against Bourgeois the team was led by Carter with 40, Branch with 16 and Brozos with 14.