By Chad Kean, Examiner Contributor
Riverside’s postseason run came to a heartbreaking end Monday night, Feb. 23, as the Pirates dropped a 62–60 decision to Twin Valley South in a Division VI, Southwest District 1 quarterfinal matchup.
The Pirates came out firing.
Riverside wasted no time setting the tone, knocking down three early three-pointers to jump out to a 15–9 first-quarter lead. Sophomore Brody Osborne sparked the fast start, scoring from multiple spots on the floor as Riverside played with confidence and energy in the opening minutes.
Twin Valley South answered in the second quarter behind its junior backcourt. Lucas Barlow and Trent Ray combined for 22 points in the period, swinging the momentum and giving the Panthers a 27–25 halftime advantage.
Both teams settled into a rhythm in the third quarter, trading baskets in a tightly contested stretch. Twin Valley South managed to create just enough separation to carry a 43–34 lead into the final frame.
Riverside refused to go quietly.
Osborne fueled a late surge, pouring in 10 of his game-high 26 points in the fourth quarter as the Pirates stormed back into contention. Riverside outscored Twin Valley South 26–19 in the final period, trimming the deficit possession by possession.
Senior Blaine Shoe played a key role in the comeback, finishing with 12 points, including three three-pointers, while also handing out eight assists to keep Riverside’s offense moving. Justin Mazariegos provided an efficient scoring boost with eight points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting night, and Hayden Sanford added seven points and a team-high six rebounds.
Despite shooting 43.5 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range, the Pirates struggled at the free-throw line, converting 10 of 21 attempts, a factor that loomed large in the closing moments.
In the final seconds, with the outcome hanging in the balance, Twin Valley South capitalized at the stripe to secure the two-point victory at the buzzer.
Riverside closes the season with a 6–17 record, showing resilience to the final horn.
Twin Valley advances to face No. 3 seed Emmanuel Christian in the Division VI Southwest District tournament on March 2 at Troy High School, with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m.
