COLUMBIANA OH- In a thrilling match over the weekend, the Crestview Rebels pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the year, defeating the previously undefeated in the conference LaBrae Vikings 66-62 in a league matchup. Coming into the game as underdogs, the Rebels, under the leadership of first-year head coach Lou Mateo, showcased resilience and strategic gameplay to seal the victory.

Coach Mateo, who joined from Struthers, has instilled a strong foundation focused on fundamentals and grit since taking over the program. Despite initial challenges in gaining player trust and integrating new systems, his influence has been evident in the team’s growth. “Our focus has been on building fundamentals and trust,” Mateo explained, reflecting on the journey so far. Though the Rebels don’t feature a single dominant scorer, their balanced offense shone through, with multiple players stepping up when needed. Key to their victory over LaBrae was their defensive strategy, encouraging perimeter shots while limiting entry into the paint. There were also standout performances, such as senior Hayden Petrone, who made critical contributions from beyond the arc.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Mateo and the Rebels, who continue to build momentum heading into the postseason. The Crestview community has shown robust support, a fact not lost on Mateo, who credits this backing as vital to the team’s spirit and performance. As the Crestview Rebels continue to evolve, fans are optimistic about the team’s trajectory in the upcoming tournaments. Coach Mateo remains focused on maintaining their competitive edge, ensuring his players stay hungry and laser-focused on each game, underpinning his vision of fostering excellence not just in sports but also in life.

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