Jacksonville Fl- At halftime of the Boys Basketball Gateway Conference Semifinals Wednesday, Ribault led Riverside 23-15. The reason the Trojans were able to jump out on the Generals was in-part the play down low by 6 foot 5 inch Kalvin Gilbert. The senior dual sport athlete dominated the paint scoring 8-points and grabbing 8-rebounds in the first half. He was the difference, heeding the coaching commands of Charles Showers who instructs his team to start fast and build a lead. This forces opponents to play catch up which many are unable to do. The Trojan’s arsenal of scorers is what forced Riverside to do just that in their contest, catch up..
Trailing,Riverside would come out of halftime fiery thanks to senior Antonio Harrison who knocked down down big shots. His play along with the Generals defense clogged lanes, preventing Gilbert to score easily inside in the second half. This strategy would allow them to come back in the game.
With just 9 second to play in the game, Riverside’s Tae’Shaun Gilbert would be fouled attempting a 3-pointer, being sent to the free throw line in hopes of tying the game. The 6’4 sophomore would hit all three shots from the charity stripe to tie the game 35-35.
However, Ribault’s ultimate weapon would save the day, as junior guard Caleb Williams called for the ball in his hands and drew fouls. Williams leads the team averaging 13.3 points per game. The confident captain would hit two clutch free-throws down the stretch, to secure the 39-34 win, sending Ribault to the Gateway Conference Championship.
Ribault showed that they can get scoring from other players besides Williams, including senior Noah Kitchen who hit two 3-pointers in the first half. George Woods averages 9.6 points per game, and Kevin Stokes chips in averaging 9.5 points per game. It’s that type of experience, effort and coaching that is the reason Ribault is 17-4 on the season, and will host the Gateway Conference Championship Friday.
Ribault will face Jackson (13-10) who upset Paxon 41-38 in their semifinals match. From Ribault’s stand-point, getting out to a lead, and with-standing the pressure defense of Jackson will be key. That means doing a better job of knocking down shots when given the opportunity in the second half.
Ribault has a height advantage, so out-rebounding the Tigers will be a deciding factor. Ribault and Jackson split two games earlier this year. Ribault won the first 39-38 while Jackson took the next match-up 62-58. It will be a close one again.
