The Coastal Crew Rebels eighth-grade team (Class of 2020) won their first tournament of the season. The team placed first in its division at the Hoop Quest Battle at the Beach held April 8-10 in Hinesville.

The Rebels beat the South Georgia Dreamers 68-45 in game 1. They defeated Team Legacy 91-27 in game 2.
The Rebels beat Hinesville Housing Authority 82-53 in game 3.
That set up the championship game between the Rebels and the Fernwood Falcons. The Rebels won 62-53.

“I was pleased with the way the team played early in the season, especially with only three practices,” Rebel coach David Linderman said.
Linderman said his team got off to a late start because he was still assisting coaching First Presbyterian Christian Academy’s state championship varsity boys basketball team.
“It was fun to be back coaching the Rebels after I took a few seasons off from coaching,” he said. “This is the first team I’ve coached since Ernie’s (Walthour) passing, and it was just great to be back out there.”

Linderman thanked FPCA and Rebel coach Shane Smith for giving him the opportunity to coach again and getting him back in touch with the Rebels’ teams.
He added that Rebel coach Simon Steele was supportive and offered plenty of encouragement.
“These two guys would come to practice and help out, and they were always just a phone call away,” Linderman said. “Also, special thanks to my assistant coach T.A. Alston, who lives in North Carolina but drives down to help me out in tournaments.”

The Eighth Grade Rebels are seeking community support to cover tournament fees and travel expenses. For more information, call 912-492-9910 or visit their GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/hgv6kz6s