McLeod trumps Rivercrest, 58-55, in high-billed game

McLeod hosted district foe Rivercrest Jan. 29, for another epic battle between two teams ranked in the top 5.

Coming into the fray the Longhorns had won ten consecutive games which included a, 60-56, win over the Rebels back on Jan. 5.

This game had it all.

McLeod won in nail-biting fashion, 58-55, in the closing seconds, Keldyn Schubert broke a 1A-6A state record for career assists with 1,149 and the ’Horns took one more step to sealing undefeated back-to-back district championships.

McLeod jumped out to a, 20-13, lead after the first quarter and held onto a, 29-26, lead at the break.

Rivercrest played hard in the third quarter and cut the deficit to, 40-39, going into the final quarter of play.

The game came down to the final seconds as Casey Smith went to the foul line with 4.5 seconds left on the clock and McLeod up by a single point.

Smith made both free throws which ended up being clutch baskets late in the game.

Rivercrest made a desperation shot to tie the game as time expired but the ball rimmed out.

The Longhorns were solid at the charity stripe as they converted 18-of-19 free throws. Smith set the nets on fire for 22 points and had six rebounds, Schubert added 10 points and 11 assists in his record-breaking night, Nathan Parker poured in 10 points, Silas Murdock had eight points and Nos Gryder recorded eight points.

McLeod AD/HC Steven Lambeth had this to say about the opportunity for back-to-back district championships, Schubert’s big accomplishment and beating a tough Rivercrest team.

“It’s been one of the many goals for us this year. We knew after losing our two big guys, Deel and Bonner, that it would be very tough to go back-to-back,” Lambeth said. “That along with Rivercrest playing as good as they have this year; we will see after this week if we will be back-to-back undefeated district champs.”

“We knew starting the year if Keldyn just stayed healthy he would break the record, but then the season being cut short made it harder,” Lambeth remarked. “He is such an unselfish player and is always looking to get everyone involved. He has some great shooters that are really knocking down shots right now and it’s been a lot of fun. He is also on pace to pass Jason Kidd on the national record. Placing him at sixth.”

“Last time we played Rivercrest it went into overtime at their place so we knew it would be a tough one at our place too. Rivercrest’s Kamryn English shot the ball extremely well (was 8-for-9 from three point range at one point). Several trips Casey Smith and Silas Murdock answered right back though,” Lambeth added. “The main thing that got us the win was shooting 18-for-19 at the free throw line. I believe we are as good defensively as any team in the state so if you mix that with the shooters we have it makes for an exciting game.”