UPDATE: In a breathtaking showdown, Anderson High School edged out McCallum High School 48-46 on January 16, 2024, marking their first victory over the Knights in four years. The intense rivalry, one of the hottest in the Austin area, captivated fans as Miles Rickards exploded in the second half, scoring 16 of his game-high 23 points following a heated exchange with the Knights’ student section.
The game, held at Anderson High, was characterized by a charged atmosphere as the Trojans rallied from a 21-15 deficit. Rickards’ outstanding performance, particularly his four 3-pointers during a nine-minute stretch, propelled Anderson to a decisive 40-36 lead. “There were some unkind words about people that I’m friendly with,” Rickards stated after the game. “And that kind of fueled the fire.”
The rivalry, deeply rooted in local tradition, saw a packed crowd, with students from both schools passionately supporting their teams. “This is a game where the crowd is packed at the JV game and you feel the excitement straight in the warm-ups,” said Anderson senior guard Ben Burris, who also expressed relief at breaking the Knights’ winning streak in the series.
Despite fierce defense dominating the first half, the second half shifted dramatically in favor of the Trojans. Anderson coach Eric Swanson praised Rickards for staying composed under pressure. “Miles was fairly unfazed by it. For him to just be able to relax and play was huge,” Swanson commented.
McCallum, currently 7-12 overall and 1-1 in district play, made valiant attempts to tie the game late, but Anderson held firm. Key contributions from Austin Haywood and crucial free throws from Noah Perkins and Zach Wallis sealed the victory. The Knights managed a last-second 3-pointer, but it was too late to alter the outcome.
With this win, Anderson improves to 9-14 and 2-0 in District 24-5A, highlighting the significance of this match for the seniors who have longed for this victory. “The seniors haven’t beaten them, so this is big,” noted Luke McReynolds, emphasizing the emotional weight of the rivalry.
The two teams will face off again on January 30 at McCallum, making it essential for both squads to stay focused. Coach Swanson acknowledged the need for continued improvement despite the celebratory moment. “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,” he stated.
As fans eagerly anticipate the rematch, this thrilling victory serves as a reminder of the intense passion and spirit that fuels high school sports rivalries.
