Rivers Basketball Teams Play at TD Garden

“It was an amazing opportunity for our teams to get to play in back-to-back games at one of the most storied venues in basketball,” said Director of Athletics Keith Zalaski. “And even more special was how our community showed up to share in that experience.” More than 900 students, parents, alumni, and members of the professional community filed into the arena on Sunday night to support Rivers basketball.

The girls’ varsity team took on Worcester Academy in the opener. Although they ultimately fell to Worcester 73-53, the team made a strong effort, led by Grace O'Sullivan '25 with 13 points, Payton Richard '24 with 11 points, and Rissi Smith '25 with 9 points. 

In the game that followed, boys’ varsity basketball defeated Tabor to improve to 11-1 and remain unbeaten in the ISL. The Red Wings were carried by Amir Lindsey '24, who led the team in all categories with 32 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 steals. Andrew Alekseyenko '25 chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds; Jay Jones '25 added 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists; and Ryan Altman '25 battled through injury to add 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

Rivers Middle School basketball players were able to enjoy their own Garden experience, as they scrimmaged at halftime of the two games—a memorable experience for these young players.

The experience was just as exciting for the community members who traveled to Boston to cheer on the teams. “While the TD Garden venue is beyond special to so many of our community, it was even more powerful to see that many people make the trip,” said Zalaski. “Through Friday Night Lights and events like this one at the Garden, we can really see how people show up for each other in our community. I couldn't be more proud to call myself a Red Wing!”