South Ridge Boys Win Double Overtime Thriller

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Jan 13, 2012

Wes Vork-NSO

It is said there is nothing so meaningless than the first quarter score in an NBA game; because finding a winner always comes down to the end of the game. When South Ridge traveled to Hill City on Friday night, the effort and the individual stanzas weren’t meaningless by any stretch; but the first half, second half, and first overtime period scores were exactly the same and did not determine a winner. A never say die South Ridge team managed to outscore Hill City 6-3 in the second overtime to pick up the huge 61-58 road in on Friday night.

The first half and most of the second half could best be described as trading baskets and the Panthers found themselves down 52-49 with 1:13 remaining in regulation. Dominic Janke was fouled and hit both of his free throws to cut the lead to a single point at 52-51. The Panthers chose to foul to get the ball back and after Hill City went 1-2 at the line Kody Karppinen hit the first of what would be several high pressure shots to tie the game and send it to overtime.

With the priority on defense, each team scored just two points in the first overtime. Karppinen scored with :50 remaining for South Ridge and Hill City went 1-2 from the free throw line twice to produce their two points.

Dylan Oukrop scored to put the Hornets up 57-55 to start the second overtime. That lead was short lived when with 2:03 left Karppinen hit yet another tough basket for the Panthers to tie things back up at 57 apiece.

After Hill City regained the lead by going 1-2 again from the line, Janke drove the lane and scored to put South Ridge up 59-58. Janke then stepped up big once again by grabbing the rebound off of a Hill City miss and getting the ball to Karppinen, who drove the lane and was fouled. With all eyes in the place watching, Karppinen hit both free throws to extend the lead to three with :10 left. With time winding down the Hornets got off a three pint shot for the tie but Janke grabbed the rebound, preserving the 61-58 win while making sure there would be no third overtime.

The panthers were led by Karppinen with 22 points including three 3-pointeers. Joining him in double figures was Aaron Smith, who scored 12 points, all of which were three pointers. Robbie McQuade finished with 9; besides his huge rebounds, Dominic Janke added 8 points, it was Colton Peterson with 6 and Drew Janke rounded out the Panthers scoring with 4 points.

Tim Benson led the Hornets with 21 points. Also in double figures were Bill James with 16 and Dylan Oukrop with 11 points.

Wes Vork can be reached at wes@northlandsportsonline.com