BREAKING: In a thrilling showdown on January 23, 2024, Anderson High School clinched a nail-biting 48-46 victory over McCallum High School, marking their first win against their rivals in four years. The atmosphere at Anderson was electric as fans packed the gym for this heated District 24-5A clash.
With the game hanging in the balance, Miles Rickards delivered a game-changing performance, scoring 16 of his game-high 23 points in the second half. His pivotal scoring spurt began after a fiery exchange with the Knights’ student section. “There were some unkind words about people that I’m friendly with, and that kind of fueled the fire,” Rickards stated post-game.
The rivalry, though less mischievous than in years past, remains a fierce competition as both schools are less than six miles apart, fostering a deep-seated camaraderie and competitiveness among students. The game showcased the rich tradition of high school sports in Austin, with fans cheering passionately throughout.
After a low-scoring first half, Rickards ignited Anderson’s offense, transforming a 21-15 deficit into a commanding 40-36 lead in just nine minutes. “The energy of this game, Miles was fairly unfazed by it,” said Anderson coach Eric Swanson.
Despite McCallum’s attempts to rally, including tying the game twice in the final minutes, Anderson maintained their composure. Key plays from Ben Burris and Noah Perkins solidified the win for the Trojans, who celebrated their hard-earned victory on their home court.
“This is a game where the crowd is packed at the JV game and you feel the excitement straight in the warm-ups,” Burris remarked. The emotional weight of this win was palpable, especially for the seniors who had yet to defeat their rivals. “We’ve struggled to beat them the last few years, and it just felt like a relief to do it,” Burris added.
Looking ahead, the two teams will face off again on January 30, 2024, at McCallum, with both squads poised to vie for district supremacy. Although Anderson has secured this win, Coach Swanson emphasized the need for 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,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, McCallum’s standout player, Ethan Plummer, led his team with 17 points. The Knights, now at 7-12 overall and 1-1 in district play, will look to rebound quickly as they prepare for the rematch against Anderson.
This latest development in the Anderson-McCallum rivalry not only highlights the intense competition in high school sports but also underscores the emotional stakes for the players and their communities. Fans are already buzzing about the next encounter, eager to see if Anderson can maintain their momentum or if McCallum will reclaim their winning streak.
