The Varsity Girls basketball team advanced to the District Finals after an impressive overtime 51-49 win over the #4 seed, Sidney Yellow Jackets. The Lady Elks played a great game, leaning on their team concept, grit, and determination to emerge victorious.

The Lady Elks started strong, leading 13-9 at the end of the first quarter and 21-15 at the half. In the third quarter, they built a 12-point lead and headed into the final quarter with a 31-22 lead. However, the Yellow Jackets applied full-court pressure, causing turnovers that enabled them to take their first lead of the game with just over 30 seconds to play.

But the Lady Elks were not done yet. Emily Grim made two clutch free throws to put the Elks up by one point. Kaitlyn Palomino was also fouled and made both free throws to extend the lead to three points. However, Sidney drained a deep three-pointer to tie the game and send it into overtime.

In overtime, both teams battled hard, with Sidney jumping ahead by two points multiple times. However, Emily Grim made several clutch free throws to keep the Lady Elks in the game. Kendal George made a crucial steal, and a bucket by Palomino put the Lady Elks up by two points. The Lady Elks played great defense, and Emily Grim made more free throws to secure a lead of 50-46. Kendal George hit the second free throw of a double bonus to extend the lead to five points, and the Lady Elks held on to win 51-49.

Senior Anna Grim led the Lady Elks with 13 points, and senior Kendal George and sophomore Kaitlyn Palomino each contributed 10 points. Other players, such as Alexia Peterson, Leona Ciarlariello, Margo Lambert, Amaya Gillum, and Bella Keeton, made important plays in the fourth quarter and overtime, showing great grit and determination.

The Lady Elks are now 17-7 on the year and will face the winner of Kings/West Clermont in the District Finals at Princeton High School on Saturday, February 25th. Tickets for the game will only be available online at www.ohsaa.org/tickets. With their impressive team play and determination, the Lady Elks will be looking to continue their success and advance to the next round.