REBEL GIRLS PLAY STRONG TO SECURE TWO WINS THIS WEEK

JANUARY 30 MCC VS. SWC

The MCC Rebel Girls Basketball team pulled off a big win this past Tuesday over the Edgerton Flying Dutchmen. Friday, the Rebels were back in action in Edgerton, this time at Southwest Minnesota Christian High School. This would be the second meeting of the year between the Rebels and the Eagles. The Rebels beat the Eagles the first time around, holding SWC to just 18 points in that game. The Eagles have improved a great deal this season, but the Rebels got their second straight victory over the Eagles.

The Rebels were off to a quick start when Kat Miller banked in a three point shot on the very first possession. She hit another three pointer moments later to put the Rebels ahead 6-0. Miller scored the first nine points of the game for the Rebels, all from the three point line. The Eagles would get within one point, 17-16, and that is all the closer the Eagles would get, as the Rebels pulled ahead in the first half. The Rebels ended the half on a 18-0 run to take the lead 35 to 16 to the half.

The big first half run continued into the second half as the turnovers mounted for the Eagles and the Rebels’ run ended at 24 straight points. MCC had a balanced attack; it wasn’t just one player scoring for the Rebels, it was a large group. The Rebels’ defense was rock solid as always. They forced 29 turnovers and held the Eagles to 31% shooting in the game. The Rebels lead grew to 31 points in the second half, giving everyone a chance to play several minutes in the game. MCC won 59 to 35.

The Rebels had their best shooting game of the season by far. They made 41% of their shots from the field while making 7 of 16 threes. Ava Deacon scored 14 points to lead the Rebels. She was the only Rebel in double figures. Kat Miller and Kate Blankenship scored nine points each while Reese Gilbertson and Calleigh Doeden scored 8 points each. Brielle Plotz played in her first varsity game and scored three points. The Rebels are back to 500 on the season at 9-9. The Rebels will host the Adrian Ellsworth Dragons on Monday night.

FEBRUARY 2 MCC VS. ADRIAN/ ELLSWORTH

The MCC Rebel Girls basketball team was riding a two game winning streak heading into Monday’s game with the Adrian Ellsworth Dragons, coming off two straight road wins a week ago against Edgerton and Southwest Minnesota Christian.

The Rebels now head toward the end of the season, playing teams that beat them in their first meetings of the year - many in competitive games that came down to the very end. If the Rebels want to finish with a winning record this season, proving they can beat some of the better teams in the Red Rock Conference will be important.

The Rebels jumped out to an early lead in this game, starting strong with Reese Gilbertson and Ava Deacon leading the way. The Rebels’ shooting was consistent and they were able to finish in transition as they built a double digit lead. The Dragons relied a great deal on senior Shandra Cuperus, who is the leading scorer and rebounder in the Red Rock Conference.

Cuperus combines with Kamry Lehnhoff to form a very potent duo and in the first half they scored all but two of the teams points. Ava Deacon scored 13 points in the first half while Gilbertson added 11. The Rebels had the lead at the halftime break 37 to 25.

The second half saw the Dragons attack. They outscored the Rebels 15 to 5 to open the half and get within two points. The Rebels answered with Ava Deacon and key baskets as the Rebels spread out some of the offense. Joelle Hellewell scored five points and Brielle Plotz scored a basket.

Late in the game Kat Miller scored five points with a huge 3-point shot and a great driving layup. Calliegh Doeden made four consecutive free throws. Combined with Ava Deacons’ 12 second-half points, the Rebels never relinquished the lead. Cuperus was amazing in the second half, scoring 20 points. Lenhoff added 7 points, but it wasn’t enough as the Rebels got the win 69 to 65.

The Rebels had a great shooting night for a team that has struggled this season to make even 30 percent of their shots from the field. In their last two games, they have shot over 40 percent. The Rebels also made 15 of 21 free throws, which were huge in the second half. The Rebels pressure created 28 turnovers.

The Rebels were led by Ava Deacon’s 25 points while Reese Gilbertson added 14, and Joelle Hellewell scored 10. Cuperus led the Dragons with 35 points and 17 rebounds in the losing effort. The Rebels will take on the second place team in the Red Rock Conference in Slayton on Friday when they play host to MLAC.