20. Riverside Academy (Reserve, La.)Head coach: Tim Byrd
2010-11 record: 29-6, Louisiana Class 2A state champions
Players to watch: Louis Dabney (6-3, 185, Sr., G, Tulane verbal commitment),
Ricardo Gathers (6-7, 240, Sr., F, St. John's),
Lucas Martin-Julien (6-2, 185, Sr., G),
Donald Thomas (6-7, 175, Sr., F)
Rebels scouting report: The basketball fortunes of Riverside Academy took a dramatic turn when nearby Reserve Christian closed its doors in 2009. Byrd essentially picked up the program at Reserve Christian and moved it to Riverside, where the Rebels have reeled off back-to-back state titles.
Ricardo Gathers might be the most physically-imposing athlete in high school basketball.
Photo by Jim Redman
While the 2010-11 squad wasn't quite ready to thrive against national competition, Byrd's third team at Riverside should manage much more successfully.
Gathers is the bell cow, posting 20.7 points and 16.2 rebounds per game as a junior. His brutish style and advanced physique have left some wondering about his upside, but there is no doubt about his ability to produce and win at this level. He's almost a lock for a double-double every time he steps on the court.
Dabney, Martin-Julien and Thomas were all regulars a year ago and twins Trevin and Trevon Woods (both in the 6-6 range) should see an expanded role.
Byrd has always been an ambitious scheduler going back to his days at Reserve Christian and isn't changing the philosophy this season. A trip to Fort Myers, Fla., for the City of Palms Classic is the highlight along with an appearance in the Spalding Hoophall Classic against No. 25 Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.).
