In a fiercely contested matchup on January 23, 2024, Anderson High School edged past McCallum High School with a narrow 48-46 victory, marking their first win over their rivals in four years. The game, part of the District 24-5A competition, showcased the intensity of one of Austin’s most storied high school basketball rivalries.
Strong performances from Anderson’s players were crucial, particularly from junior guard Miles Rickards. After facing taunts from the McCallum student section, Rickards responded by scoring 16 of his game-high 23 points in the second half. His impressive shooting included four three-pointers, which helped propel the Trojans from a 21-15 deficit to a 40-36 lead by the end of the third quarter.
Rickards reflected on his motivation, stating, “There were some unkind words about people that I’m friendly with. And that kind of fueled the fire.” His determination, along with the support of a lively home crowd at Anderson’s compact gym, contributed to an electrifying atmosphere throughout the game.
Defensive Battle Precedes Anderson’s Victory
The first half of the game was characterized by strong defensive efforts from both teams. The intensity was palpable as fans filled the stands, creating a vibrant environment that invigorated the players. As the match progressed, Anderson’s offense began to find its rhythm, largely thanks to Rickards’ scoring burst.
Despite McCallum’s efforts to tie the game multiple times in the closing minutes, Anderson maintained composure. Key contributions came from teammates, including two baskets from Austin Haywood and three critical free throws from Noah Perkins and Zach Wallis. These efforts ensured that the Trojans would not falter, even as McCallum managed a last-second three-pointer that ultimately fell short.
Anderson coach Eric Swanson praised Rickards for his ability to stay focused despite the game’s high stakes. “The energy of this game, Miles was fairly unfazed by it,” he noted. “For him to just be able to relax and play was huge.”
Looking Ahead to the Rematch
This victory holds significant meaning for the Anderson players, particularly the seniors, who had not previously beaten McCallum. Senior guard Ben Burris expressed the relief felt by the team: “We’ve struggled to beat them the last few years, and it just felt like a relief to do it.” With a packed crowd supporting them, the excitement was evident even during warm-ups.
The rivalry, which has seen its share of memorable moments, continues to thrive in a modern context marked by social media dynamics. The next chapter in this ongoing competition will take place on January 30, 2024, when the teams meet again at McCallum High School.
Despite this recent victory, Swanson emphasized the importance of continued improvement. “There’s a lot of work to do. We have a lot to clean up. But we’ll celebrate and enjoy tonight because the kids put in a lot of work to be at this moment.”
On the opposing side, McCallum’s Ethan Plummer, a key player and the only returning starter from the school’s back-to-back district championship teams, led his team with 17 points. As both teams look to solidify their standings in the district, the upcoming rematch promises to be another thrilling encounter in this intense rivalry.
