A second try over a known foe gave the North Sunflower Academy Rebels just what they needed — a junior high and varsity win over Deer Creek School on the Rebels’ home floor. Head Coach Anthony Rivera knew the time was coming — and sooner rather than later. In essence, the Rebels put a belt to the butt of the Warriors
“Tonight was a great night for the teams that executed well on both ends of the court, communicated effectively, shared the ball, and hustled for four quarters,” Coach Rivera said. “It felt good to see them build off each other's efforts, even while they were still down. Watching them rally behind each other and come out with a big win was a fantastic feeling for both junior varsity and varsity.”
The JV took the 50-34 win and was led by Brayden Bowen’s 16 points, two rebounds and three steals. Cullen Hewitt added nine points, four rebounds and two steals while Cash Goss contributed eight points, seven rebounds and four blocks.
The varsity team took the big win, 54-28, shutting down the Warriors with five minutes left in the game, to seal the first win of the season.
“I’m still having to play some guys up to fill out my varsity roster,” Coach Rivera said. “Their play was the big difference tonight. Last week my varsity Big Three scored all they could, but you still need four quarters worth of basketball in order to finish the game. The younger guys were able to step up tonight and contribute.”
With the score tied, the Rebels’ defense clamped down on the Warriors.
“We found ourselves coming out on top, which is an amazing feeling to be tied 28-28 with five minutes left in the fourth, and then the final is 54 to 28! That speaks a lot to the energy and effort from everyone,” he said. “Tonight was just a great night overall to see everybody fill a column in the stat sheet in some shape, form or fashion. There wasn’t any ‘I need an assist’ or ‘I need a rebound or block.’ Nobody made excuses tonight, we just made baskets. I'm proud and looking to continue to grow from there.”
The Rebels “Big Three” included: Omarion Williams with 23 points, 21 rebounds and four blocks; Wyatt Barr with eight points, 11 rebounds and seven blocks; and Adam Haney with 16 points, four rebounds, three steals and five assists.
The Lady Rebels keep improving everywhere but the win column. With a much closer game this week, the NSA JV lost 28-19. Kailee DeBower led the team with eight points while two players — Addy DeBower and Tiffany Mitchell — both had four points. Skye Holmes had two points and Paisley Parker added one.
“We're really improving. And apparently, everybody was saying how much we've improved. I said, ‘yeah, but we're still not winning,’” Head Coach Jeff Andrews said. “They're still hanging in there playing good, tough, tough defense. I've only got seven on junior high and I'm having to use all of them on the high school because I've only got three. They just played four quarters. They've got to turn around and play another four. They’re just wore out. We can't be competitive, but it is what it is. But we're building for our future.”
Both teams are off until January as the next two games with St. Joe each had conflicts and were canceled. The teams will both host the Indianola Academy Colonels and Lady Colonels on Tuesday, Jan. 6, to kick off the New Year.
