Lady Rebels Advance with Rout at Perry County

LINDEN (February 27) —- The McKenzie High School Lady Rebels advanced to the semifinals of the Region 6-1A Girls Basketball Tournament with a 59-32 opening-round win at Perry County.

The Lady Rebels would face McEwen Monday night after The Banner's press deadline. The winner advanced to the region championship on Wednesday and is guaranteed a sectional appearance. A loss means the end of the season.

McKenzie jumped out to a 12-2 lead after the opening frame, led by Braylin Auvenshine with five points, including a three-pointer. Jaycee Stafford scored four, and Addyson Littleton hit a three. Bell Warren had a pair for the Lady Vikings.

The Lady Rebels had a 16-10 advantage in the second quarter, led by Stafford with seven points, including a three-pointer. Littleton scored four points. Auvenshine hit another three, and Alleigh Britt had a pair. Andalyn Weatherly led Perry County with five points, including a three. Zoey Mathis also hit a three, and Warren added a pair. At the half, the Lady Rebels led 28-12.

McKenzie doubled up the Lady Vikings, 16-8, in the third, led by Stafford with seven, again with a three. Auvenshine and Madeline Gottshall each scored four, Auvenshine with a three-pointer. Littleton hit a free throw. Lady Viking Alayna Thornton scored four points, and Weatherly and Warren each added a pair. Entering the final frame, McKenzie led 44-20.

The Lady Rebels capped the win with a 15-12 tilt in the fourth, led by Stafford with six points. Britt and Molly French each hit a three-pointer. Gottshall added a pair, and Ava Hastings hit a free throw. Warren led Perry County with seven points, including a three. Abby Marshall and Bristol Bates each had a pair, and McKennah Jackson hit a free throw.

McKenzie’s Jaycee Stafford led all scorers with 24 points, including a pair of three-pointers. Braylin Auvenshine scored 12 with a trio of threes.

Bell Warren led the Lady Vikings with 13 points, including a three.