The Varsity Rebels’ season came to an end with a loss to the Scott County Central Braves in the district championship game at Delta.  The Rebels’ loss was a heartbreaking 84 to 46.  Drew Thornton and Ryan Kleffer led the Rebels with 15 points each. 

Senior Michael Latham played a very important role in the game against Scott County.

 “I felt good about it and I just went and did all I could do and did it the best I could,” says Latham of the game.

Latham was a very big asset to the team this year with his scoring and rebounding abilities.

Head Coach John Walker was recently selected as the Missouri Basketball Coaching Association state class 1 coach of the year. 

“It feels pretty cool to win this,” says Walker, “it’s a good honor and something good to put on a resume for future coaching jobs.”

Walker led the Rebels to a 22-7 season and to the championship game in districts, he deserves it.

The annual B.A. Sports All-Star Extravaganza is being held at the Dexter High School Gymnasium on April 10.  Senior players from around the area are selected to play an All-Star game and possibly compete in a 3-point contest and the fan favorite, Dunk Contest.

Two Richland standouts have been selected to play in the game, Drew Thornton and Mac Thornton.  The cousins were very excited to be selected. 

“It feels good to be selected to the team, it amazed me because I did not think I would make it,” says M. Thornton.

M. Thornton has played his heart out this year and has made some critical last second shots to win close games.

D. Thornton is no stranger in Southeast Missouri. D. Thornton has started varsity since his freshman year and now as a senior he is playing in the All-Star game.
 

“I have been dreaming about playing in this game ever since I was a youngster when I used to go watch it,” states D. Thornton, “It feels great; it is an honor.”

D. Thornton is also competing in the Dunk Contest where he wants to dazzle the crowd with his smooth and high-flying dunks.  Although the cousins are playing on different teams, that will not slow their competitiveness down one bit.

The NBA legend and past NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion, Spud Webb, will make an appearance at the All-Star game.  Webb will speak and be one of the judges of the Dunk Contest.  Webb, who is only 5’ 6”, is a highflyer that no one will forget.

It has been said all year; Drew and Mac are a dynamic duo.  Come out to watch all of the All-Star basketball action and fun and support the Thornton pair.