Rebels Win 81-62 over Trinity, Now Going into Playoffs

Submitted by Coach Palubinskas

    The runnin' Rebels are on a 20 game consecutive win streak after defeating Silliman and WCCA to go undefeated in district play with a perfect 8-0 record.  The game against Trinity Episcopal from Natchez was a much-anticipated matchup after the double overtime win against them at the Brookhaven tournament.  There was a real buzz about the improvement of the Trinity team.  Trinity is more athletic and they have more depth than the CPS Rebel-utionaries, and they did win the single "A" state football championship.  More of a concern to Coach Palubinskas was the fact that Lance Wicker is just recovering from a mono scare, and Dave Jackson was fighting the flu.  So there were barriers of concern going into the game.
    Nevertheless, the game turned out to be a doozy. Coach "P" made early adjustments to counter all their success in the last game.  There was a lot of individual isolation to allow for more room to operate in the paint.  The Rebs applied a sticky defense, but the Saints played tough to a close tie in the first quarter.  A defensive adjustment led the Rebs to a 10 point lead going into the 3rd quarter, but the Saints roared back to tie the game in the next 4 times down the floor.  In the end, it was not enough to take the game away from the Rebels.  In spite of the seniors Fletcher and Jackson carrying 4 fouls, the Rebs continued to roll with quick baskets, building a 10 point lead in the 3rd.  They continued defensive and offensive  pressure to take a 19 point lead and win the game 81-62. 
    The scoring was evenly balanced with Jake Flaggert scoring 20, Simpson Anderson scoring 19, Taylor Fletcher sneaking in 16, and the two ailing Rebs both adding a healthy 13 each.
    This was a game loaded with athleticism, speed, hops and some aerial display above the rim.  The fans thought it was a great game which tested the Rebs, who really stepped up to take care of business going into the playoffs in the next 2 weeks. The Rebs are now 25-2 and ranked #1 in MAIS play.