McKENZIE (March 2, 2023) — The McKenzie Rebels defeated the Frank Hughes Lions 56-46 to be crowned Region 6-A champions for the second consecutive year. The Rebels took a lead during the second quarter and didn’t look back.
Playing at Bethel University’s Crisp Arena, the Lions took a 14-11 lead during the first quarter. Aiden Dicus drove to the basket and drew a foul for three points. Dicus drove to the basket for another two points. Malaki LeGrande had a shot under the rim for two points, then matched that with two shots at the free throw line. Weston Lineberry chalked up four points. Alex Shamer tacked on one point.
The Rebels trailed the Lions during the starting quarter. Zach Aird and Carter Kee had three points each. Marquez Taylor drove to the basket for four points. Zay Webber tacked on one point at the foul line. The Rebels trailed 14-11.
Lineberry chalked up three points. Alex Ronchetti drove to the basket for four points. LeGrande had two points in the paint, and Shamer had one at the line. The Lions chalked up ten points in the second quarter, but that wasn’t enough to hold off the Rebels.
McKenzie took the lead during the second quarter. Bryson Steele led the team with seven points. Taylor had two points in the paint and three from the free throw line. Webber drove to the basket for two points, then made one free throw. Tate Surber and Stafford Roditis had two points each. The Rebels took a 30-24 lead at halftime.

The Lions were held to ten points during the third quarter. Ethan Nance drove to the basket for two points, then made a 3-pointer. Lineberry had two points in the paint. Shamer drained two free throws, and Dicus made one.
The Rebels held the lead and added 15 points to their side of the board. Webber and Taylor had four points each. Aird and Surber had two points in the paint. Kee drained a 3-pointer. McKenzie held a 45-34 lead over Frank Hughes at the end of the third quarter.
The Lions added another 12 points to their side of the board. Lineberry added eight points to the board before he fouled out. Carson Beckham and Rochetti had two points each.
The Rebels topped off the game with 11 points in the final quarter. Surber had four points in the paint, then made a foul shot. Kee and Aird made two free throws each. Steele tacked on two points under the net. The Rebels defeated the Lions 56-46 to gain home advantage in the sectionals round.
Following the conclusion of the game, McKenzie Principal and Athletic Director Kelly Spivey awarded the Region All-Tournament Team awards. Tate Surber, Bryson Steele, and Zach Aird were all chosen for the award. Marquez Taylor was awarded the Region 6A All-Tournament Most Valuable Player award.
McKenzie will play host to the Moore County Raiders on Monday, March 6. Tip-off is 7 p.m. at Bethel University’s Crisp Arena.