Riverside High School boys basketball coach Sam Monroe knew it would take time when he took over the program three years ago. Now, thanks to a lot of hard work, Monroe’s Bulldogs are off to one of their best starts in recent memory.
The Riverside Bulldogs are off to a 4-0 start this season, with wins over South Delta, Simmons, Greenville High and Greenville Christian.
“The credit belongs to our players. The players are dedicated and have put in the work,” Coach Monroe said. “This has been a 3-year plan. Our first year was about identifying talent and working with what we had. The second year was a lot of skill development, and we made great strides and won 19 games last year, which was the best we have done in quite some time. Coming into this year we really boosted up our summer program.
“We still have a lot to do, but I am happy with the progress we made.”
This year’s Riverside squad is a combination of talented veterans and youngsters. Junior Aaron Stewart leads Riverside with 20 points a game. Senior Jordan Williams leads Riverside in rebounding with a 12.3 averages. Senior Otis Williams is averaging 13 points a game, and freshman DJ Gaston is averaging 9.7 points per game. Freshman Jaleel Moore and sophomore Jayden Moore have also been key contributors to Riverside’s success.
Below is a recap of Riverside’s first four victories.
Riverside 42, South Delta 34 (Nov. 7)
In this battle of the Bulldogs, Riverside opened up the first quarter and never looked back by outscoring South Delta 16-10 in the opening frame. Riverside and South Delta each scored nine points in the second quarter, and Riverside outscored South Delta 17-15 in the second half. Ahmani Lee scored 12 points to lead South Delta.
Riverside 64, Simmons 36 (Nov. 9)
Junior Aaron Stewart led the Bulldogs with 20 points. DJ Gatson scored eight points. Otis Williams scored 13 points. Jayden Moore and Kuda Henderson scored six points, and Jaleel Moore and Kendal Reeves each scored five points.
“We knew that Simmons was still missing a few players because they are still playing basketball, but this was a good win,” Coach Monroe said.
Senior Jordan Wilson led Riverside with nine rebounds.
Riverside 55, Greenville High 49 (Nov. 10)
Aaron Stewart recorded his second straight 20 point game as the Bulldogs knocked off their cross-county rival.
“It was big for us defeating Class 5A team,” Coach Monroe said. “We stuck with our game plan and got the job done.”
Senior Otis Williams added 14 points for Riverside, and DJ Gaston scored 11 points. Jaleel Moore scored five points.
Gymanuel Well led Greenville High with 23 points.
Riverside 56, Greenville Christian 30 (Nov. 14)
The Bulldogs from Avon picked up their fourth win of the season by outscoring Greenville Christian 56-30 in the second half.
Senior Jordan Wilson led Riverside with 20 points and 12 rebounds, senior Otis Williams scored 12 points, freshman DJ Gaston scored 12 and freshman Jaleel Moore scored six.
