Gladbrook-Reinbeck freshman Kennedy Brant (14) rises up for a jumper over Janesville defender Hayden Pugh (4) during the second half of Thursday’s Class 1A Region 1 basketball game in Reinbeck. Brant scored 15 points to help the Rebels win 56-34. PHOTO BY NOAH ROHLFING

Kennedy Brant is just a freshman, but on Thursday night the Gladbrook-Reinbeck forward was at times running the show and impacting the game like a veteran.

Whether it was scoring in the post, bringing the ball up the floor in a fast break situation, assisting teammates out of the high post or controlling the glass, Brant was everywhere. Alongside frontcourt partner and veteran Megan Cooley, the duo helped the Rebels to a comfortable 56-34 win in their Class 1A Region 1 first-round game against Janesville.

Action was tight early in the first but once the Rebels got five quick points from guard Lauren Boyer to take a six-point lead, they were able to create separation. Outscoring Janesville 12-5 in the second and leading by as much as 16 points, G-R was in the drivers’ seat. This was thanks in large part to 16 first-half points (eight each) from Brant and Cooley. The duo impacted the game while playing together and while taking turns as the only post on the court, allowing the Rebels to put more ball handlers and guards on the court.

Head coach Amber Gerringer said the versatility the two posts allow G-R has been a huge help this season.

“They both draw a ton of defensive attention, they’re both good at bringing the ball up when we need them to,” Gerringer said. “They can play high and low, inside and out. We ask them to do a lot, and in games like this they come up big for us and score big points. That’s really important for us.”

Janesville put together slight momentum early in the third quarter, scoring the first five points of the half and cutting the gap to eight points.

G-R responded swiftly by going on a 12-0 run to push the lead to 20 and kept it there the rest of the night.

Contributions came from all sides. Senior guard Emma McClintock made hay on the offensive glass and was strong on defense, with freshman Elly Sieh running the offense and finding the right pass to keep things moving.

Brant and the young Bobcats were well-adjusted to the playoff spotlight having played at state volleyball earlier in the year. She said the experience was very helpful in maintaining a calm demeanor.

“It helped me calm my nerves and make sure I can just focus and play the game,” Brant said.

Cooley scored a game-high 17 points in what will be her final home game in Reinbeck, while Brant added 15 points of her own. Sieh scored eight points and Boyer had six.

Leading 43-22 entering the fourth quarter, the Rebels were able to take as much as a 48-22 lead before coasting to the finish line and advancing on to the next round – and in the process clinching G-R’s first winning season in girls’ basketball since 2014-15.

It’s a difficult challenge for the Rebels on Tuesday, visiting No. 11 Riceville at 7 p.m. Riceville is 21-1, but Brant said G-R is excited to be playing in games against top-level teams.

“It’s very cool,” Brant said. “I’m very glad to be helping change girls’ basketball a little bit at our school.”

The Rebels will advance to the second round of the Class 1A regional quarterfinal next week Tuesday in a Valentine’s Day matchup with Riceville (21-1) on the road. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.