By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Writer

The Coosa Valley Academy girls basketball team set out to make a statement in the AISA regional tournament, and did just that, securing a spot in the championship round. The Rebels got there by dismantling Crenshaw Christian Academy, 44-12, and Eastwood Christian, 61-37, to reach the championship round.

The Rebels opened the tournament in dominating fashion, reeling off 18 unanswered points to start the game against Crenshaw Jan. 31. The Rebels shut out the Cougars through the first period, taking a 18-0 lead after the first quarter.

The second quarter saw much of the same, with the Rebels outscoring the Cougars 6-3 to take a 24-3 lead headed at the end of the half.

When the two squads took to the floor for the third quarter, the Rebels continued their dominance. Using a 10-4 run through the period, Coosa Valley took a 34-7 lead headed into the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter saw little change in terms of momentum, with the Rebels again outscoring the Cougars, this time 10-5, to take the 44-12 win. Danielle Richardson led the Rebels with 28 points, 10 steals and six rebounds while Shelby Hurt had six points and 12 rebounds and Kaylan Rich had five points and 10 rebounds.

With the win, the Rebels moved on to face Eastwood Christian in the semifinal Feb. 1. The Rebels opened up with a 9-6 lead after the first quarter. The Rebels followed suit in the second quarter, holding the Warriors 12 points while scoring 17. After a half of play, the Rebels found themselves out in front, 26-18.

Coosa Valley wasn’t done scoring, either. Between Richardson and Payton Stephens, the Rebels netted five 3-pointers in the third quarter alone. When the third quarter ended, CVA outscored the Warriors 21-13 to take a 45-31 lead. The Rebels outpaced the Warriors 14-6 in the fourth to take the 67-37 win.

Richardson led the Rebels with 40 points, five steals and six rebounds, while Rich had eight points, 14 rebounds and three blocks.

With the win, Coosa Valley moved on to face rival Autauga Academy Feb.3.