The Riverside High School Men’s Basketball team came in third place in the conference this season, and has high hopes going into the state playoffs.
They recently participated in the conference tournament, in which the pirates had a bye,and played Panther Creek in their first game. The team unfortunately lost 76-72 in overtime against Panther Creek, but is moving forward into the state playoffs.
“A tough non conference season prepared them for success,” said Coach Brian Strickland, who has been the head coach of the team for seven years. Strickland believe that staying focused and concentrating while also sticking to standards is what is helping the team with their consistent success this year.
There has been a drastic improvement in the teams success compared to the 2017-2018 season. Last year the teams game record 5-24. “We improved this year by growing as a team and strengthening our bond which helped us work together as a team as well as individually,” senior captain Christian Johnson said. The team is succeeding off the court, too. Players recently visited Easley Elementary School to read with first graders for one hour, as a part of a community service project.
“Teaching the children the importance of practice and repetition will prepare them as they move forward in life,” said Strickland. The team will visit Easley again this year to help with their field day. Players also participated in the Keep Durham Beautiful project, where they planted 100 trees.
“The purpose of this service project was to remind them the importance of maintaining the beauty of our community,” Strickland said. In this process the team learned that simple things such as planting trees can create positive light on our community.
Editor’s Note: The men’s basketball team hosted Leesville Road High School as the 16 seed in the 4A state playoffs yesterday.
