Lady Rebels Handle Houston County, Advance to Championship

McKENZIE (February 17) — The McKenzie High School Lady Rebels hosted Houston County Monday for a District 12A Girls Basketball Tournament semifinal contest. The Lady Rebels dominated the second quarter and coasted to a 48-31 win and a spot in the championship game.

McKenzie led 13-8 after the first frame, led by Molly French and Jaycee Stafford with five points each, French with a three-pointer. Ava Hastings also hit a three. Houston County’s Ally Mitchell and Kylee Smith each hit a three, and CJ Clark had a pair.

The Lady Rebels pulled away 19-7 in the second quarter, led by Stafford with 17 points, including a three. Sophie Pate had a pair. Smith hit another three for the Lady Irish, and Clark and Paisley Byler each had a pair. At the half, the Lady Rebels led 32-15.

McKenzie had an 8-7 edge in the third, led by French with a three-pointer and Stafford with three points. Braylin Auvenshine had a pair. Smith led Houston County with four points. Presley Moore had a pair, and Clark hit a free throw. Heading into the final frame, the Lady Rebels led 40-22.

The Lady Irish had an 8-7 advantage in the fourth, led by Mitchell with five points, including a three. Moore and Clark each added a pair. Stafford led McKenzie with six points, and Auvenshine added a pair.

Lady Rebel Jaycee Stafford led all scorers with 31 points, including a three-pointer.

Kylee Smith led Houston County with ten points, including a pair of threes.