GIRLS BASKETBALL: NO. 4 OKARCHE 58 | HENNESSEY 28
By Trey Hunter
Sports Editor
The fourth-ranked Lady Warriors continued to stay hot last week, extending their win streak to 15 games after victories over Thomas-Fay-Custer and Class 3A Hennessey.
Okarche (15-1) overcame a first-half deficit on route to a 42-34 win over the Terriers (8-7) Friday night.
The Lady Warriors gave up a 12-8 run in the first quarter and trailed 21-19 at halftime before pulling off a comeback in the second half. They outscored Thomas 12-7 in the third quarter and 11-6 in the fourth to seal the victory.
Senior Rachel McDowell led the team offensively with 17 points. She spurred the third-quarter run with seven points. Junior Madison Owens also scored in double digits with 10 points, including five in the final eight minutes. Senior Kelsee Brown chipped in seven points, senior Raegan Robinson scored five, freshman Jalie Rother scored two and senior Marlo Hunt scored one. Sydney Hampton led Thomas with 10 points.
The Lady Warriors drilled four three-pointers during the win and nine free-throws. It was the 10th time in the last 11 games coach Kelli Jennings’ team held its opponent under 40 points.
Okarche cruised to a 58-29 win at Hennessey (5-9) Tuesday night.
Eight players scored for the Lady Warriors, including seven with at least five points on route to the win. They also held the Eagles to single digits in each of the first three quarters.
Okarche won the first quarter 16-8, the second 14-3 and the third 14-7 before closing out the victory with a 14-11 run in the final eight minutes.
McDowell and Robinson each led the team offensively with nine points while Brown, Rother and freshman Sage Griswold each scored eight. Hunt scored six, Owens scored five, sophomore Ryen Wittorck scored four and freshman Emma Stover scored one.
Okarche drilled eight shots from beyond the arc, including two apiece from Griswold, Hunt and Rother. It was the fifth-highest scoring output from the Lady Warriors this season.
Okarche looks to keep its streak alive this weekend in the 2020 Coyle Invitational. The Lady Warriors open the tournament against Class B Mulhall-Orlando (2-14) today at 12:40 p.m. The winner advances to the semifinals to take on either Class B Okeene (9-4) or host Coyle (6-9) at 6 p.m. on Friday. The tournament championship game is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. Saturday.
Okarche returns to town Tuesday to host Class 2A Crescent (8-6) in the final home game of the regular season.
Tip off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
