Monday night brought a battle of two of the top teams in Duval County. Both teams were ranked in our latest rankings with Ribault at number 6 and Mandarin at number 9. They also have only one combined loss as Mandarin has started out the season undefeated and Ribault’s lone loss coming at the hands of San Jose Prep, who was ranked fourth in our latest rankings.
This game was a defensive battle marred by turnovers and missed, contested shots. The game started out sluggish with both teams imploring full court press defense. Mandarin took the early lead as they were able to capitalize off of the early turnovers from Ribault and get some easy baskets in transition. The tables turned late in the first quarter as Ribault finally got into an offensive rhythm and took a 15-14 lead going into the second quarter. The rest of the game mirrored the first quarter as both teams went on runs exchanging the lead back and forth.
It was close throughout but Ribault was able to build a ten point lead as Mandarin went cold from the field for a stretch in the fourth quarter. They were able to close that gap late with two consecutive steals and layups with under two minutes to play. Mandarin’s comeback attempt came up short though and Ribault got the 49-43 victory at home and hand Mandarin their first loss of the season. Ribault was led in scoring by senior point guard Kayla Massey with 16 points. Mandarin also had a senior lead them in scoring with Nykeria Thomas putting up 12 points for the game.
Leading scorers @JRHSLADYTROJANS @Kayla_Massey2 16 points@MHSsportszone@nykeriathomas 12 points
— Patrece Albertie (@CoachPatrece) December 12, 2023
Ribault (4-2) will face Raines (5-4) next in their annual quadruple header on Saturday, December 16th at Raines. Mandarin (5-1) will face Ridgeview next on Tuesday, December 12th at home.
