Charlo loses to Hot Springs in great overtime thriller

CHARLO — After beating the Two Eagle River Lady Eagles 60-17 on Friday, the Charlo girls prepared for their own superbowl.

“People have been calling asking us if we’re ready for the superbowl and they were talking about our game,” Charlo junior Courtney Couture said.

Prepped and ready to fight for first in the division against Hot Springs, the Vikings came out on fire Saturday.

After blasting out to an early 19-1 period, Charlo got a taste of its own harsh medicine when Hot Springs rebounded for a 13-4 quarter in its favor in the second.

“We missed our first shot and they made five in row,” head coach Bret Thompson said.

A slow push by the Savage Heat brought the game to even at half.

With Hot Springs adjusting to stop junior Stephanie Murphy from getting the ball inside late in the game, overtime was going to be up to the other girls.

Hot Springs scored first. Then senior Shianne Montgomery made one.

It came down to Hot Springs free throws after that and with four attempts they took a two- point advantage.

With eight seconds left, the Vikings struggled to find an open shot but couldn’t penetrate through the tenacious Hot Springs defense.

Charlo ended up losing 43-41 when overtime expired.

Junior Stephanie Maughan led with 16 and junior Jaris Kelley, Murphy, and Montgomery all scored six.

Murphy led with ten rebounds and Montgomery had five assists.

Charlo plays at 7 p.m. tonight at Thompson Falls, then at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday at Superior.