Bulldog Girls Advance with Overtime Win

The Kearney Bulldog Girls Basketball team advances to the district championship round after a 48-46 overtime victory over Lincoln College Prep in the Class 5 District 8 Playoffs.

The Bulldogs faced a tough, physical opponent in the Lincoln Prep Tigers on Monday night at Winnetonka High School in Kansas City, Missouri.

Jojo Kutch scored 21 points in the 48-46 overtime victory over Lincoln Prep and was named the 102.7FM KPGZ/John Smith: Allstate Insurance Player of the Game.

Kearney scored 11 points in the first quarter behind strong offensive performances by JoJo Kutch – who scored 5 points including a 3-pointer – and Jadyn Barnes who scored 3. Kearney’s defense held Lincoln Prep to 7 and took a 4-point lead into the second quarter.

An injury to JoJo Kutch slowed the Bulldog scoring at the midway point of the second quarter. Kutch left the game grabbing her hand in pain after a struggle for the ball. Trainers tended to her as play resumed. After her fingers were taped and iced, her return looked questionable. The Bulldogs held on to the lead, taking a 17-14 advantage into the half.

The Tigers of Lincoln Prep entered the third quarter scoring 17 points and taking a 31-27 lead into the fourth period. JoJo Kutch returned to the game and despite her taped fingers, still managed to score 6 points, including one 3-pointer.

The Bulldogs kept the pressure on Lincoln Prep in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 points and forcing a 42-42 tie at the end of regulation.

In a gritty, defensive, overtime battle, Kearney proved to be more formidable. With 22 seconds remaining, Kearney held a three point lead, but the Tigers had possession. Lincoln Prep worked the perimeter but couldn’t find an open three point shot, settling instead for a two point layup. Kearney retained possession with five seconds on the clock.

With .08 seconds remaining, Maddi Stevens was fouled. She made her first free throw and wisely used up the remaining time by missing her second free throw, giving the Bulldogs a 48-46 overtime victory at the buzzer.

The Bulldogs move on to the district championship round on Thursday, March 3 at 5:30 pm at Winnetonka High School, where they face the Smithville Warriors. The game will be broadcast live on 102.7FM KPGZ with pre-game starting at 5:15.

KPGZ Sports - Jim Dickerson and Mike Davis contributed to this story