Essex, Missouri - The Richland Rebel Basketball Team played another great game tonight. Both coaches and every team member left with a smile on their faces tonight. The team must still be on fire from their win on Friday night, January 4^th, against the Bell City Cubs. Tonight, the Rebels played a fiery game against the Woodland Cardinals.

When the game first started, the Rebels easily took the tipoff due to senior Richard Forshee (#50), while the Rebels scored the first points of the game. The Cardinals effortlessly caught up to the home team, which made the crowd sit on the edge of their seats. This is the first game the Rebels have played against the Cardinals since last season. The Cardinals took the lead due to multiple fouls called on the opposite team. Woodland sunk each free throw with ease and ended the first quarter at 12 to 9.

During the second quarter, both teams struggled with their defense. Richland couldn’t seem to make a valid pass and the ball was easily swiped by the other team. Forshee caught many rebounds for his team but sophomore Marcus Grayson also snatched the ball multiple times and ran it down the court for a layup. With Richland pressing for tougher defense against their opponent and senior Nick Daniels sinking free throws left and right, the Rebels stole the second quarter right out from under Woodland. Halftime began with the score of 28 to 13, with the home team in the lead.

Every home game, the Pep Club (the Rebel Rousers) has agreed to have ‘theme’ nights. Tonight’s game was “Crazy Hair Day” and each member put on a wig or tied their hair up in various ways. Music and Band Director, Amber Duley, came up with this idea that makes each home game more exciting and fun for both the visitors and the fans from home.

Aside from the Rebel Rousers and their undeniable school spirit, the Pep Band made another wonderful performance that was also led by Duley. The high school band, along with the junior high band, use some of their class time during the school day and donate it to Pep Band as they learn new songs that they think the crowd will know and enjoy. Tonight’s medley consisted of Proud Mary, Seven Nation Army, Another One Bites the Dust, and the Richland classic: Go Big Red.

After the Pep Band’s performance, the second half of the game began with the crowd excited and anxious to see the turn out. The game had previously flipped back and forth between both teams but the third quarter is where Richland really stepped up and secured the lead. Both Daniels and Grayson were having a fantastic night and the ball seemed to go into the net nearly every time they threw it. Sophomore Skyler Harper also made a great effort in receiving nearly ever pass and helping his teammates get closer to the hoop. The third quarter ended with a score of 54 to 30, which made the Rebel fans go wild.

During the fourth quarter, Richland kept a thirty point gap between them and the Cardinals. They held a strong and hard lead for most of the quarter but began to slip and let up on their defense while becoming a bit lazy with their passing just like the beginning of the game. Senior Jesse Barnes and Grayson helped get the ball back as they continued to score for the Rebels.

The Rebels took their second win in a row with a final score of 74 to 49. The team and fans are excited and hope to see another Big W at their next game on Thursday, January 10^th, at Gideon. They are also preparing for their Homecoming Game that will take place on January 18^th, in Richland’s gymnasium at 6:00pm, where the Rebels will be taking on the Zalma Bulldogs.