Lady Rebels Basketball Team Finishes Season Strong

Submitted by CPS Principal Ellen Frazier

    The Central Private School (CPS) Lady Rebels finished their season last week, advancing all the way to the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) South Class AA Tournament — farther than any CPS girl’s team in the last 7 years.

    After a rough regular season, the Lady Rebels found some momentum as they headed into the playoffs.

    In the MAIS District 4-AA Tournament held in Natchez, MS, the Lady Rebels met Wilkinson County Christian Academy from Woodville, MS in the first of three elimination games, winning 54-52. Jessica Creel scored 34 points to lead CPS.

    “It was shocking because during the regular season, we had no district wins," said senior guard Amy Galliano.,"so it was an awesome feeling to win at the right time.”

    With the win, CPS advanced to the South AA Tournament in Columbia, Miss.

    The remaining district-tournament games scheduled to be played were canceled due to the winter storm that hit the region.

     Faced with elimination for the second time in the South AA Tournament, the Lady Rebels met River Oaks School of Monroe, La., this time winning a little easier, 44-30. CPS was led by its senior captains Creel and Sarah Fryoux with 15 an 12 points, respectively.

    In the third elimination game, the Lady Rebels faced the Brookhaven Academy Lady Cougars, ranked second in AA by The Clarion-Ledger. The Lady Rebels knew it would take an historic upset to advance to the MAIS Class AA State Tournament.

    The Lady Rebels played well in the first half and found themselves down by only a manageable 12 points at the break. But, the Lady Cougars lived up to their ranking, putting together a 26-point third quarter before going on to win 53-18.

    Still, Lady Rebels head coach Henry Gantz could not be totally disappointed. “We got hot at the perfect time and we were honored to make it as far as we did," he said. “In a long season it’s vital to peak in the playoffs, and I am very proud of the girls for doing just that. They never stopped believing that we could do something special.”

    Gantz also said next season looks even more promising. After winning only one game last season, his Lady Rebels junior varsity team put together a 13-7 record and made it to the championship game of the district tournament.