Nickerson High’s girls were a defensive stop away from a two-game winning streak after losing 12 consecutive games.
But Halstead’s Morgan Matlack sent the game to overtime at 36 apiece on the Dragons’ seventh 3-pointer of the night off a perfect screen.
Halstead never led in regulation, but outscored Nickerson 6-2 in overtime to escape with a hard-fought 42-38 Central Kansas League basketball victory.
Sydney Beat, Victoria Maurath and Macy Younger each made a pair of free throws in overtime.
Halstead trailed by 12 points right before halftime when Alyssa Talbott provided a second-half preview with a 3-pointer to cut the lead to 18-9. The Panthers controlled the first half and attempted 27 field goals to just 11 by the Dragons.
“We were a team that needed a win, but I wasn’t sure we had a comeback in us tonight,” said Halstead coach Jay Myers. “The girls showed me something tonight. We’re down 12 points and they’re playing at home. They found a way to get it done.”
Nickerson (1-13, 0-3) played some of its best basketball of the season while leading 18-9 at halftime. Leading scorers Ashley Almquist and Paige Stewart led the offensive game with their passing and scoring. The Panthers showed off a crisp halfcourt trap that forced several turnovers and kept Halstead out of rhythm.
Almquist scored 15 points and Stewart added 13 points. Nickerson missed its chance to pad its lead with nine missed free throws.
“We match up really well with Halstead and we led the entire game,” said Nickerson coach Lynn Vick. “We were in position around the basket, but have to learn to finish those shots. We did a good job on the offensive boards. That’s a tough one to lose.”
Halstead (4-10, 2-1) scored 28 points and made six 3-pointers in the final two periods. Alyssa Talbott finished with 16 points and four 3-pointers. Matlack knocked down a pair of 3-pointers and Sydney Beat added one.
“We knew they shoot the 3-pointer and we had a hand in their face, but they made some good shots,” Vick said. “They shot the ball well that second half. Give them credit.”
Nickerson’s Paige Stewart converted two clutch baskets in the fourth quarter and added a free throw for a 36-33 lead with 32 seconds left in regulation. Matlack knocked down the tying basket with 20 seconds left. The Panthers turned the ball over on their last try, but stopped the Dragons on the final possession of regulation.
The Dragons clearly had the momentum in overtime. Halstead scored 21 points on 3-pointers and just six points on 2-pointers to go with 15 of 21 free throws. Beat added 11 points.
“We’ve never made that many 3s compared to 2-pointers, but we seemed to find a shooting rhythm in our offense,” Myers said. “As long as it’s a good shot in rhythm, we’ll take it. We took care of our perimeter shooting tonight.”
Nickerson had edged the Dragons 50-48 Saturday for seventh place in the Haven Wildcat Classic. Nickerson travels to Pratt Friday and Halstead plays Smoky Valley at home.
