By Molly Seales

Monday, December 12, was about more than basketball. The Riverdale Rebels traveled to Providence Classical Academy where both teams honored Marc Long, son of Riverdale graduate Hannah Garrett Long and nephew of PCA girls head coach Morgan Garrett. PCA students made posters and gave gifts to Marc, while fans of both teams made donations to the Long family. Marc was diagnosed this past summer with Batten’s Disease, a medically incurable childhood degenerative disease, but his family and friends know that God is still in the miracle business. The fans got to watch some basketball while helping with this amazing night for Marc’s family.

In JV girls’ action, Riverdale defeated PCA 30-8. Mary Claire Jones led the team in scoring with 10 points, in assists with 6, in steals with 7, and in deflections with 4. Makayla Pickett had 9 points and led the team in rebounding with 9 boards. Hanna Huddleston, Kynnedi Taylor, and Ally Kate Hillman each had 4 points. Emma Giddings, Charity Williamson, and Krista Mancil had 2 points each, while Kaleigh Pickett rounded out the scoring with a freethrow. PCA defeated the JV boys 38-19. Ashton Almond led the team in scoring with 8 points, and he also had 6 rebounds. Tanner Carlisle chipped in 5 points while leading the team in rebounds with 13 boards. Cannon Breedlove had 4 points, and Colin Bates rounded out scoring with 2 points.

In varsity action, Riverdale girls defeated PCA 52-38. Senior Jessie Kate Cobb had a fabulous game with a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds, along with 5 deflections. Mary Claire Jones added 16 points and led the team in steals with 5 and assists with 4. Makayla Pickett added 7 points and had 6 rebounds, and Madison Chamberlin added 5 points and led the team in deflections with 8. Jadyn King added 5 points and Hanna Huddleston added 2 to round out the scoring. Riverdale boys fell to PCA by a score of 69-38. Ben Almond led the team in scoring with 12 points, in steals with 3, and pulled down 6 rebounds. Thad Bates added 7 points and led the team in rebounds with 11 boards. Kyle Guillory had 8 points and led the team in deflections with 5. Ryder Huddleston also had 8 points and pulled down 7 rebounds. Jace Wilhite added 3 points.

Riverdale and Providence would like to thank all of you who came out and donated to Marc’s family as they continue his infusions to help his condition. This fundraiser was a reminder that together, communities can do great things.

---

To report an issue or typo with this article – CLICK HERE