Matt Vines

EAST POINT – When Trey Pittman looks down his bench and sees only nine players dressed out, it’s a sight that might worry some coaches.

But none of those nine players will stay on Pittman’s bench as he said all nine will contribute.

Riverdale tapped into its bench as the Lady Rebels won their season-opener, 36-35, against Bayou Academy this past Thursday.

It’s the start of what Riverdale hopes will end in a Class 2A MAIS championship.

“I’ve never had a team like that before where every single girl could contribute,” Pittman said. “How we lost in the semifinals last year (59-56 to Marvell Academy) has made them hungrier and more focused.”
The Lady Rebels return four starters from a 32-7 team that was ranked No. 1 in MAIS Class 2A for the vast majority of the season.

That team won 24 straight games before its semifinals loss in the Class 2A tournament, which bounced Riverdale into the consolation game and ended its hope of a state title.

Riverdale did roll in that third-place game (52-28 against Calhoun Academy) and advanced to the overall state championship tournament, where the Lady Rebels ran into Presbyterian Christian (lost 60-32).

Point guard Mary Claire Jones will continue to build on her historic career as the senior should top the 2,000-point mark and may even threaten 2,500 career points.

The 5-foot-4 guard is just as comfortable passing as she scoring, and she’ll have veteran options in which to distribute with seniors Makayla Pickett and Hanna Huddleston and sophomore sharp shooter Kaleigh Pickett.

Senior Julia Grace Riggs will be the other starter and provide another post body to rebound and score on the inside.

Senior Charity Williamson provides depth in the backcourt for a group that features five seniors.
But Pittman also has high expectations from his younger players like sophomore Madelyn Chamberlin, freshman Kenna Coleman and seventh-grader Hope Williamson.

For a team that’s accustomed to building big leads throughout large portions of its season, quality depth will allow Riverdale’s starters to not accumulate mountains of minutes.

Riverdale hits court again Thursday when they host Word of God Academy at 6:30 p.m.