McKENZIE (February 17) — The McKenzie Lady Rebels defeated the Houston County Fighting Irish 66-44 to take the district title at Bethel University’s Crisp Arena.

The McKenzie Lady Rebels took a quick lead in the first quarter. Savannah Davis chalked up seven points. Katie Chesser and Mikaela Reynolds knocked down a 3-pointer each.

The Fighting Irish were held to nine points to start the game. Hailey Brooks had four points in the paint. Josey Grant drove to the basket for two points. Kennedy Jones drained a 3-pointer. Houston County trailed 13-9.

The Lady Rebels chalked up another 13 points in the second quarter. Briley Auvenshine had the majority of the points during the quarter. She drove to the basket for eight points, then made two free throws. Mikaela Reynolds had two points, and Davis tacked on one point.

The Irish fell behind in the second quarter. Brooks had four points under the net. Karli Stinson made one free throw, then made a 3-pointer. At halftime, the Irish trailed the Rebels 26-17.

Houston County added ten points to their side of the board during the third quarter. Stinson had three points. Brooks drove to the basket for two points. C.J. Clark had five points during the quarter.

The Lady Rebels had forty points in the second half. McKenzie chalked up 20 points in the third quarter. Kylie Reynolds drained two 3-pointers and two free throws. Chessor had seven points, making two 3-pointers and making one foul shot. Davis made a shot from beyond the arc. Mikaela Reynolds tacked on two points under the rim. McKenzie took a 46-27 lead going into the final quarter.

The Fighting Irish had 17 points in the fourth quarter but struggled to catch up to the Lady Rebels. Clark had five points. Kennedy Jones and Grant made a 3-pointer each. K. K. Raines tacked on two points. Stinson and Brooks had two points in the paint each.

The Lady Rebels had another 20-point quarter to finish off the championship game. Mikaela Reynolds had seven points. Kylie Reynolds chalked up four points from the free-throw line. Sophie Pate made two 3-pointers. Davis drove to the basket for two points, then made one foul shot. The Lady Rebels defeated Houston County 66-44.

Savannah Davis and Mikaela Reynolds had 14 points each. Kylie Reynolds had 12 points all made in the second half.

McKenzie will play host to Clarksburg for their first game of the regional tournament. Tipoff is Friday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.