REBEL GIRLS BASKETBALL VS MLAC

MCC 52 vs MLAC 40

The Murray County Central Rebel Girls Basketball team opened 2025 with a pair of losses last week to HBC and Lakeview, two of the better teams in Section 3A. In both games the Rebels led all or a large amount of the first half before losing in the second half. The Rebels were hoping to turn those tough losses into victories this past week. The Rebels started the week at home against the Wolverines of Mountain Lake Area Comfrey, a team who was looking for their first win. They would still be looking after leaving Slayton on Tuesday night.

The game started slowly with both teams trying to get into a rhythm on offense and it would take some time. The Wolverines are one of the smallest teams in the Red Rock Conference and that doesn’t allow for many open looks inside the paint. The Rebels did a good job of contesting shots, which limited the Wolverines good shots. The three point line would allow MLAC to get on the scoreboard. The Wolverines made eight shots from the field in the first half, six were three point baskets. The Rebels did not shoot well in the first half, making just two three pointers, but MCC did keep the game close. The Rebels took the lead for the first time with six seconds left in the half on a three point shot by Taylor Larson. But at the buzzer, the Wolverines regained the lead with a three point shot by Julia Brinkman, making the score 23 to 22.

The second half would change as the Rebels came out quickly, getting the ball inside which created free throw shooting opportunities, and as the half went along, open three point shots. Ava Deacon put the Rebels in a good position to score. She was able to score five quick points. When she drove towards the paint, the defense would slide over to help and that allowed openings. Kelli Miller hit a pair of three point shots in the second half. Kat Miller and Kate Blankenship found openings to score a basket each. The Rebels pulled away by double digits. The Rebel defense remained strong, allowing MLAC to score 17 second half points. The Rebels got their fifth win of the season 52 to 40.

The Rebels forced the Wolverines into 16 turnovers while only giving the ball away 11 times. The Rebels held the Wolverines to 26% shooting for the game but only 19% from two points range. Ava Deacon led MCC with 13 points while Taylor Larson scored 11. Kelli Miller added 9 points and 5 rebounds. Julie Brinkman was the top scorer in the game with 21 points, 18 of which came on 6 three point baskets. The Rebels would be on the road to Adrian on Friday.

Kate Blankenship

Taylor Larson