Josh Rowan
C-H sports writer
GIBBON – It’s been seven years since the Eagles were in the state basketball playoffs and after Tuesday night, they aren’t counting anymore.
The Eagles defeated Loup City 69-49 in the D1-5 district championship to reach their first state playoff in seven years.
Overton, both times this decade, qualified in Class C2, once in 2002 and the other in 2003, reaching the championship semi-finals both years.
The Eagles started out the game with a quick lead and would never relinquish that lead. Overton led 15-6 after one quarter and held that nine-point advantage into the locker room at halftime, leading 27-18.
The Eagles were on a mission coming out for the second half, as they extended on their lead throughout the third quarter and were leading by double digits heading into the final quarter, leading 45-34.
The fourth quarter was Overton’s shining moment, as they exploded for 24 points in the final quarter, while holding the Red Raiders to just 15 points, as they were able to come out on top in dominating fashion.
The offense was definitely on for the Eagles all night, shooting 47 percent (24 of 51) from the field, while going 4 of 12 (33 percent) from the three-point line.
The Eagles took advantage of their foul line opportunities, going a perfect 17 for 17 from the charity stripe.
Loup City really struggled offensively all night, shooting just 30 percent overall from the field, but did manage to make six three point shots throughout the contest.
Senior Jared Shafer continues to impress college scouts and continues to pad his resume, going for a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. The Olmstead brothers, Jacob and Zach, combined for 27 points (Jacob 15, Zach 12), nine rebounds and five assists.
Senior Jared Hodgson also continues to put an exclamation point on his stellar high school sports career, with nine points of his own.
The Eagles got probably the best draw of any team in the tournament, as they drew No. 7 seed Randolph (14-7) in the opening round. Randolph knocked out Overton back in 2002 in the semi-final. Randolph went on to win the championship that year. If Overton wins, they will take on the winner of Humphrey St. Francis (16-6)/ Exeter Milligan (18-6) in the semi-finals.
The Eagles come in at 19-3 overall after the win over Loup City, with their three losses coming to C2 opponents (Axtell x2, Ravenna).
The 19 wins this season is the third highest win total for Overton this decade, with the 2002 squad going 22-3 and the 2003 squad winning 20-plus games.
For bracket information and other boys’ state tournament information, check out the Nebraska School Activities Association at www.nsaahome.org.
The Overton-Randolph game is set for Mar. 11, at 2:00 p.m. at Lincoln Northeast High School.

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