Ribault didn’t wait for the final layup. The Trojans spilled onto their home court to celebrate their first Gateway Conference boys basketball championship in 13 years on Friday night.
Ribault (18-4) held off reigning champion Jackson 60-55 in overtime to set off the celebration on Winton Drive. Ribault led by seven points at the end of the third quarter, but Jackson responded with two quick baskets in the first 55 seconds of the fourth to force the Trojans to call time.
The rest of the way, neither team was more than two possessions away from the other.
Both teams had a chance to win with less than a minute to go. But, Jackson’s Ronald Durham Jr. was called for an offensive foul with 55 seconds remaining. When Ribault had a chance to win in regulation, Caleb Williams effort was too strong. Kalvin Gilbert Jr snared the rebound, and had a six-footer from the baseline that would not fall.
Tied at 50-all after regulation, the two teams confidently walked to their respective benches to regroup.
The Trojans’ ability to remain composed was challenged when captain Caleb Williams fouled out with 2:44 remaining in overtime. Williams scored eight points, but was relegated to a nervous spectator for the final 164 seconds of the game.
Every chance Williams had, he poured into his backcourt mate, George Woods. The son of Ribault’s girls basketball coach finished with a game-high 20 points. Woods gave the Trojans a lead they would not relinquish when he made both free throws with less than two minutes left in overtime.
Ribault’s free throw advantage may have won the game. The Trojans shot 74 percent from the line (20 of 27) and made all six free throws in overtime. Meanwhile, Jackson (13-11) shot 52 percent from the line (10 of 19) and converted only three of six attempts in the free basketball period.
Albert Laguerre made both attempts with 1:03remaining to tie the game at 54. Ribault responded with a Kalvin Gilbert layup with 56 seconds left in overtime.
Jackson had an opportunity to tie, but couldn’t convert at the line. When Ribault’s Jeremiah White made both free throw attempts with 27.2 to go, it forced Jackson to attempt a 3-pointer to extend the game.
Jackson couldn’t get the look it wanted. Ribault claimed the rebound and raced up court for a celebratory bucket as the buzzer expired.
No matter how much the public address announcer asked Ribault fans to remain off the court, it didn’t happen.
Moments after Charles Showers led the Trojans to their first conference title in 13 years, the Ribault coach had tears in his eyes. His pride in his players was evident.
Ribault 60, Jackson 55
J 14 14 11 11 5 – 55
R 16 12 18 4 10 – 60
Records: Ribault 18-4, Jackson 13-11.
Photos by Will Brown
