AVON — “We are too close not to play each other.”
Riverside High School boys basketball coach Eddie Wade said these words moments after his team defeated visiting Washington School 40-35 Thursday night.
According to coaches and administrators from both schools, Thursday’s showdown between the Bulldogs and Generals was the first ever meeting between the two programs in basketball. And, judging by both the competitiveness and sportsmanship of the players on the two teams, plus the number of basketball fans who packed the Riverside gym for the game it appears this new matchup of Washington County schools may be the start of a new rivalry.
D’Vonta “Lucky” Gatson led the Bulldogs with 18 points as Riverside (2-2) made just enough plays in the final minutes to pull the game away. It was Gatson’s layup after a full-court inbounds pass that sealed the victory in the last 30 seconds. Gatson’s layup came after Washington School’s Peyton McPherson putback a rebound for two points to cut the Riverside lead to three points, 38-35, with 42 seconds remaining in the game.
“We had a few lapses, but we started to play team ball at the end,” Coach Wade said. “The best thing about my team is they try hard and listen to what I am telling them to do.”
A jump shot in the corner by Gatson followed by a driving layup by Myles Edwards put the Bulldogs up for good with two minutes remaining in the game. Edwards finished with 14 points in the game, and Riverside’s Jonathan Richardson scored six points.
A basket by Joseph Smith and a layup by Henry Potter, assisted by Jacob Bomgardner, helped the Generals take a six point lead in the third quarter, but five straight points by Riverside’s Richardson cut the Washington lead to one point with five minutes in the game.
McPherson led the Generals with 13 points, and Kell Hodges contributed eight points.
Washington School girls 48, Riverside 28
The first ever matchup between the Lady Generals and Lady Bulldogs was a tight affair in the first half, but Washington School stepped up its defense in the second half to put the game away.
Washington’s Jordan Hays Middleton led her team with 15 points, Abbigail Jennings scored 10 points. Meg Giachelli and Lela Signa both scored six points.
Washington Coach Yvette McPherson, in her first year coaching the Lady Generals (3-3), said her team is improving each day because of their hard work.
Shakera Stewart led Riverside with 13 points, and Morgan Cotton scored six points.
Riverside coach Johnny Bley said the Washington depth wore down his young team in the second half. Three Lady Bulldog eight graders, Gracie Trainer, Morgan Cudd and Skylar Peoples, played extensive minutes for Riverside.
“The girls are fighting hard, but we are just not there yet,” Coach Bley said.
