WAYNE CITY — The Okawville Lady Rockets used a suffocating half-court defense and big time production from their freshman guards to beat Goreville 38-29 for the Wayne City 1A Sectional championship.
Despite starting two freshmen and a sophomore, Okawville showed no nerves early, jumping out to a 15-4 lead after one quarter and extending that lead to as many as 14 in the second quarter.
Goreville mounted a rally. The Blackcats closed the deficit to 21-12 by halftime and then used a 7-0 third quarter run to get within 25-21. The Lady Rockets answered with a 9-2 run of their own–the final four points of the third plus five of the first seven in the fourth to regain a double digit cushion.
Okawville’s freshmen guards, Briley Rhodes and Megan Rennegarbe combined for 24 points. Rhodes led all scorers with 15. Payton Sopczak and Katie Benard scored eight points apiece to lead Goreville.
The Lady Rockets advance to the South Central 1A Supersectional Monday in Farina where they will meet Shiloh at 7:00.