No. 9 Okarche closed out the regular season on a high note, coming from behind in the second half to knock off Class 2A Cashion at home Tuesday night.
The Warriors trailed 23-18 at halftime, but burst to the lead with a 15-8 run in the third quarter, all but sealing the victory before the teams battled to an 8-8 stalemate in the final eight minutes.
Senior Kassidy Rother helped spur Okarche’s third-quarter run, scoring seven of her game-high 16 points in the eight minute span. She also scored four of the team’s eight points in the fourth quarter. Sophomore Madison Owens scored four points in the third quarter and four in the fourth as well, leading to her eight points.
Junior Rachel McDowell also scored in double figures, dropping 10 points, including eight in the first quarter. Freshman Karsyn Vallerand scored five points and senior Jade Owens scored two.
Okarche jumped out to a 12-6 lead after the first eight minutes, spurred by McDowell’s eight points in the quarter, but Cashion broke through in the second quarter with a 17-6 run on rout to a five-point lead at halftime.
The Warriors drilled four three-pointers, including two apiece from McDowell and Rother.
The team also drilled nine free throws, including four apiece from McDowell and Madison Owens.
Just one player scored in double figures for the Wildcats; Tatum Robertson with 10 points. Lauren Lamb scored eight points.
The Warriors celebrated senior night, honoring Cydnie Hull, Rother and Jade Owens.
The win marked the ninth straight to close out the 2018-19 regular season and the team’s second victory over Cashion.
The Warriors now are set for postseason play, starting with the district tournament this weekend at home. Okarche will take on the winner of Kremlin-Hillsdale and Ringwood for the District 3 championship. With a win the Warriors would advance to the winners bracket of the regional tournament while with a loss they would fall to the regional tournament consolation bracket.
