Lady Knights Prevail Over O'Neill In Overtime
It was a back-and-forth battle between Norfolk Catholic and O'Neill on Tuesday, but the Lady Knights were able to outlast the Lady Eagles and earn a thrilling overtime win.
By News Channel NebraskaO'NEILL - It was a back-and-forth battle between Norfolk Catholic and O'Neill on Tuesday, but the Lady Knights were able to outlast the Lady Eagles and earn a thrilling overtime win.
Both teams kept pace with one another in the first quarter, but the Lady Knights were able to build to a 37-30 lead at the half. O'Neill played a much tighter defensive third quarter, holding the Lady Knights to just six points, and were down just 43-42 heading into the fourth quarter.
From there both teams went basket-for-basket, with multiple ties and lead changes taking place throughout the final frame. Eventually O'Neill was able to take a two point lead with twenty seconds remaining in regulation, but an offensive rebound and basket by Norfolk Catholic junior Anna Neuhalfen sent the game to overtime tied 59-59.
With a new lease on life, the Lady Knights scored clutch baskets and senior Hanna Neesen closed the game out from the free throw line as Norfolk Catholic earned a hard-fought 67-63 overtime victory. Neesen lead the way with 18 points for the Lady Knights, while senior Anna Kassmeier scored 17 points before fouling out early in the fourth quarter.
Norfolk Catholic improved to 11-5 with the victory, has won four of its last five games, and will look to keep building momentum at home on Thursday against Boone Central/Newman Grove. The Lady Eagles lost their third straight game to fall to 11-6 on the season, and will try and rebound on the road against West Holt on Thursday.
NORFOLK CATHOLIC (11-5) - 15 22 6 16 8 67
O'NEILL (11-6) - 13 17 12 17 4 63
INDIVIDUAL SCORING
NORFOLK CATHOLIC: Hanna Neesen - 18 points; Anna Kassmeier - 17 points; Abby Miller - 11 points; Elly Piper - 6 points; Hayden Wolf - 5 points; Carly Marshall - 3 points; Anna Neuhalfen - 3 points; Jozy Piper - 3 points; Emily Faltys - 1 point
O'NEILL: Alyssa Eichelberger - 14 points; Meg Schluns - 12 points; Blair Gutshall - 11 points; Lauren Young - 11 points; Makayla Hilker - 5 points; Zelie Sorensen - 5 points; Kiersten Welke - 3 points; Wreece Liewer - 2 points