JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As Andrew Jackson and Ribault prepare to face off for the third time this season during the Gateway Conference Tournament semifinals, the Tigers are seeking revenge.
Last season, the Trojans defeated Andrew Jackson in the finals of the Gateway Conference Tournament, claiming the title. In the current season, the teams have split their series one game apiece.
"Jackson and Ribault, it's always been a big rivalry, but personally, these teams never had that rivalry. Now, after last year and this year, I think that we actually do have a rivalry," said Andrew Jackson Center Shaun Payne.
"We know them pretty well; we used to go to school with some of them, play AAU with them. So, it's going to be a good matchup between friends and each other," said Andrew Jackson Guard and Forward Albert Laguerre.
"Just ready to not shut them up, but to show who is on top," said Andrew Jackson shooting guard David Wilson.
As for the Trojans, they aim to maintain the upper hand with a win in this rivalry.
"The rivalry is really huge. It doesn't matter what the record is. I could be 0-20, and they could be 20-0. It's still going to be a good game," said Ribault Head Coach Charles Showers.
"It's really just bragging rights because we know families know families. My family knows theirs, so it's just having fun and playing the game we love," said Trojans Point Guard Caleb Williams. "Having the bragging rights is beating your own friends and talking smack. But, it's all love at the end of the day."
Ribault and Andrew Jackson face off on Thursday, Jan. 25, at 5:30 p.m. at Paxon High School.