REBELS TOO BIG FOR DRAGONS:

Size matters in basketball, especially when that size translates into talent as well.

Riverside had too much of both in a convincing 74-61 victory over Wenonah High School of Birmingham, Alabama on the opening night of the 2nd Annual Allstate Sugar Bowl Prep Basketball Classic.

After a sloppy first quarter in which they turned it over seven times in taking a modest 14-10 lead, the Rebels got their machine going in the second quarter, outscoring the Dragons 16-8 to take a 30-18 halftime lead.

Riverside blew the game open in the third quarter, opening the frame in inspired fashion on a 12-0 run to open up a 24-point lead at 42-18 and coasted home. It was 51-28 at the end of the third quarter and coach Timmy Byrd went to his bench liberally in the fourth quarter.

The Dragons never quit and had a 9-0 run of their own to make the final margin more respectable.

Ricardo Gathers led the way for Riverside with 24 points and 15 rebounds tough he left many points at the free throw line, where he made just 6-of-19. Donald Thomas had 20. Lucas Martin-Julien added 13. The Rebels shot well, making 26-of-50 field goals (52%).

Riverside coach Tim Byrd liked the way his team responded after a slow start.

"We weren't really happy with the first quarter but we played really well in the second and third quarters," Byrd said. "We changed defenses on them in the second quarter. I was really pleased with the way we moved the ball and got the ball inside. We played tough inside defensively and made them shoot jump shots and we did a good job of getting Ricardo the ball."

After being quiet for three quarters, Chase Sadler exploded for 16 points in the fourth quarter, including four three-pointers. He finished with a team high 21 points while DeMarco Dansby added 10 points. The Dragons fared terribly at the free throw line, making just 3-of-22 on the night.

Gathers was happy to play well in front of hometown fans.

"We have been on the road a lot," said Gathers. "It felt good to put on a good show for the fans here. Playing with my great teammates will be a most memorable moment for me in my senior year. We played well against a good team from Alabama but we have more work to do."

Riverside improved to 18-5 with the win while Wenonah fell to 17-6 with the defeat. The Rebels will face the winner of the St. John Bosco vs. O. Perry Walker game at 7:30 Friday night.