Lady Rebels Top Lady Tigers to Claim Third

McEWEN (February 23) — The McKenzie High School Lady Rebels finished third in the District 12-1A Girls Basketball Tournament with a 43-34 win over Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central in Monday's consolation game at McEwen High School.

Both teams will open region play on the road Friday at 7 p.m. McKenzie will travel to Perry County, while Central goes to Wayne County.

The Lady Rebels jumped out to an 11-3 lead after the opening frame, led by Jaycee Stafford with eight points. Addyson Littleton hit a three-pointer. Lady Tiger Alayah Hill had a pair, and McKenzye Castleman hit a free throw.

McKenzie had a 16-6 advantage in the second quarter, led by Alleigh Britt with six points on a pair of threes. Kynadie Brown and Braylin Auvenshine each hit a three-pointer, and Stafford also scored three points. Madeline Gottshall hit a free throw. Lilly McGee, Cloe Morgan and Scarlette King each had a pair for Central. At the half, the Lady Rebels led 27-9.

The third was a 13-13 wash. Auvenshine led McKenzie with seven points, including a three. Stafford scored four, and Gottshall added a pair. Castleman scored five for the Lady Tigers with a three-pointer. McGee and Morgan each hit a three, and Ava Finley had a pair. Entering the final frame, the Lady Rebels led 40-22.

Central rallied 12-3 in the fourth for a closer final, led by King with a three-pointer. Hill, Amelia Bennett, Emy Olds and Belle Blankenship each had a pair, and Morgan hit a freebie. Auvenshine added a pair for McKenzie, and Molly French hit a free throw.

Lady Rebel Jaycee Stafford led all scorers with 15 points. Braylin Auvenshine scored 12 with a pair of threes.

Cloe Morgan and McKenzye Castleman lead Central with six points each, both with a three-pointer.