Green Mountain Chieftans v. Leland and Gray Rebels (Boys) 1/11/13

TOWNSHEND - The entire Leland and Gray Rebels roster contributed to a victory over the Green Mountain Chieftans Friday, January 11.  The 70-22 victory puts the Rebels at 7-1, just one game behind the undefeated Williamstown Blue Devils (8-0). The 2-5 Chieftanss have slid from 11th place to 13th place in the Division III rankings.

Nupp's layup

The Rebels started the game with a bang.  Senior Riley Kenney and junior Jake Sherman led a rally to get the offense going while senior captains Drew Barnum and Billy Nupp worked down low to get the rebounds and put backs.  The Rebels led 11-0 in the first four minutes of the game until senior Calvin Stowell made a fast break layup to put the Chieftans finally on the board.  The slow start was costly for the Chieftans who trailed 20-8 at the end of the first quarter.

The game slowed down in the second quarter with each team scoring less.  By half time, the Rebels led 33-13.  Upon returning to the game, coach Andy Nystrom played the entirety of his bench.  Every active player on the team was able to manage at least one basket, therefore contributing to the lopsided score.

Ke driving to rim

Ke's 360 shot

One notable player off the pine was senior Kevin Ke, who had the game of his life.  Coming into the fourth quarter, Ke made a theatrical, 360 spin under the hoop to avoid a block from freshman Lucas Trask.  Ke's shot dramatically bounced around the rim for a few seconds and then dropped right in.  The crowd went crazy over the play and Ke's personal rally extended to a total nine points, third-most on the night for the Rebels. 

Brown with jumper

In the end, the Rebels won by a whopping 70-22, bringing their team points per game (PPG) average to 61.5 and lowering their PPG allowed average to 39.1.  Notable players along with Ke were senior Andy Brown and Nupp.  Brown led the Rebels in scoring with thirteen points and offensive rebounds with five, along with a pair of blocks.  Nupp had the second-most points in the game with eleven but led the team with six defensive rebounds, five assists and five steals.  Sophomore Kyle Kemp led the Chieftans with ten points, almost half of the Chieftans' total points.

Kemp with three

The Rebels next game is against the Twin Valley Wildcats, who they beat 56-52 in their last encounter at Twin Valley.  The game is scheduled for January 16th, in Townshend, at 7:30.