By J. M. Jones

  Overton’s Varsity Boys had their hands full against stubborn Longview Christian Heights Friday, but the Mustangs edged the Sentinels 47-44 in the non-district game. ‘Stangs Derek Graham and Tim Hawkins, with 16 and 12 points respectively, were the top scorers that evening.

  The Mustangs were to play Alto there on Jan. 11. This Friday, Overton (6-11) starts District 20-A competition against Carlisle in Price. 

  Graham and Hawkins were first to drop buckets in the LCH match.

SHOOTER BY THE DOZEN - Overton junior Tim Hawkins, with 12 points, was the second-highest scorer in the Jan. 7 game against Longview Christian Heights. His Mustangs begin District 20-A play Jan. 14 at Carlisle. J. M. Jones/Press photo

 Hawkins made good a penalty throw for five. Chance Gamble sank two free throws for LCH’s first gains. Teammate Daniel Jones moved the Sentinels to within one point of OHS. Derek Graham widened Overton’s lead to 7-4. Gamble moved the difference to one again. Hawkins scored a ringer and later made a good free throw. Sentinels Daniel Jones and Andrew Krug evened the schools at 10 when the first quarter ended.

  The scales leveled again at 14 in the middle of the second quarter. Overton built a 25-19 lead as the teams went into halftime.

  David Nelson of LCH got in two and a freebie, then two more penalty throws to inch the Sentinels to one behind the ‘Stangs. Graham responded with a three-pointer for 28. Daniel Jones and Krug made back-to-back rings to tie the board at 28. Greenback Dalton Jeffers armed a three-pointer and lassoed 31. Graham followed with 33. Gamble and Bradley Upchurch looped single free tosses for 32. Graham answered with 35 for OHS. Upchurch and Nelson put in shots for 36 and a one-point lead. Greg Moore switched the lead back in Overton’s favor for 37. Before the third quarter expired, ‘Stang Reggie Thompson beat the buzzer with a threebie to make Overton 40 to LCH’s 36.

  Graham resumed Overton point-making with a ringer for 42. Sentinels Gamble, Nelson and Upchurch loaded 39 for the blue and whites. Jeffers earned two free throws and sank one: 43. Upchurch and Daniel Jones shook string good for 42.

  With 1:09 left in the game, Overton Coach Kerry McConnell called a time out. When the clock started shrinking again, Trent Carpenter stringed Number 45 for the hosts. Thompson sent the ball down the chute and 47 on the scoreboard. Upchurch raced the court and fired 44 as the game ended.

  Graham, with 16 points, and Hawkins’ 12 were Overton’s only individual double digit scorers. Carpenter and Jeffers downed six each. Thompson totaled five and Moore made two.

  Daniel Jones, Krug and Nelson logged 11 points apiece for Longview Christian. Upchurch had eight and Gamble three.