Lady Rebels End Season with Semifinal Nailbiter at McEwen

McEWEN (March 2) — The McKenzie Lady Rebels saw their season end Monday with a thrilling, 48-47 loss in the Region 6-1A Girls Basketball semifinals to tournament host McEwen High School.

The two teams could not have had a closer rivalry this season, with one net point separating them in three meetings. During the regular season, each team won on the road by two points, the Lady Rebels in McEwen 56-54 and the Warriorettes in McKenzie 52-50.

McEwen had a 12-11 edge after the first frame, led by Laila Downs-Darden with seven points, including a three-pointer. Carley Baker also hit a three, and Ava Lastovka had a pair. Addyson Littleton led McKenzie with six points on a pair of threes. Jaycee Stafford scored four, and Braylin Auvenshine hit a free throw.

The Warriorettes had a 15-8 advantage in the second quarter, led by Downs-Darden with nine points, including a three. C. Baker, Maggie Baker and Millee Littleton each had a pair. Auvenshine hit a three for the Lady Rebels, and Stafford also scored three points. Madeline Gottshall had a pair. At the half, McEwen led 27-19.

McKenzie stormed back in the third with a 15-7 tilt, led by Stafford with ten points. Auvenshine scored five. Warriorette Aubrey Branch hit a three, and Lastovka and Downs-Darden each added a pair. Heading into the final frame, the game was knotted at 34-34.

McEwen won the fourth, 14-13, to claim the victory, led by Downs-Darden with 11 points. Lastovka scored three. Stafford led the Lady Rebels with eight points, including a pair of threes. Ava Hastings also hit a three-pointer, and A. Littleton added a pair.

Warriorette Laila Downs-Darden led all scorers with 29 points, including a pair of threes.

Jaycee Stafford led McKenzie with 25 points, including a pair of three-pointers.