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Rebels Beat Fighting Irish for District Title

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McKENZIE (February 17) — The McKenzie Rebels stole the lead in the second half to top the Houston County Fighting Irish 60-55.

The Rebels chalked up 14 points in the first quarter. Bryson Steele had four points under the net. Tate Surber drained two free throws, then had a shot on the block for two points. Zach Aird, Zay Webber, and Marquez Taylor had two points each.

Houston County took a two-point lead in the first and held it all the way to halftime. Jed Baggett chalked up nine points outside the 3-point arc. Logan Medders had four points. Tate Finley drove to the basket for two points and made a free throw. The Fighting Irish lead 16-14 at the end of the first quarter.

The Rebels added 12 points to their side of the board during the second quarter. Tate Surber had a 3-point play in the paint, then was fouled at the arc and made all three shots at the foul line. Taylor had four points. Webber tacked on two points.

The Irish held their lead through the second quarter. Medders chalked up six points. Baggett made a 3-pointer. Carson Conwell had a 3-point play under the basket. Houston County led 28-26 at the halftime break.

The Irish added ten points to their side of the scoreboard during the third quarter. Medders chalked up four points. Conwell drained a 3-pointer. Baggett had three points.

The Rebels came out after the break and took the lead out from under the Irish. Stafford Roditis had seven points. Taylor had four points. Webber had a 3-point play under the net. Surber drove to the basket for two points. McKenzie led 42-38 going into the final quarter.

Houston County added 17 points to their score, but they couldn’t hold back the Rebels. Kollin Hibbeler had nine points in the final quarter. Conwell had four points in the paint. Finley and Medders drove to the basket for two points.

The Rebels added 18 points to their lead during the fourth quarter. Roditis had six points behind the arc. Bryson Steel had a shot in the paint, then drained three free throws. Tate Surber had two points under the rim. Taylor knocked down three foul shots, and Webber tacked on two points from the line.

With just three minutes left in the game, the teams were tied 53-53. The Rebels outscored the Irish 7-2 in the final minutes. The Rebels overcame a close fourth quarter to defeat the Irish 60-55 and earn the District 11-1A title.

The Rebels will play host to the West Carroll War Eagles on Saturday, Feb. 25 to start the regional tournament. Tipoff is 7 p.m. at Crisp Arena.