Lady Bulldogs, Rebels Claim Wins

McKENZIE (December 1) — McKenzie Middle School hosted Gleason Monday for the final home set of the basketball season. The girls' game was close throughout, but the visiting Lady Bulldogs built and protected a small lead in the second half for a 30-24 win. The Rebels pulled away in the second quarter, but had to hold off a late Bulldog rally to seal a 37-28 victory.

Eighth grade night was celebrated between games, with 29 players, managers, cheerleaders and pep band performers recognized. (See separate story.)

Gleason Lady Bulldogs 30, McKenzie Lady Rebels 24

The opening frame was a 6-6 wash. Charlie Cassidy led McKenzie with four points, and Kristy Towne had a pair. Parker Vaughn topped Gleason with four points, and Adrianna Morefield had a pair.

The Lady Bulldogs had a 9-8 edge in the second quarter, led by Addi Flippin with a three-pointer and Gabi Pinkston also with three points. Delaney Harrison had a pair, and Vaughn hit a free throw. Cassidy scored six for the Lady Rebels, and Towne added a pair. At the half, the Lady Bulldogs led 15-14.

Gleason built the lead with an 11-8 advantage in the third, led by Vaughn and Morefield with four points each. Flippin added a pair, and Pinkston hit a freebie. Cassidy hit a three for McKenzie, and Macy Brooks also had three points. Towne added a pair. Entering the final frame, Gleason led 26-22.

The Lady Bulldogs sealed the win with a 4-2 tilt in the fourth, Flippin and Harrison each adding a pair. Serenity Bobo scored two for McKenzie.

Lady Rebel Charlie Cassidy led all scorers with 13 points, including a three-pointer.

Parker Vaughn led Gleason with nine points. Addi Flippin scored seven with a three.

Rebels 37, Bulldogs 28

McKenzie had a 9-7 edge after the first frame, led by Seth Stafford with seven points, including a three-pointer. Jackson Barden had a pair. Preston Lynch led Gleason with five points, including a three. Grant Pinkston had a pair.

The Rebels pulled away with an 11-2 advantage in the second quarter, led by Lane Brown with four points. Stafford hit a three, and Barden and Navadius Owens each had a pair. Lawson Tucker had a pair for the Bulldogs. At the half, McKenzie led 20-9.

Gleason cut the deficit with a 12-8 tilt in the third, led by Tucker with seven points. Pinkston scored five. Barden hit a three for McKenzie, and Brown also scored three points. Stafford added a pair. Heading into the final frame, the Rebels led 28-21.

McKenzie capped the win with a 9-7 edge in the fourth, led by Stafford with six points. Brown added a pair, and Barden hit a free throw. Tucker had all seven Bulldog points.

Rebel Seth Stafford led all scorers with 18 points, including a pair of threes. Lane Brown scored nine points, and Jackson Barden scored eight with a three-pointer.

Lawson Tucker led Gleason with 16 points.