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By Fred Guarino

The Lowndes Signal

The Lowndes Academy varsity boys and girls have both advanced to the AISA (Alabama Independent School Association) Elite 8 Basketball Tournament at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex in Montgomery on Tuesday, Feb. 12.

The girls will play at 9 a.m. and the boys will play at 12 noon.

The Rebels and Lady Rebels both defeated Hooper on the road in basketball, Thursday, Jan. 31. However, the boys had a fight on their hands.

The Rebels defeated Hooper in overtime 57-53 after being tied at the half 20-20 and 46-46 at the end of regulation.

That set up a contest between the Rebels and Hooper on the road again on Tuesday, Feb. 5 with the winner advancing to the AISA Elite 8 Tournament.

Rebels head basketball coach and headmaster Barry Mohun said of the Jan. 31 action, “Kasen Williams was hot all night and also went six for six at the charity stripe.”

He said Garrett Little also stepped up and Chase Little and Daniel Callaway did their jobs rebounding with 17 for Little and 15 for Callaway.

Mohun said, “Our guys played hard and the result was a big road win to close out our regular season at 15-5. I’m excited about our opportunities in the post season.”

On Tuesday night, Feb. 5, the Lowndes varsity boys beat Hooper again… this time by a score of 49-42 for a final season record of 16-5 to successfully advance to post season play.

But once again, the Rebels had a fight on their hands. The score at the half was 22-21 in favor of Hooper.

Williams scored 18 points and Foley added 13 for the Rebels, who will play Monroe Academy (16-2) in the Elite 8 Tournament.

Mohun said following the Feb. 5 game, “I thought our guys persevered tonight.  It’s hard to beat a team four times in a season. Hooper plays hard, they never quit.  We finally managed to get up by about eight points and then just had to outlast them.  It’s a good rivalry.  I’m happy for our guys.  This time of year, you just want to get one more game so we now have that chance and plan to make the most of it.”

The Lowndes Academy Lady Rebels defeated Hooper on the road 33-31 on Jan 31 to go 11-9 overall and 5-1 in area play and also to advance to the Elite Eight Tournament.

Head Lady Rebels basketball coach Matt Marshall, said, “The girls have shown a tremendous amount of improvement throughout the year.”

He said, “Defense has been our calling card and gave us a chance in every game. In our nine losses, six have been by less than four points. All have been by less than nine points.”

Marshall concluded, “I’m proud of their work ethic and enthusiasm.”