REINBECK – The Class 1A No. 8 Gladbrook-Reinbeck girls basketball team is keeping the hardwood well-heated just in time for postseason – rolling off four-straight North Iowa Cedar League (NICL) conference wins.

Following a frustrating loss to Grundy Center at home on Jan. 27 and a cross-divisional win at Janesville two days later, G-R launched their conference win streak on Saturday, Jan. 30, with a 73-34 defeat of South Hardin at home before hitting the road on Tuesday, Feb. 3, to rough up East Marshall, 67-30.

The Rebels followed that effort on Friday, Feb. 6, by handily sinking the Columbus Catholic Sailors, 71-21, in another lopsided road victory. Senior Elly Sieh led the Rebels offensively against the Sailors, pouring in 22 points (two 3-pointers), while also recording five assists, nine rebounds, and three steals. Fellow senior Kennedy Brant delivered an equally-strong performance, hauling down a game-high 16 rebounds which she paired with 21 points for a double-double. She also had six assists, five steals, and blocked one shot. Senior Brinn Schneider added eight points (two 3-pointers), two assists, and four rebounds.

Off the bench, junior Natalie Witt chipped in six points and five rebounds, while senior Olivia Riffey scored six points, including a 3-pointer, and recorded five rebounds.

The Rebels’ defensive pressure showed up across the Columbus Catholic hardwood that evening, as G-R finished with 17 steals and 46 total rebounds, overwhelming the Sailors – who turned the ball over 27 times – on both ends of the floor.

The NICL win streak continued this past Monday, Feb. 9, when G-R returned home to thoroughly rinse the Oelwein Huskies, 78-46, after opening the game with two-dozen points in the first quarter to Oelwein’s eight. Statistics were not available as of press time for the clash with Oelwein.

After receiving a bye in the first round of regionals, the Rebels (18-3) are set to host a Class 1A Region 8 quarterfinal on Tuesday, Feb. 17, playing the winner of the BGM (8-12) v. HLV-TC (7-14) pairing on Thursday, Feb. 12. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. in Reinbeck.