By BAKER ELLIS / Sports Editor

COLUMBIANA – After almost two weeks off from action, Coosa Valley returned to the basketball floor on Nov. 30 with a pair of games at Cornerstone Christian School. Both the girls and boys squads got easy wins as both moved to 4-1 on the year, keeping the early season momentum alive.

The rust showed early for the Lady Rebels, Coosa Valley girls head coach Kimbo Rutledge relayed after the game, and shots weren’t falling early. Nonetheless, the Lady Rebels opened a 23-14 halftime lead over the host Lady Charger team, and only added to their lead from there. Coosa Valley did not allow Cornerstone to score in double digits in any single quarter, and eventually won the contest 45-25.

Denise Niven led the led all scorers with 15 points, and also finished with eight steals and four assists. Sarah Warren and Kalei Merrifield both finished with double-doubles as Warren finished with 11 points and 21 rebounds and Merrifield had 11 points and 10 boards. Annika Walker and Alyssa Seals each had six for Cornerstone.

The boys’ game was closer, and Cornerstone took a slim 15-14 lead into the half before the Rebels took over in the third quarter, going on a 19-2 run that spanned the whole third period. Coosa Valley eventually won 46-31 to move to 4-1.

Coming into his first year with the program, boys coach Gerald Carter wasn’t totally sure what to expect out of his team at the beginning of the season.

“I really didn’t know what to expect, being the first year here,” Carter said. “I saw some ability when we started practicing. I didn’t know much about these other teams to start. The schedule coming up is going to be a tough one. Lee-Scott, Bessemer and Glenwood, those are going to be tough games.”

Landon Harmon led Coosa Valley with 16 while Fisher Williams finished with 10.