BY MATT VINES, Red River Parish Journal

EAST POINT — The Riverdale Academy girls rolled their winning streak to nine games with a pair of district wins earlier this week. 

Riverdale (15-2, 6-0 MAIS District 4-2A) hammered Central School and Northeast Baptist by more than 40 points each as they inch closer to a district title. The Northeast Baptist score (66-3) was particularly noteworthy as Riverdale allowed its fewest points of the season. 

The Lady Rebels traveled to Union Christian for a Thursday evening tilt in a game that ended after deadline, but Union Christian entered the contest winless this season. 

A win Thursday sets the stage for the de facto district championship game tonight with second-place Briarfield Academy (16-4, 6-1). 

Riverdale won the first meeting 50-36 in East Point, and now the Lady Rebels load up the bus to make the long trip to Lake Providence in the far northeastern corner of the state. 

After the Briarfield contest, Riverdale still has four more regular-season bouts, including two in district. 

Riverdale heads to Westside Christian on Monday, hosts Union Christian (Tuesday) and Claiborne Academy (Friday) before ending the regular season on Feb. 3 by hosting the Louisiana School. 

Boys on a hot streak of their own 

The Riverdale boys picked up two wins this week with victories against Central School and Northeast Baptist to sweep the season series. 

The Rebels’ defense also produced a season low in points allowed in a 77-8 win against Northeast Baptist on Tuesday, 

The Rebels (6-7, 4-2 MAIS 4-2A) were heavily favored heading into Thursday’s night matchup with Union Christian that ended after deadline. 

A win tees up a battle for second place in the district at Briarfield Academy (15-2, 6-1) tonight. Briarfield was in the driver’s seat in district before being topped by Claiborne Academy this week. 

Briarfield won the first meeting with Riverdale, 49-35, in East Point.  

The remaining boys schedule mirrors the girls slate, with particular importance placed on Friday’s Briarfield meeting and the Feb. 2 date with Claiborne Academy. 

Should Riverdale squeak by Briarfield and win the games in which they are favored, they could play for a share of the district title against Claiborne Academy. 

Claiborne won the first meeting, 58-49, in Haynesville.