TRAFALGAR — Indian Creek junior Jared DeHart was perfect from the free-throw line in overtime, hitting on all six opportunities, to help host Indian Creek stop Hauser 79-73 in overtime Saturday night.
While DeHart was the hero of overtime, it was senior teammate Tim Abel, who hit a career-high 43 points (16 in the fourth quarter) who was responsible for helping the Braves get to that point.
“This is Jared’s kind of game,” Indian Creek coach Derek Perry said. “When it’s on the line, get him the ball.”
Hauser coach Griff Roth agreed, but also felt that Abel’s performance was an obvious factor.
Abel was four points shy of a school record and took some of the luster off a good shooting night by the Jets (13-9), who had four players — led by senior Connor Wilson’s 23 points.
Unfortunately for Hauser, it picked the wrong time to go cold.
“It all came down to, ‘We didn’t hit our shots in overtime, and they did,’” Roth said. “But we have to give credit to (Abel), who hit his. They are a good team.”
It was a fast-paced first half, with each team pushing the ball. The result was a sloppy first half with a lot of jostling around under the baskets.
The referees were letting the teams play, with only six fouls — three on each team — called.
“When we press, we try to do that, and that’s get the ball down fast,” Roth said.
With the teams tied at 37 at the half, the teams could only muster 22 total points in the third quarter. Things started picking up in the fourth quarter — especially for Abel.
Abel hit four field goals (two of them 3-pointers) and had six free throws in the quarter. Abel also hit a pair in overtime; however, he stepped aside for DeHart’s heroics.
DeHart finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists for the Braves (13-8).
Besides Wilson, Hauser was led by Justin Compton with 21 points. Alex Gross added 16 points, including the game-tying shot to send the game into overtime, and Mason Sherman had 10.
