Cyclones Upset Top-Seed Ainsworth In Overtime Thriller

With the most balanced attack of the entire season, the Cyclones shocked No. 1 Ainsworth on Tuesday night in overtime to advance to the subdistrict final Thursday.

Only five Clearwater-Orchard players scored in the 63-58 upset, but four of the five were in double figures. Jagger Smith put up 17 points while Travis Kerkman poured in another 16. Andy Kerkman had 15 points and Blake Kester added 13 more.

The Cyclones burst out to a big 21-5 lead after the first quarter and held the momentum for nearly the entire game. But the fourth quarter told a different tale as top-seeded Ainsworth rallied back by outscoring OC 19-7 to force overtime.

But Clearwater-Orchard responded for the win with a 12-5 advantage in the extra minutes.

The Cyclones move on to the subdistrict final at O'Neill High School on Thursday at 7 p.m. against West Holt. The Huskies topped Burwell in less dramatic fashion, winning 62-40.

The winner will play either Neligh-Oakdale or Creighton for the district title and trip to state.