Holiday tournaments are full steam ahead as Red River Parish teams transition from Christmas to New Year’s events, and teams are sharpening their skills for district play ahead.

 

Riverdale girls basketball continues to seek top competition in three different states as they press on in the non-district schedule.

 

The Lady Rebels (13-4) snapped a two-game losing streak Tuesday with a 61-29 result against Columbus Christian Academy in the second and final game of the Calhoun Academy tournament.

 

Mary Claire Jones surpassed the 2,000-career point mark in the victory, receiving the game ball.

 

Riverdale had a near miss Monday against MAIS Class 3A Kirk Academy in a 47-44 loss on the first day of the Calhoun Academy tournament. Madelyn Chamberlain was named the Riverdale Player of the Game in the loss.

 

But Riverdale has dominated its Louisiana competition and hung tough against quality teams from Arkansas and Mississippi as the Lady Rebels are preparing themselves to play for another shot at an MAIS class state title and a spot in the overall MAIS tournament.

 

The road continues Friday with a date against Silliman Institute with another game to follow in the final holiday tournament of the season before Riverdale jumps back into district play Jan. 6 against Franklin Academy.

The Red River boys (7-5) continue their murderer’s row of a holiday schedule with a 60-49 win over Class 5A Carencro to wrap up the Lake Arthur tournament.

 

It’s their third win against a Class 5A team this season and fourth against a team of higher classification.

 

The Bulldogs are navigating a December slate which includes an 89-87 triple overtime loss to Class 4A Wossman, a 55-48 defeat to Class 5A Captain Shreve and a 68-60 loss to Class 5A Natchitoches Central, the last one in Coushatta.

 

Despite losing four of their last six, Red River is learning lessons that will serve them well as they push for a third straight Class 2A Top 28 appearance.

 

The top-notch competition continues Saturday against Class 4A Southwood, Tuesday at home against Class 5A Airline and the following Friday (Jan. 9) at Class 5A Evangel Christian.

 

The Riverdale boys took aim for the second time this season at Shreveport Home School Sports in a Tuesday night tilt.

 

Riverdale (2-6) fell earlier in the season to SHSS in 73-51 fashion, but the Rebels have vastly improved as the school transitioned from football season to basketball.

 

The Rebels have wins against Pslams Christian and Union Christian so far this season.

 

The Red River girls nearly ended their losing streak but ultimately came up short in a 51-49 loss to Class 4A Northwood on Monday.

 

The Lady Bulldogs (7-8) have been challenged in their streak of five losses in the last six games.

 

Close losses to Northwood and Arcadia (52-51) highlight games against small-school teams in late-season form like Fairview, Pitkin and Pleasant Hill.

 

Red River did beat Homer in this stretch, and they’ll take the court again Saturday at Class 4A Southwood.