Rebels Fall At State
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
The Westside Rebels returned to the Class 2A State Tournament last week for the first time since 2023 and only the second time in team history.
Westside, the fourth seed from the 2A-1 region, lost to the Mount Vernon-Enola Eagles, the top-seeded team from the 2A-3 region.
“No matter what the record shows, this team will always be remembered for what they were able to accomplish this season,” Coach Logan Wilbanks said. “As their coach, I could not be happier for them and what they were able to accomplish. I am glad I got to be a part of the success with them.”
The Rebels fell behind 20-5 in the opening period. In the second quarter, Westside added 10 points to the board, but Mount Vernon-Enola scored 22 of its own to hold a 42-15 halftime advantage. Both teams put 14 points on the board in the third quarter. Westside tallied 12 in the fourth quarter, while the Eagles scored 15.
Baylor Payne led Westside in scoring with 12 points.
Cameron Cloos added eight points, and Zane Smith finished with seven. Isaiah Muniz tallied four points. Moose Yarbrough, and Noah Osornio each scored three points.
Payton Williamson and Ethan Williams rounded out the scoring with two points each.
“These boys have fought day in and day out since Nov. 10 until their last game on March 4,” Wilbanks said. “Through all of the ups and all of the downs, this team never wavered in their effort to achieve their goals for this season. Before our season began, this team set a goal for itself that they wanted to reach the state tournament, and that they would not be denied getting there.
“Hours upon hours, game after game, and late night after late night, this team worked toward that goal each day. They persevered through every defeat and did not lose sight of their goal. I could go on and on about this season and this team, but I will allow their accomplishments to speak for themselves.”
STATE BOUND—The Westside Rebels made their second-ever program appearance in the state tournament last week as they traveled to Poyen for the Class 2A tournament. Team members include (front row, from left) Ethan Williams, Payton Williamson, Zane Smith, Logan Ross, Tommy Bohm-Smith, Karsen Flaherty, Preston Pelts; (back row) Coach Logan Wilbanks, Assistant Coach Justin Goff, Ashton Dawson, Easton Williams, Braxton Marlow, Baylor Payne, Jaksen Nowotny, Cameron Cloos, Moose Yarbrough, A.J. Elizondo, Noah Osornio, Kevin Alvarado and Isaiah Muniz.
–Photo courtesy Christina Payne
Read this story and others in the March 11 issue of The Graphic, available online and at businesses throughout Franklin and Johnson counties. Subscribe or donate here to support more hometown journalism.
