Lady Rebels make it four straight at Tatum Tough Tournament

The end of December has quietly become a measuring stick for the Tascosa Lady Rebels, and once again they passed it with authority. For the fourth straight year, Tascosa closed the calendar by facing host Canyon in the Tatum Tough Tournament at Joe Lombard Gymnasium, and for the fourth straight year, the Lady Rebels walked out with control of the matchup. Familiar opponent, familiar setting, same result.

This year’s meeting carried extra intrigue. Tascosa entered ranked No. 10 in Class 5A by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches, while Canyon sat atop the Class 4A rankings. It was a rare late-December clash of two top-10 programs from different classifications, and it played out like a postseason game. After a tight opening half, Tascosa pulled away in the second half to earn a convincing 55-43 victory, improving to 19-2 and handing Canyon just its second loss of the season.

What made this win stand out was not just the opponent, but the circumstances. Tascosa is adjusting to life under new head coach Zac Tabor, who took over following the retirement of longtime coach Chris Sumrall. Instead of missing a beat, the Lady Rebels looked comfortable, connected, and confident, particularly on the defensive end. The foundation that has defined the program for years remains intact, and Tabor has clearly leaned into that identity.

The opening quarter suggested Canyon might finally flip the script. The Lady Eagles jumped out to an early lead and were aggressive offensively, building as much as a seven-point advantage. Tascosa answered just enough to stay within striking distance, then gradually settled into the game. By halftime, a timely three-pointer from the bench gave the Lady Rebels a slim 22-21 lead, a small margin that felt larger given the flow of the game.

The third quarter became the turning point. Tascosa’s defensive pressure increased, Canyon’s scoring became more difficult, and the Lady Rebels began to separate. By the end of the quarter, the lead had grown to seven, and momentum clearly belonged to Tascosa. From there, the game was managed rather than chased.

Offensively, balance told the story. Devaeh Johnson took over in the fourth quarter, scoring the first six points of the period and finishing with a game-high 15. Kenzee Dickson and Nic’Kiyah Fisher added 12 points each, giving Tascosa three reliable scoring options and making it difficult for Canyon to key on any one player. Canyon, meanwhile, struggled to find consistent offense, with only Kambrie Graser reaching double figures.

The win capped a strong tournament showing for Tascosa, which also defeated Clarendon and overwhelmed Greenwood, showcasing impressive depth along the way. Canyon likewise handled its earlier games, setting the stage for what felt like an unofficial championship game on the final day.

Both teams lived up to the hype, but Tascosa once again showed why it has owned this matchup in recent years. As district play approaches, the Lady Rebels look polished, disciplined, and dangerous, and the rest of the schedule has been put on notice.