LINCOLN – The Overton Eagles led nearly the entire game Friday night, cementing their way into the D2 state championship game, beating Howells Dodge 57-43.
The only time Overton trailed was after Howells Dodge scored the first bucket of the game, but the Eagles would answer back scoring 20 points in the first quarter. Ashlyn Florell set the tone in the first quarter, going off for 10 points, helping build a double digit lead. Howells Dodge would close the early gap, holding Overton to six second quarter points while scoring 11. Once again, Overton would answer in the third quarter, building another double digit lead and never looked back. The Eagles benefited from strong rebounding on both sides of the floor and strong defense that forced 15 turnovers to help send them to the state title game.
Three different players scored in double figures for Overton, led by Florell’s 21 points. Natalie Wood finished with 17 points and 20 rebounds. JoLee Ryan added 13 points in the win. As a team, Overton finished 12-19 from the free throw line and had 12 turnovers. In the loss, Kylie Brichacek led Howells Dodge with 11 points. Jade Bayer and Jordyn Ratzlaff each scored eight points.
Overton will play Wynot for the D2 state championship at 8:15 p.m. Saturday from Pinnacle Bank Arena. Listen to the game on KAMI 100.1FM, 92.7FM and krvn.com. It’s only the second state title game for Overton, finishing as state runner up in 1991. Howells Dodge will play Falls City Sacred Heart for third place.
Listen to the game below.
