In a fiercely contested match, the Anderson Trojans defeated the McCallum Knights 48-46 on January 9, 2024, marking Anderson’s first win over McCallum in four years. The game, held at Anderson High School, was characterized by intense rivalry, with both teams fighting for dominance in District 24-5A.
The Trojans’ victory was largely propelled by junior guard Miles Rickards, who scored 23 points, including 16 in the decisive second half. Following some provocative remarks from the Knights’ student section at the start of the third quarter, Rickards responded with a flurry of four 3-pointers, helping his team overcome a 21-15 halftime deficit. “There were some unkind words about people that I’m friendly with,” Rickards remarked, acknowledging the motivation he drew from the crowd’s comments.
Rivalry Atmosphere Fuels Competition
The rivalry between Anderson and McCallum is steeped in tradition, with both schools located less than six miles apart in Northwest Austin. While the antics of the past, such as mascot thefts, may have faded, the competitive spirit remains vibrant. The gym was filled to capacity, with students engaged in a spirited exchange of chants that heightened the atmosphere throughout the game.
Anderson’s senior guard Ben Burris expressed the significance of the win, stating, “We’ve struggled to beat them the last few years, and it just felt like a relief to do it.” The excitement was palpable from the onset, as even the junior varsity game attracted a full crowd, setting the stage for the main event.
Defensive strategies dominated the first half, but Rickards’ scoring surge turned the tide. Over a nine-minute span, he helped the Trojans surge ahead, shifting the game from a 21-15 deficit to a 40-36 lead. Eric Swanson, Anderson’s head coach, noted Rickards’ ability to handle the pressure: “The energy of this game, Miles was fairly unfazed by it. I think for him to just be able to relax and play was huge.”
Key Moments and Future Matchup
Despite McCallum’s attempts to rally back, including tying the game twice in the final minutes, Anderson maintained its composure. Crucial baskets from Austin Haywood and vital free throws from Noah Perkins and Zach Wallis sealed the win, even as McCallum managed a last-second 3-pointer.
Although the Knights’ winning streak in this rivalry was only three games, the significance of this victory was felt deeply by the Trojans. Senior player Luke McReynolds emphasized that the win held special meaning for the seniors, who had not previously beaten McCallum.
The rematch is scheduled for January 30, 2024, at McCallum, with both teams regarded as district favorites. Swanson acknowledged the need for continued improvement, stating, “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, Ethan Plummer, McCallum’s standout player and the only returning starter from the team’s back-to-back district championship squads, led the Knights with 17 points. As the rivalry continues, both schools are poised for an exciting season ahead.
