The O'Fallon Panthers lost to the Okawville Rockets back in January of 2023, but the O'Fallon Panthers didn't allow the Okawville Rockets the same satisfaction on Thursday. O'Fallon walked away with a 57-47 victory over Okawville. Given O'Fallon's advantage in MaxPreps' Illinois basketball rankings (they are ranked 20th, while Okawville is ranked 61st), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
O'Fallon got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Josie Christopher out in front who scored 13 points along with five rebounds and four steals. Christopher is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last 11 games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Haeli Tart, who scored 15 points along with four steals.
When it comes to explaining why Okawville lost, one person who can't be blamed is Alayna Kraus. Despite the final result, she scored 24 points along with nine rebounds and three steals. Kraus also posted two blocks for the first time this season. Caroline Tepe was another key contributor, scoring seven points along with two steals and two blocks.
O'Fallon has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won seven of their last eight matches, which provided a nice bump to their 18-5 record this season. As for Okawville, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 15-7.
Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. O'Fallon on the road again on Saturday and play against Highland at 11:30 a.m. on January 20th. As for Okawville, they will take on Chester at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday.
