Beech Tree News Network

When the dust settled on Tuesday night, the Butler County Lady Bears' basketball team found themselves on top of the Russellville Lady Panthers in a roller coaster, come-from-behind, overtime game.  

Butler County (1-1) scratched out a gritty 53-49 win in overtime after falling behind

Trailing by five going into the last quarter, the Lady Bears turned in a strong performance, outscoring the Lady Panther 19-14 to force an overtime period.  

Butler County's Katie Graham and Madeline Drake knocked down key free throws late in the game to help secure the win.  

The Lady Bears placed three players in double figures - Katie Graham with 17, Madeline Drake 16, and McKenzie Smith with 12.  Graham also snatched 13 rebounds.  

Butler County (53):  K. Graham 17, M. Drake 16, M. Smith 12, L. Clark 4, S. West 3, J. Reynolds 1.    

RHS        10    12    4     19    8        53

BC          13    11     7    14    4        49

Graham and Drake were named the WLBQ Players of the Game for their performance. 

The Butler County Lady Bears actually opened their 2012-2013 season on the road Monday night as they traveled to Hancock County.  Butler County got off to a slow start scoring six points in the first and second quarters respectively.  The Lady Hornets posted a strong first half scoring 28 points behind the hot hand of Mollie Bozarth. 
Coach Christy Clark seemed to have the right words for the Lady Bears at halftime.  Butler County had a much better second half.  The Lady Bears were only outscored by one point in the final two quarters.  However, the 16-point halftime lead by the Lady Hornets was too much.  Lynsie Clark led the way for the Lady Bears with 13 points. Butler County fell in their season opener 51-34.
Scoring:

Butler County (34): Lynsie Clark 13, Katie Graham 6, Madeline Drake 6, Chloe Flener 5, McKinsey Smith 4,
Hancock County: Bozarth 15, Basham 9, Rates 7, Kirk 7, Hawkins 5, Swihart 4, Brown 2, Hurst 2
       
                  1     2      3     4    Total
Bears          06    06    11    11    34
Hancock       16    12    11    12    51