Tolsia Lady Rebels Basketball 2016 Regional Champs
See after game celebration HERE
Fort Gay, W. Va. — Tolsia ( 14-11 ) used a 21-0 fourth quarter to break open a tight game and cruise to a 63-37 victory over Poca in a jam packed Rebel Arena and claim the region 4 championship. With the win Tolsia advances to the class AA state tournament next week in Charleston.
Tolsia led 10-8 after one quarter as both teams got off to a slow start on the offensive end. In the 2nd quarter the Lady Rebel offensive picked up as freshman Dena Jarrells and sophomore Mariah Finley scored 15 combined points.
Jarrells finished with 18 in the first half as Tolsia built an 11 point halftime lead 30-19. In the 3rd quarter Poca stormed out of the locker room to score the first five points and the two teams went back and forth throughout the quarter and at the end of three it was Tolsia 42-37.
The fourth quarter was all Lady Rebel defense as they took control and held Poca scoreless for the remaining eight minutes of the game.
Dena Jarrells finished with 34 points ( 5 three’s ), 6 rebounds and 6 assists, her backcourt mate Mariah Finley was just as good with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists, junior Tasha Nichols and freshman Sarah Jude controlled the paint with 11 and 13 rebounds respectively, Jude also had 8 points and Nichols chipped in with 2 points, Tolsia’s lone senior Michaela Messer hit one three pointer for 3 points, and Alyssa Cloud came off the bench with great defense and scored 2 points, Marlee Marcum and Elizabeth Asbury both played but didn’t score. Tolsia hit 9 three’s and went 16-21 from the foul line.
Poca was led by Aubrey Chandler with 20 points.
Poca 8 11 18 0 37
Tolsia 10 20 12 21 63
Tolsia advances to the state tournament for the first time since 2010 when they made the final four before losing to Scott.
Tolsia ( 14-11 ) will play Wyoming East ( 20-2 ) at 5:30 on Wednesday Night March 9th at the Charleston Civic Center
Tolsia Head Coach Ric Morrone
COACH’S COMMENT
“ Tickled to death for our kids, it has been an up and down year but they have persevered, only eight of them and they believe in what they are doing out on quite a show tonight.” Proud of our defense, we were consistent all night Poca is so well coached and ready to play.” We are so young but haven’t panicked all year we have played a tough schedule so our record isn’t as good as other teams but we will be prepared for Charleston, we will go down there and give it all we got I’m excited to take our kids the the civic center.” Dena and Mariah played terrific, Sarah and Tasha controlled the boards, Michaela hit a huge three and Alyssa came off the bench to give good minutes, total team effort.” We have a saying sometimes you get what you dream for but you always get what you work for and these kids have earned the right to got to Charleston.” Appreciate what you do for Tolsia High School and Lady Rebel basketball over the years broadcasting, announcing and the coverage for the Levisa Lazer.” Also the crowd was awesome tonight we appreciate everyone coming out and hope to see everyone in the Civic Center
Tolsia Senior Michaela Messer
” Our defense was unreal tonight, that was the difference in the game.” Awesome feeling to end my cheerleading and basketball career in Charleston it has been a great journey.” I want to thank all of my teammates, we couldn’t do it without each other.” I’m so happy to be headed to the state tournament.”
Tolsia Freshmen Dena Jarrells
” Feels great to be headed to Charleston, a lot of people didn’t believe in us.” Because we have eight players don’t doubt us.” Our defense was amazing tonight and put pressure on them from the get go.”