By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Riverside moved one step closer to clinching a fifth consecutive district championship after defeating Science Academy 69-25 Wednesday, led by Jalen Banks’ 23 points. 

Darrion Cook scored 14 points and Jared Butler 11 for the Rebels, who rested most of their top rotation players in the game. 

It was the 20th straight victory for Riverside, which is a victory against St. James this Tuesday away from earning District 10-2A  championship honors. Coupled with a win over Sophie B. Wright Friday night (after presstime), it would mean an outright district title for the Rebels. 

Byrd said that the Science Academy matchup allowed a chance for the Rebels to allow some of its reserves a chance to play in a featured role. 

“I thought Jalen played an exceptional game and that Jared did an outstanding job running the team (as point guard),” said Byrd. “Defensively, we were really good. I was pleased.’

“We feel like we’ve got some guys on the second and even on the third team who could probably start elsewhere. It’s a good reward for their hard work.”

Riverside defeated St. James 81-69 in the first meeting between the teams on Jan. 31. 

That game was at Riverside, and the Wildcats pushed the Rebels throughout despite entering as big underdogs. Jonathan Favorite scored 21 points for SJH, and brother Jason Favorite added 18. 

“They’re a big and athletic team,” said Byrd. “They played a respectable game and made us play for four quarters. They were better than I expected. They played much harder than I expected.’

“We’re going to their place and I know they won’t be rolling over. They expect to win.”