Okaw Valley and Arcola met in the LOVC title game recently and the Riders put a rock on the T'Wolves head and outscored them for the title. In the rematch on Friday night, Arcola did it again, nipping Okaw by just five points, 56-51.
The game was a defensive battle for three quarters with Arcola riding a 6-point lead at half-time to a 36-30 lead heading into the fourth. Then it was a jailbreak as both teams got offensive. Okaw put up a 21-point quarter in the final 8:00, but the Riders were with them stride for stride and did not allow the T'Wolves to wild themselves to a comeback win.
Walker Herzog was the most valuable weapon in this game, as the sophomore, backside post worker scored a team-high 16 points. Kyle Pierce followed with 11 points, including one trey. Arcola was paced by Nick Lindenmeyer with 20 points.
The dfiference in this game was free throws. Okaw Valley had an advantage from the field, outscoring Arcola 44 to 32. However, Arcola made 24 free throws and Okaw just seven, a 17-point advantage for the Riders at the line, enough for a 4-point win.
Okaw Valley (17-5, 5-2 LOVC) plays host to Windsor, tonight, Saturday. Windsor lost to Cumberland Friday, 56-55.
Arcola 56, Okaw Valley 51
Arcola 10-15-11-20--56
Okaw 9-10-11-21--51
Okaw stats: Walker Herzog 16 (6 FGs, 4 FTs), Kyle Pierce 11 (4-2s, 1-3 pt FGs), Jesse Newton 9 (3-2s, 1-3 pt FGs), Bryce Root 8 (4 FGs), Brandenburg 7 (2 FGs, 3 FTs). Team FGs 21 (2-3 pt: Pierce, Newton). Team FTs 7.
Arcola stats: N. Lindenmeyer 20 (3-2s, 1-3 pt FGs, 11 FTs), Hackler 10 (3 FGs, 4 FTs), Stenger 6 (FG, 4 FTs), Roberts 6 (2 FGs, 2 FTs), Jenkins 5 (2 FGs, FT), B. Lindenmeyer 3 (FG), Duffle 3 (FG, FT), O'Rourke 3 (FG, FT). Team FGs 15 (2-3 pt: B. Lindenmeyer, N. Lindenmeyer). Team FTs 24.
