LocalSportsJournal.com
SHELBY – The Holton girls basketball team claimed their second Division 3 district title in school history with a thrilling, 41-39, double-overtime victory over Shelby on Friday night.
The Red Devils hadn’t won a district title in nine years.
The Red Devils held a 13-10 first-half advantage, but the Tigers came out hot in the third quarter with a 13-4 scoring run to put them up, 23-17. The Red Devils didn’t fold as they went on their own run to tie it up at 31-all after regulation.
It was a low-scoring affair in the first overtime as both teams scored just three points to push the game to a second OT. The Red Devils clamped down and narrowly outscored the Tigers 7-5 and came out on top.
“First, I want to give Shelby a ton of credit, those girls played hard and it was a back-and-forth game all night and that team is way better than their record,” said Holton coach Robert Jordan. “Several girls made big plays for us and we earned every point. I’m so proud of this team for the effort tonight.”
The Red Devils’ Ryann Robins led the way with a double-double of 15 points and 24 rebounds. Aubrey Goyings grabbed 13 rebounds and Lexi Bart had 11 points and five steals.
Brylee Friedman led the Tigers with a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds. Molly Schultz added 14 points and four steals, while Kendall Zaverl had four steals and three assists.
Holton (15-9) will be at Grand Rapids Covenant Christian at 7 p.m. Monday for the first round of regional play against Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian.
Shelby closed out the season 8-17.
Take a look at photos shot by Mia Milner.
