Matt Vines

EAST POINT – 15-8 lead at the end of the first quarter.

That’s what the scoreboard read when Riverdale played at district champion Claiborne Academy in Friday’s season-finale.

Claiborne did recover and pull away from Riverdale in a 55-35 victory, but for at least one quarter, Riverdale controlled the game against one of the best MAIS Class 2A teams.

That’s what first-year head coach Ty Jones wants his Rebels (10-20) to tap into as the Class 2A South Regional gets underway Wednesday.

It’s part of a young Riverdale squad that’s vastly improved from the beginning of the season, not unlike last year’s team that made noise at the state tournament.

“There are really good stretches where they look like a team that can compete for great things,” said Jones, an all-state performer in his own right at Riverdale just a few years ago. “We’ve improved in a lot of different ways, including our individual skillsets just in the course of this season.

“We understand each other better and what each other’s strengths are. They are a tight-knit group that plays for each other.”

The No. 3 seed Rebels will face No. 2 Mt. Salus in the first round Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. at Wilkinson County Christian Academy.

Riverdale can punch its ticket to the Class 2A state tournament with a win as the top four region teams advance.

“The keys against Mt. Salus are the same for us as other opponents – we have to guard because it’s what we do well,” Jones said. “Obviously there are certain ways to guard different teams, and we’ll make adjustments accordingly, but in a playoff game like this that’s several hours away, you can’t always expect your offense to travel with you.

“You have to get stops and finish off defensive possessions.”

Defense has been Riverdale’s strength this season as the young group has learned the finer points of the game.

There are guys who contributed to last year’s playoff run in which Riverdale pushed eventual region champion Claiborne Academy in a six-point loss before advancing to the Class 2A state tournament, losing to No. 1 seed Lee Academy on a buzzer beater and to another No. 1 seed Woodlawn Prep by five points.

“I think it definitely does help,” Jones said of the playoff experience. “The guys and I know this is not some regular season game.

“The intensity will be turned up with both teams’ seasons on the line. Being in that spot before just helps prepare you that much more.

Jones was on the bench as coach Trey Pittman’s assistant, and while this season is his first as a head coach, he’s learned plenty of lessons along the way as well.

“I have learned that creating a bond with the kids and getting them to trust in what you say is just as important if not more than the basketball stuff,” Jones said. “I’ve learned just as much from these guys as they have from me.

“I hope in the final games of this year and the years to come, I never stop wanting to grow and learn as a coach.”