The Lady Rebels hosted the Gilmer County Lady Cats Tuesday, November 26, for the ETC Classic championship.
Both teams fought hard, but it was the Lady Rebels who rallied in the second half to win the game 40-39 and championship for the first time since 2011. The Lady Rebels won the tip off as Saidee Collins worked the paint for a two-point bucket. Morgan Holt hit a nice turnaround jumper for two points to take a 4-0 lead over Gilmer. The Lady Cats went on a scoring tear, but Becca Ledford kept the game close as she scored a two-point basket. At the end of the first quarter, Gilmer led 9-6.
Holt caught fire in the second quarter, as the senior scored five points on two, two-point buckets and three free throws. Bautista took the ball right at the Gilmer defense scoring a two-point bucket and converting two free throws. Becca Ledford found her way to the free throw line, converting two free throws for a 13 point second quarter for Fannin. Gilmer put up 10 points in the second as the game was tied 19-19 at the half. Abby Ledford heated up in the third quarter, scoring seven points on a long range three ball and two, two-point buckets in the paint. Collins muscled a two-point bucket down low and Mackenzie Johnson converted two free throws to cap an 11-point third quarter for the Lady Rebels. Gilmer scored 12 points in the third as they took a 31-30 lead over Fannin to start the fourth. The Lady Rebels rallied behind a loud home crowd as Abby Ledford drained a three-point basket and a free throw for four points. Natalie Thomas, Regan York and Johnson clutched on two free throws each to give the Lady Rebels 10 points in the fourth. The Lady Rebels defense held strong, holding the Gilmer to eight points. with the score 40-39, and only seconds remaining in the game, Gilmer tried to knock down a three-point bucket as time expired, but the shot rattled around and rimmed out as the Lady Rebels won 40-39 to claim the first place trophy.
Lady Rebels head coach Ryan Chastain was proud of his team saying, “I’m so proud of my girls and the heart they showed this weekend. Coming back against pickens after being down at halftime and then battling against Gilmer in a very physical game and finding a way to win!”
The Lady Rebels remain undefeated for the 2019-2020 season.
FC 16 17 30 17 - 80
PC 16 26 13 18 - 73
Lady Rebels summary:
Points: A. Ledford 11, Holt 9, Collins 4, B. Ledford 4, Bautista 4, Johnson 4, York 2, Thomas 2.
Free throws: B. Ledford 2-2, Bautista 2-2, York 2-2, Holt 3-4, Thomas 2-4, Johnson 4-11, A. Ledford 1-5.