All photos from the Class 1A Region 8 semifinal played Feb. 20, 2026, in Reinbeck against English Valleys. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

CHARLES CITY – After winning seven games in a row, the Gladbrook-Reinbeck girls basketball team (20-3) was hoping not to end up behind the eight ball in their Class 1A Region 8 final with Saint Ansgar (19-4) on Wednesday, Feb. 25, in Charles City. Unfortunately, a tough second quarter in which the Saints held the Rebels to a mere four points while overcoming a 10-point scoring deficit shifted the game’s momentum and eventually led the Saints to victory, 52-49.

“I thought we started out really well against Saint Ansgar and were able to establish the defensive pace we wanted in the first quarter,” G-R head coach Amber Gerringer told the newspaper in an email following the game. “They made some adjustments in the second quarter to faceguard Kennedy [Brant] and Elly [Sieh], and we had some turnovers that turned into a run for them. Kennedy also picked up her third foul, which sent her to the bench for the last 2 1/2 minutes. They went on a 14-0 run that quarter, and in the end, that swing made the difference.”

The Rebels seemed to have no issue controlling the Saints in the first quarter, executing their suffocating full-court pressure to perfection and recording zero turnovers. The period ended with G-R up, 19-10, heading into the fateful second.

The bulk of the second period played much like the first – it was only in the final two minutes that things turned south for G-R. Following four empty G-R possessions in a row, Brant fouled for the third time and was benched. The Rebels quickly racked up a fifth and sixth empty possession and the score was now tied 23-23 after the Saints managed to overcome a 10-point deficit. Saint Ansgar scored again, taking the lead for the first time all evening. With five seconds remaining, G-R missed and the Saints rebounded to sink a buzzer beater.

Saint Ansgar was up 27-23 heading into the second half.

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

The third quarter featured flashes of Rebel brilliance, including in the final minute when junior Kailey Larsen flushed a 3-pointer to pull G-R ahead, 40-39, for the final time that evening. In the third period’s waning moments, the Saints pulled back ahead, 41-40.

“We made a few runs in the third quarter, but each time we got a chance to go ahead, they would hit a big shot on the other end,” Coach Gerringer said. “Overall it was a really competitive, well-played game and I’m proud of the effort the girls gave all the way through.”

G-R spent the first six minutes of the final period scoreless – allowing the Saints to run it up 48-40 before Brant secured another field goal. Sieh then stole the ball and made a breakaway layup. One Saint Ansgar free throw and another Brant bucket later, the score was 49-46 with 30 seconds left to play.

Brant notched her fourth foul of the evening and the Saints moved to 50-46. Another two free throws for the Saints and the score inched higher. In the final moments, Sieh sank a 3-pointer – the last of her high school career – to give the Rebels a chance, but it was not to be.

The clock ran out and the Saints were statebound.

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

“Despite things not ending how we wanted them to, this season was still a great one,” Gerringer said. “The girls finished 20-4, tied for second in a very competitive (NICL) conference. They battled through a tough schedule all season and picked up some big wins along the way. This group is incredibly competitive, but also a lot of fun to work with. They can go from duking it out in a scrimmage to laughing and being goofy in the next minute. They really love basketball and each other, and it makes them a ton of fun to coach.”

Sieh led the way against the Saints with 17 points on 50% shooting; she also had three rebounds and three steals. Brant contributed 10 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, including nine on the defensive glass. Larsen added 12 points, including a pair of 3-pointers. Off the bench, junior Natalie Witt scored five points.

The seniors

G-R will graduate seven seniors this year, including four starters, leaving a deep hole in next year’s roster.

“This senior group has been a huge part of the program for the past four years. Kennedy and Elly have been four-year starters, and Brinn [Schneider] and Olivia [Riffey] have been playing varsity minutes since their freshman year. … All seven (seniors) have stayed out since they were freshmen, which is really rare!” Gerringer said before providing comment on each of her departing players.

Rebel seniors Elly Sieh (4) and Kennedy Brant (14) team up on defense against the English Valleys Bears during the Class 1A Region 8 semifinal Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, in Reinbeck. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

“Kennedy [Brant] is a true competitor and will give 110% of her energy every single game. She has grown tremendously as a leader in her four years and I look forward to seeing how she will compete at the next level in college!”

“Elly [Sieh] is a natural basketball player and has grown so much in her confidence since her freshman year. She’s a leader and knows the game so well.”

“Brinn [Schneider] really became an integral part of our offense and provided big shots in big moments this year. Her fierce competitiveness will be missed.”

“Leila [Thesing] stepped into a big role this year replacing Lily and did it with a ton of grace and perseverance. I love her love of the game!”

“Olivia [Riffey] has always been our energizer bunny. You can throw her in at any position and she’s going to give you everything she’s got. Even in practice if she’s not in a scrimmage she’s making up cheers on the sideline and keeping things fun!”

“Mailea [McLean] is an incredibly hard worker and has a true love of basketball. She has a way of sneaking in for rebounds and steals that you’d never see coming. She’s the kind of teammate that everyone should want on their team and her leadership will be greatly missed!”

“Carrie [Sexton] has always brought the fun. She’s not afraid to go up against anybody in practice and she always gives 100%. We will miss her energy and commitment to the team!”

The Rebels end the 2025-26 season 20-4 overall and 16-2 in the league, tying Grundy Center for second across the NICL behind only Denver.