Hamlin W. Va. — Tolsia Head Coach Ric Morrone won his 465th career game as the Lady Rebels beat Lincoln Co. 45-42 to open the season Thursday night.
2024-2025 Lady Rebels
Front L to R Kilee Preece, Emily Artrip, Amber Stevens, McKenzie Cassell, Jacey Crum
Back L to R Aaron Fletcher, Kalynn Salmons, Carly Johnson, Greenlee Vance, Piper Pack, Olivia Kelly and coach Rick Marrone.
Not pictured Coaches Courtney Fletcher, Jennifer Jude, Autumn Block
On the road in the regular season opener Tolsia ( 1-0 ) held the Panthers to only two points in the first quarter and only 14 for the entire first half.
In the second half the Rebels struggled to hang onto the ball but hit enough free throws to escape with the win.
Senior Emily Artrip led the way with 17 points, Sophomore Olivia Kelly tallied 10 points, Senior Amber Stevens and Freshman Kalynn Salmons had 7 points each, Freshman Piper Pack added 3 points and Freshman Carly Johnson chipped in with 1 point.
Tolsia hit 2 three pointers and went 16 of 28 from the free throw line.
Lincoln Co. ( 0-2 ) was led by Hayden Moore with 10 points, Rain Johnson and Arien Cooper had 9 points each, Brooklyn Stickler had 5 points, Abby Jeffers and Chavelle Salmons had 3 points each, Shayna Redmon 2 points and Anna Dial 1 point.
The Panthers hit 6 three pointers and went 8 of 19 from the free throw line.
Tolsia will be off until the home opener next Thursday against Rival Tug Valley at 6:00 inside Rebel Arena.
Lady Rebel Seniors
Mackenzie Cassell, Amber Stevens, Emily Artrip
Tolsia Head Coach Ric Morrone
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… Proud of our kids fighting the entire game and coming away with a victory on the road in a rough environment. Forced a bunch of turnovers which is always good. Short handed but I thought our young kids handled it ok and it will only help them in the long run. Emily Artrip hit two big three pointers in the second half to steady the ship a little bit.”
“ …We started two freshman and two more off the bench tonight. Thought we rebounded pretty well as a team but have to cut our turnovers way down from here on out. I thought we played hard throughout the game and I’m proud of them for getting a win to open up the year.”
“ …Home opener on Thursday will be another good test for us against a Tug Valley team that is always gritty and plays hard.”
