Basketball Recap: Gracen Hughes' Big Game Can't Quite Lead Overton over Wilcox-Hildreth

Overton was the 45-32 winner over Wilcox-Hildreth when they last played one another back in February of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Overton Eagles fell to the Wilcox-Hildreth Falcons 43-37.

Gracen Hughes

Rebounds

02/06/25 vs Wilcox-Hildreth	9
02/03/25 vs Axtell	8
01/31/25 vs Elm Creek	9

Overton's loss came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Gracen Hughes, who almost dropped a double-double on 16 points and nine boards. Hughes is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as she's now pulled down eight or more in the last three games she's played. Another player making a difference was Halynn Hughes, who posted seven points in addition to nine boards and three steals.

Even though they lost, Overton smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 32 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in 49 consecutive contests dating back to last season.

Wilcox-Hildreth was led to victory by Cara Bunger and Madison Bunger. Cara went 6 of 14 on her way to 19 points and six rebounds, while Madison scored nine points along with seven boards and five steals. The dominant performance gave Cara a new career-high in points. Cheyenne Lieb was another key player, putting up six points.

Overton has been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four games, which put a noticeable dent in their 12-8 record this season. As for Wilcox-Hildreth, they have been performing well recently as they've won 11 of their last 14 matchups, which provided a nice bump to their 15-6 record this season.

Looking ahead, it'll be a Battle of the Birds when the Eagles take on the Falcons at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Wilcox-Hildreth, they will challenge Elm Creek at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Both teams are coming into the contest red-hot, with Elm Creek sitting on 14 straight wins and Wilcox-Hildreth on three.